Publisher: Short Fuse Media Group
Writer: Daniel Klalban
Artist: Dody Eka
Inker: Tebe Andry
Colorist: Warnia Sahadewa
Letterer: Matt Bowers
After awakening from his slumber, Jake must accept his new reality, one where he is no longer a regular human being, but something more. As Jake comes to terms with his new abilities, there are shadowy forces at work who seek to recruit those that have been affected by the experiment that Edison unleashed unto New York City. Who is trying to recruit the meta humans? Why was Jake chosen to become one? And will he discover the reason in time before others fall victim to the other meta’s?
After the successful first issue, it can be understandably difficult to follow up immediately with a stronger entry. Things that I found enjoyable about this issue: I enjoy much of the character moments in this story. Jake is trying to cope with his abilities, and how his powers affect aspects of his life. I very much enjoy much of those elements that Kalban scripts within this story. Admittedly, there are some elements in the story that personally didn’t work for me, such as the driving force, or the entity that endowed Jake with his newfound abilities.
I felt that it was a bit odd that Jake got his powers from an entity that is the spirit of America. The thought of that concept made me wonder, does that mean that there are other entities that have spirits based on their own flags and countries too? If Kalban made the entity be the spirit of righteousness or goodwill, I think that would have landed better. But given that this is a comic based in the 1900’s, and Kalban is channeling the sensibilities of superheroes of that time, it works for the story (even if it isn’t my cup of tea as a concept).
As for the rest of the book, Kalban takes his time with Jake’s new reality as a meta human that’s just trying to support his family. The series of events that occur felt a bit rushed, yet despite some of the pacing, it’s still an enjoyable read. And much of what happens within the story is justifiable. Kalban displays how Jake uses his powers in times of crisis, and how those powers affect his career choices. While issue 2 is not as strong as the first issue, it’s still an enjoyable read, especially as some new players enter the fray, promising to make life complicated for Jake and those around him.
As for the art, Eka does a fine job with the layouts by displaying some great gesture work, action, and character acting. Andry, and Sahadewa do a good job with the ink and color work, complimenting Eka’s line work. In regards to the lettering, Bowers does a good job in this issue, giving more room for the art and letters to coexist. I’d imagine that when Eka was illustrating this issue that there was a lot more thought in giving more space for Bowers to apply the lettering so that they wouldn’t for attention, and thankfully, they work in tandem in this issue. Personally, While I felt that there were concepts and ideas that could have been better, the issue itself was still an entertaining read. Kalban shows readers what becomes of Jake and his powers and introduces new characters that aim to challenge Jake’s abilities. It’s a fun issue and worth checking out. I’m looking forward to what Kalban and company deliver in issue
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