The Hunger and the Dusk has been every fantasy fan’s dream. Comics have a few timeless fantasy staples, like Conan the Barbarian, but an original series utilizing a few familiar tropes with great art are few and far between. Until G. Willow Wilson and Chris Wildgoose came along with The Hunger and the Dusk, which launches its second story arc, “Book 2,” on July 10th. Armed with an advanced copy, I look at the first issue, which picks up where The Hunger and the Dusk #6 left off.
If it wasn’t obvious yet, The Hunger and the Dusk: Book 2 makes it abundantly clear that this story is romantic, set against certain doom. This issue is actually quite sexy, with a new love interest introduced and the hope for true love to be found and nurtured. Isn’t that always the case when life, death, and war hang in the balance?
The story so far involves a new threat to orcs and humans called the Vangol. They’re tall, lean killing machines who have forced the long-warring orcs and humans to band together in a shaky truce. A group of humans known as the Last Man Standing is a ragtag group with the skills to take out Vangol but now lacks a leader after their orc healer, Tara, leaves the party. Rogue orc dynasties who disagree with the truce are threatening the truce while intense heat barring down on everyone for resources.
The Hunger and the Dusk: Book 2 #1 focuses on the Last Men Standing, particularly its leader, Cal. A bit stubborn but a great leader and fighter, his crew needs a healer even if they can hold their own against the Vangol. The problem is that he was falling for Tara and now is too stubborn to do the right thing and get her back. This issue reveals the consequences of letting the healer go and introduces a surprising catalyst to force Cal to decide.
Credit: IDW
That catalyst is an interesting new character, which I’ll keep under wraps to avoid spoilers. They connect with Cal but also push Cal to make a choice. They also help build out the world with an interesting backstory, add a bit of sexiness, and add an intriguing dynamic to the story going forward.
I’m starting to wonder if Wilson’s favorite character type in fantasy is the bard, as this character has a distinct role in this issue. The concept of different orc dynasties is also compelling, with a great design by Wildgoose to capture different cultures amongst the orcs.
Wildgoose gets to stretch his artistic legs with the action that opens the issue. Swords dig into flesh, daggers are thrown, and the blood splatter is relentless. I continue to marvel at his environment, littered with interesting rubble from a long-lost era. Leaves continually fall in this issue, which suggests we’re on the cusp of winter or in an era of dying and decay. The situation with orcs and humans adds something to the general atmosphere.
Msassyk’s colors always enhance the scenes as well. Paired with blur effects and other neat tricks – like the floating embers, as you can see in the image above – the book has a visually impressive range.
After a brief hiatus, The Hunger and the Dusk: Book 2 #1 doesn’t skip a beat. With engaging visuals, thrilling action sequences, and emotional love story,The Hunger and the Dusk remains an entertaining epic fantasy.
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