The first issue of Everafter established a new super spy agency and a threat that’s more frightening than any serial killer all while the heroes took on zombies. Sounds fun, but how is issue #2? Is it good?
Everafter: From the Pages of Fables #2 (Vertigo Comics)
So what’s it about? The Vertigo summary reads:
Connor Wolf’s initiation begins as the rest of the Shadow Players regroup and grapple with the fallout from Hansel’s gut-wrenching incident during their recent failed assignment. Tension builds as Feathertop ignores the team’s pleas to complete the mission, and Peter adjusts to Connor’s bravado when the two are sent on reconnaissance to thwart a group of mercenaries who have stolen invaluable—and powerful—Native American artifacts from exhibits across the country. If you’ve been missing the magic of FABLES, don’t miss this series!
Why does this book matter?
Writers Matthew Sturges and David Justus established a rather cool spy agency made up of fairy tales. Their mission is to take on threats to the greater good and now that the world is aware of them they don’t need to worry so much about hiding. It’s a rather original premise that ended with one hell of an explosive bloodbath.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
It’s cute AND gory.
This issue opens where we left off with plenty of blood and gore dripping off the ceiling of a subway car whilst a little girl claws after a talking stuffed unicorn. It’s a trippy scene that establishes the death and destruction the little girl is capable of. From there the characters try to mourn, but have little time to do so as a new mission kicks off. The writing team doesn’t let up off the accelerator while throwing in some surprises, eithe.
All in all it’s hard to argue that this issue isn’t better than the first. One reason for this is Bigby Wolf and Snow White’s kid, who was recently recruited into the spy agency. He wants to live the baller lifestyle of James Bond and it’s fun to see his childish arrogance rub his new teammates the wrong way. This all devolves into his first mission that ends the issue with another shocking conclusion.
Travis Moore delivers on art too. Another fun walk about the agency inner workings helps establish the variety of characters while they walk and talk. If you can make a talking squirrel believable and fun you’ve done quite a job, let me tell you. In another sequence, Moore does a good job making some rotting zombies seem positively natural while talking and drooling. There’s a good amount of detail applied to everything which makes the world feel gritty and real.
It can’t be perfect can it?
The only element that seems uninspired is the rather cliche concept of the spy agency who shouldn’t be trusted. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers, and it’s too early to pass judgment, but for what is revealed in this issue it’s a questionable turn of events considering the very orginal premise so far.
Cool double page spread!
Is It Good?
If you’re on the fence this issue will make you a believer. It’s fast paced, looks great, and rife with surprises.
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