‘Infinite Frontier’ #2 is one giant leap for the DC Universe

This is one of the most exciting times in the DC Universe in years.

July 13, 2021

Following the explosive opening of DC’s newest event, Batman and Superman get involved, Darkseid looms and the missing JSA take precedence. The twists only keep coming from there as Joshua Williamson pens one of the most exciting comic events in recent memory. With Jesus Merino and Paul Pelletier joining Xermanico, readers get the chance to experience a first class depiction of the very heart of the DC Universe, and it is well worth everyone’s time.

Similarly to Infinite Frontier #1, Williamson paces this issue with a steady drip of rewarding reveals and exciting character interactions. Each development from the previous issue is meaningfully followed up on, and readers will feel rewarded for returning to see what happens here.

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DC Preview: Infinite Frontier #2 — Courtesy DC Comics

The issue begins following Cameron Chase, and Williamson immediately imbues her with an endearing sense of skepticism and brazen conjecture as she trades jeers with the World’s Finest. She’s cleverly positioned to offer a unique take on the characters within the confines of this story, and her mission is used effectively to lead readers’ questions along the correct path.

This is a common strand which runs throughout Williamson’s script. Each scene is centered around a question meant to further develop the mystery for readers, as well as prod along their imagination for what might be happening. This is made most effective because of how many questions there are, and how obviously the book generally connects to previous DC events.

In particular, this issue introduces the series’ first big tie into Infinite Crisis, and it’s an absolute doozy. Additionally, the way in which this is structured into the overall plot is simple and imaginative throughout in such a way readers won’t be able to help but be impressed. Each of these similar developments all help to contribute to the feeling that this event is building new things, and that following this there will be a stable and exciting new element incorporated into the DC Universe.

This is made most evident by the issue’s ending. The big cliffhanger readers are left with is a perfect demonstration of why this new element of the DC Universe is supremely interesting and worthwhile. It also allows Williamson to effectively build hype for a brand-new character who doesn’t really even appear in this issue. X-tract after her short appearance in the first issue, more and more seems like a pivotal character in this story.

Then there’s something to be said for the feeling that the story isn’t going to get out of hand. Following Death Metal, Doomsday Clock and Metal, which all seemed to get away from their creators in one way or another, it seems as if Infinite Frontier will remain timely and focused until it delivers the conclusion it’s promising.

Additionally, the art split here between Xermanico, Merino and Pelletier is reminiscent of the art splits in series like Infinite Crisis. In any other series, the lack of consistency would probably be bothersome, however, here it gives off the impression of diversity within the DC Universe. The only issue is that Merino and Pelletier struggle to keep up with Xermanico in terms of quality.

Xermanico’s pages stand out particularly in the composition of form, but also within the way they use lighting throughout their work. It doesn’t necessarily hurt that they also get to produce the most exciting splash page in the issue.

That isn’t to say that Merino and Pelletier aren’t putting in exciting work. Pelletier in particular makes incredible use of people’s faces. Each one he draws is incredibly expressive, and he often uses shadows to emphasize the point of his expressions and poses.

Overall it’s hard to criticize the art, especially with the kind of content which they’re given to work with. When someone works on readers’ first interaction with Darkseid in years, it’s very hard to dull that excitement in any way.

This team goes above and beyond in that way, and as the whole team comes together they are delivering readers an exceptional experience. It’s one of the most exciting times in the DC Universe in years, and it seems that there’s still so much more to come.