The debut issue of D’Orc hit like a thunderbolt. It was funny and fresh in a way few fantasy comics are, and its hook of a half-dwarf/half-orc trying to survive in a world that wants to kill him is one that’s ripe with potential. D’Orc #2 proves this is no flash in the pan, as the D’Orc faces off against a group of foes that test his morality: the Time Thieves. True to their names, they possess glowing blades that can steal years off of their victims, meaning that D’Orc could be aged into dust. If that wasn’t bad enough, he also has to fight a Time Lord (no relation to Doctor Who) who has power over time itself.
Not helping matters is D’Orc’s Death Shield, which hasn’t lost its bloodthirsty nature, or the ghost of the chicken he accidentally killed in the first issue. Due to the Death Shield’s powers, the chicken continues to follow D’Orc around, pestering him with questions about his mystical powers. It’s one of many hilarious moments that writer/artist Brett Bean brings to the table: the Shield’s cutting commentary and D’Orc groaning “getting old sucks” also makes the list.
Bean’s artwork continues to mix the comedic and the violent to great effect. The Time Thieves vary in size and shape, but are easily identified by their helmets and shield, which are studded with glowing stones that serve as the source of their time-draining powers. Those powers are no joke, either: as D’Orc gets continuously cut, bags appear under his eyes, his posture sags, and he starts to move like molasses. But the standout is the Time Lord, as his flowing red robe and armored gauntlets cut a menacing figure.
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Jean-Francois Beaulieu and Nate Piekos are the secret sauce that makes Bean’s work sing. Beaulieu brings a medley of colors to the table, including assigning different color schemes to certain characters. For D’Orc, it’s a mix of green and yellow due to his clothes and his skin. The chicken’s ghost glows pale blue, offset by the Time Thieves’ sea-green blades. Piekos’ letters also change depending on who’s talking, adding plenty of sarcasm to the Death Shield’s words. His sound effects also give the fight scenes perfect weight; when D’Orc punches one of the Time Thieves in the face, there’s a massive WHAM as the thief’s face caves in from the force of the hit.
For all of its violence and crude humor, it turns out there’s a beating heart behind D’Orc #2, especially in the ending. It shows that D’Orc really wants to do the right thing, no matter who wants him dead, and that his actions are rubbing off on the Death Shield and the chicken. There’s also a twist involving the Time Thieves that hits far harder than expected, but once again it shows that Bean is willing to dig deeper into aspects of the world he’s created.
D’Orc #2 proves this series is no fluke, as it continues to blend comedy, violence, and fantasy tropes into an entertaining and thoughtful read. Image Comics might have another Invincible or Saga-level hit on its hands with this comic.
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