Ehmm Theory #2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Gabriel and Whispers start learning about Gabriel's father, when they are attacked and rescued.While I don't find issue #2 quite as awesome and instantly grabbing as issue #1, it does a good job of entertaining while moving the plot and introducing a slew of new characters. This issue is also not quite as funny as the first, but that is at least partially because of the dark twists in parts of the plot -- and I like it. The characters are starting to be defined as "good guys" and not so good, but we don't know enough about any of them to truly know who to believe or trust. I particularly like that we're made to doubt Peter, both about who he says he is and his intentions. I really like that this comic has an abundance of strong female characters, including a robot. It's not focused one way or the other, which means the comic comes off as balanced and realistic. The diverse cast now includes two Russian sisters, two robots, a mutated alchemist, a woman with psychic powers, and the "thermal ghost" (a guy who looks like a blue flame wearing clothes). Oh, and there' a giant, subterranean, steampunk crab. It's pretty epic, especially when it uses its retractable claw arm to reach out and snatch someone. I do wonder where this team appeared from, especially since they're shown walking away afterwards and we're in the middle of a desert. I love the art. It's fantastic and so expressive. Excellent energy and body mechanics. Sometimes the characters look a little stiff when they're just standing there, and there are two back-to-back panels that have the new team lined up one way and then flipped (leaving me wondering how they moved so quickly), but overall no complaints. My favorite part in this issue is made my favorite due to the art. It's the three small panels where Emp (the small, flying robot) is shocked at meeting a talking cat, then reconsiders and realizes how absurd his shock is, knowing what his own rag-tag group is comprised of. It's done just right, which makes it humorous. The name-calling between Whispers and Emp seems a bit forced, but I like the idea and the art. The coloring is excellent and really gives this comic a push up in quality. There are a few comments and nods in speech and art that will cause readers to smile; I love Gabriel's reaction when he thinks he's getting some superhero device. And the Russian lady helping Gabriel is totally driving a Gremlin! Overall, a strong second issue. I have a feeling issue #3 will really get into a groove now that a big chunk of the introductions are done, and I look forward to reading it. So far this is one of my favorite new comics of the year. Written: May 17, 2013
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