In just one issue, The Autumn Kingdom #1 became my favorite fantasy comic of the year. The first issue ended in the most fantastical and action-packed fashion, as two sisters fight for their lives against a horde of Swedish fantasy creatures. How will the sisters save their parents, and are these monsters even real, or are they somehow part of their father’s book series? Issue #2 has some answers and a lot more awesome art.
Artist Christopher Mitten makes this book sing. The issue opens with purple creatures looking around in the forest for the sisters. Soon, one is jumping from a tree with a giant sword in hand, slashing as she goes. Intercut with her actions are passages from her father’s book, which are not unlike her actions in real life. She may not be a queen by birth, but she’s living up to the character from the book.
The opening action scene is great, with good bits of whispy smoke and blood. Mitten is backed up by color artist Francesco Segala, who makes these beasts pop with nice lighting to add volume. These giant creatures attack two little girls yet hold their own.
A variant cover for issue #2.
Credit: Oni Press
The juicier part of this issue revolves around neighbors who take the girls in. They’re a bit strange but welcoming, assuring them they’ll be safe. Something isn’t quite right, though, and writer Cullen Bunn thickens the plot with new developments in this scene. Intercutting passages from the father’s book, along with visual depictions by Mitten, heighten the moments, making the actions of these girls feel epic and important.
However, the closing page may be the weakest of the bunch. It leaves you wanting with not much of a clue as to what comes next. They’re on a journey, that is for certain, but I guess the press forward and hope for the best. Gone is the fear of something chasing them and it’s unclear how high the stakes are with little information to go on.
Letters by Taylor Esposito are strong, with captions giving a literary feel and a good emphasis on shouting. There are a few different styles for yelling, which can add extra oomph to what is being said.
Prepare for action, adventure, and danger with The Autumn Kingdom #2. Monsters and sword-slashing suspenseful action await you.
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