The world of orcs and humans may be coming to an end, and it’s not simply because of a Vangol invasion. It’s also because crops are dying, the weather is changing, and living off the land is all the harder. That’s a common theme in the second issue in the second story arc of The Hunger and the Dusk. It’s an issue of grave implications of ignoring ongoing change with a healthy dose of the melodrama of romantic persuasion.
The Hunger and the Dusk #2 opens with an orc tending to his herd. He’s much farther inland than usual, and that’s because the Vangol have pushed the orcs deeper to avoid constant attack. Beautifully written captions detail how changes in drought have gone on for so long, yet people expect things to return to normal. It’s a common thread speaking to orcs—and humanity as the analog—in how change is apparent, but we assume everything will right itself.
Tara then shows up where we left off in the last issue. She’s abandoned the human crew, which may have broken up the orc/human treaty. It’s grave news on top of grave news, especially after Tara runs to Troth, her once beloved, who is now married to another orc named Faran. The tension is palpable, and Faran is unhappy about Tara’s return. Drama!
The captions draw you into their world as you reflect on your own.
Credit: IDW
Much of this issue revolves around the tension between Tara and Faran as they inevitably run into each other and cast doubt on Faran’s marriage to Troth. G. Willow Wilson is establishing that Tara may not have anything to speak of back with the orcs, especially with the Vangol ready to strike.
However, not a lot of the plot has progressed in this issue. There’s a seed as far as Tara’s hunch on Vangol’s activity, but this is mostly about the melodrama between the love triangle, if you can call it that.
Chris Wildgoose continues to stun with his artistry, especially the beautiful backgrounds and environments. Wildgoose makes you believe the world is truly dying, which jives well with the impactful captions. The character acting and humanity in these characters are quite apparent as well. From Tara to the orc herder, there’s so much life in these characters. Though brief, the one Vangol that pops up is as dangerous-looking and villainous as they come.
Tensions rise as The Hunger and the Dusk #2 tugs at the heartstrings of the characters. Tara’s place in the world seems more vague than ever as the world dies with almost no hope in sight. I wish the story had progressed a bit faster, but I’m so in love with the world and characters that it’s hard to put this down. There’s no denying it, this series is magical.
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