Review – We Ride Titans #2 (Vault Comics)

Publisher: Vault Comics
Writer: Tres Dean
Artwork: Sebastian Piriz
Colours: Dee Cunliffe
Letters: Jim Campbell
Release Date: 23rd February 2022

Last month I got the chance to read and review the first issue of this new mecha/kaiju/family drama series from Vault Comics. Although I enjoyed it and had loads of good things to say regarding the content and style, I had reservations about where the story would go and whether it would hold up. As such, it seemed only fair then that I give issue #2 a bash, and I’m jolly well glad I did.

Following on from the events of the first issue we get more time to explore the (admittedly busted) Hobbs family dynamic. As the pilots of the mech that guards New Hyperion, there is a huge weight on these folks’ shoulders, and so it’s no wonder that strains and cracks would develop. Throw in an overbearing father who demands nothing but perfection and you’ve got a recipe for implosion; something that seems to be happening with the character of Dej and their constant companionship with alcohol.

While the potential for the high-octane action that I mentioned in my last review still exists, the focus is very firmly on the dramatic interplay caused by the desired and responsibilities, or presumed responsibilities, in the father/son/daughter triangle. Using the backdrop of big giant monsters, and equally giant super robots, to explore these themes has me converted. This second issue has really built a far stronger foundation for the ongoing story.

Putting the drama and conversation pieces to one side, we still get some smashing action, albeit in the form of a training scenario. The art remains a big draw on this run, and Piriz and Cunniffe do sterling work throughout. I was particularly struck by the use of empty space in the conversations between Kit and Dej, and Kit and old man Hobbs. There’s more in what isn’t said than is, and its some nice visual storytelling which, along with clever panel placement elsewhere, gives this comic a bit more oomph.

What perhaps threw me here though is that despite the focus firmly being on family and the ties that bind, the build up and climax of this issue seems to shift back to some wham bam action premise. I’m not complaining, but just when I thought I had a handle on where this was going, it’s another curveball. For my personal tastes the balance might be off a little, but there’s ample helpings of both drama and violence. Simply put, I’m definitely glad I stuck with We Ride Titans. Bring on issue #3!