Five months! It has been five months since John Wick #1. I almost forgot this book even existed. The first issue didn’t capture my attention as much as I had hoped. John Wick is one of those characters that I prefer to remain a mystery, but the first issue dove right into the origin of John Wick, an origin that I still don’t think I want to read about even five months later. But here we are and so is John Wick #2. The origin continues, but will my already short attention span with this title continue?
Less origin and more story make Dave a happy boy!
Ok, so I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by John Wick #2. The issue begins with Charon taking Wick to the Continental El Paso, a hotel where the professional killers of the world mingle without the worries of them turning on one another. There are rules prohibiting such actions within the Continental’s walls and it is highly suggested that you follow them.
A mysterious young lady by the name of Maria appears. She apologizes for Pecos’ transgressions towards Charon and offers a generous payment. She also proposes additional work for Wick, but he graciously declines. Wick explains that killing Pecos was a personal matter and he is freelance. He also asks Maria to make like Pecos is still alive if she is asked. Wick has a grand plan to trick the remaining two Bills into thinking Pecos is still alive, thus luring them into his trap.
So Dave, you liked this issue better?
I did like this issue a lot better than the first issue. I really wasn’t happy about a John Wick origin story. Yes, I have said this numerous times now. John Wick #2 does flashback to the past, but with not nearly as much exposition as the first issue. The introduction of the three Bills and a young John Wick was a necessary evil. I like Pak’s scripting, I liked it in the first issue as well. Although, the cheesy lines from the first issue have thankfully disappeared from this issue. Wick feels more like the Wick that we have seen in the movies.
Giovanni Valletta’s artwork gives off a cinematic vibe. Wick looks just like Keanu Reeves and Valletta’s detail to all the characters are top notch. The look of the Continental is grand, and the action is intense. David Curiel’s colors add to the cinema feeling with a darker atmosphere.
John Wick #2 is an improvement over the premier issue, but still nothing special. The story has been done before. Revenge on old foes, just insert John Wick as the protagonist. I would like to see something injected into the story to add another level of excitement and danger. I thought we might see that after the end of John Wick #1. By the way, where is that blonde girl anyway? Hopefully she reappears in issue #3.
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