Marvel Comics has asked us to meet the Skrulls and so far it has been quite an experience. Like any family in middle America, this family has an unhealthy dynamic between them. They need a vacation, maybe. Problem is the family is on a mission to save the Skrull race from humans. They’re spies, but not every family member is totally on board. Can you really blame them though? They’ve lost their homeworld and want to be out from under the foot of the human race.
So what’s it about?
Read the preview.
Why does this matter?
This series gets in touch with a hotbed of emotion and drama in a familial unit. It’s about Skrulls trying to thwart humans, sure, but it’s interesting because it’s about a group of people who must do things that go against what they know is right. There’s real drama here.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
This issue begins to flesh out where these Skrulls came from making them further empathetic and interesting. Robbie Thompson has written a great second issue developing each of the characters be it through their ferocity, insecurity or self-doubt. I name those since they come out strongest in the narrative. The youngest daughter and the father are quite interesting characters thanks to the pressure put on them. The father, for instance, has hard choices to make while the youngest is bullied by everyone in the family to pull her own weight. The tension of the series is delectable and it’ll be fun to see it all pop.
This issue also does a good job with the espionage element. I won’t spoil it, but two characters have missions that play out differently. What do you do if the plan can’t quite work, or in another case, if the plan works, but it’s extra violent? This is a comic about domestic life, but it gets quite intense.
Niko Henrichon has topped himself with the art in this second issue. The flashback scenes add a nice punch of action which is intense and detailed while the domestic scenes are equally intense and absorbing. Color artist Laurent Grossat continues to impress with lighting and skin tone. The flesh of these characters is complex in a way that humanizes and yet alienates them. It helps sell the narrative.
It can’t be perfect, can it?
This is a very strong issue although the cliffhanger left me wanting. We saw it coming, sure, and there are hints of it, but I still don’t know what the deal is with this character. There’s tension there due to the threat, but it lacks a connection that leaves the moment sort of there, instead of compelling.
Is it good?
Meet the Skrulls started with a strong first issue, but this second issue builds on the first and really opens things up. You don’t Meet the Skrulls by accident. You’re meant to cross their path.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.