There’s a unique perspective at work in We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us, a new series by Matthew Rosenberg and Stefano Landini. The first issue introduced readers to a girl named Annalise who seems to have a supervillain as a father. Set in a remote island, the ’70s sci-fi spy aesthetic was strong, but Annalise’s quiet life is exploded literally in a killer twist ending. Now amongst the rubble, We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #2 further fleshes out the world and puts Annalise in immediate danger.
We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #2 is all about building up the stakes and the many enemies of Annalise’s father. It’s also largely about transitioning from the amazing first issue into a kind of cat and mouse chase comic. The issue opens “earlier” in the story where we find Annalise’s father amongst rubble and one of his broken robots. Another robot remains, but her father isn’t responsive.
From there we cut to a 15 panel page of can only be described as supervillains at a supervillain meeting. Landini captures their eclectic personality types as well as gives us a general hint at their vibe. One is wearing a turtleneck and seems fairly normal, another is overweight and grubby, and another has no eyes or nose. There’s a blurring of lines of who is traditionally good and bad, though cliches and tropes are used for comedic effect and familiarity. The character we get more info about is Lord Mortus, who pops up later in the issue and seems to be the readers direct connection to this interconnected supervillain world.
Landini is great with rubble and backgrounds.
Credit: Marvel
Much of this issue is devoted to Annalise escaping with a yellow robot that distinctly doesn’t sound like the robots from the past issue. It has personality, speaks to Annalise in a close and familiar way, and has a mission. One can probably guess who is inside this robot, but the mystery is for you to discover.
While Annalise navigates an island of infiltrators one can see the villainous side of her dad may be genetic. She’s good with a gun, seems to be fine with murdering, and even the robot is take aback. One gets the feeling we’re witnessing the rise of a new supervillain in this world. Landini makes you feel her coldness, but also her deep emotion for her father throughout the issue.
On another front we learn about those behind the attack on the island. The scene feels quite long, with an ongoing joke that doesn’t land. You get the sense they aren’t very organized and politics get in the way of doing real good, but they’re the good guys at least.
We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us #2 successfully expands its retro sci-fi spy world, deepening Annalise’s journey from sheltered daughter to potential supervillain with sharp character work and stylish art. While some slower scenes blunt the urgency, the emotional undercurrents and fresh mysteries ensure this series remains a bold, unpredictable thrill ride.
You must be logged in to post a comment.