Review: Strayed #2
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[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Carlos Giffoni
Artist/Colorist: Juan Doe
Letters: Matt Krotzer
Reviewed by: Sean Blumenshine
Summary
Lou the astral-projecting cat’s cosmic findings reveal new truths, new worlds, and new creatures. Unfortunately, his discoveries continue to be exploited for nefarious governmental purposes. Despite ailing health, his hunt presses on as he searches for the beings responsible for creating an energy source of astonishing power.
Positives
Juan’s Doe cover is great. The colors are pretty and dynamic. I love the different Lous shooting in different directions. It’s an engaging and appealing image.
The interior art is mostly great. When the book is dealing with alien worlds and creatures, the art excels. It’s creative and visually stunning.
The opening of the book is solid. It’s a montage to showcase how many worlds Lou has found. This is a nice way to both keep the story moving at a solid pace and avoid heavy exposition. The book uses its art to tell the story instead of dialogue which I appreciate.
I like the various different stakes in the book. There’s the obvious huge one in that this organization is colonizing every planet it wants to over flowers. And then there’s the smaller one; Kiara and Lou are being held against their will. But this issue adds a new factor to the story; Lou is getting sick. His abilities and the abuse of them is deteriorating his health. I like that there is a limit on Lou’s powers now; that adds a good amount of drama. Additionally, this gives the book a more personal weight. It obviously sucks that these alien worlds are being attacked but they’re almost faceless. That’s what the plot needs and it works. But I’m attached to this cat now and I definitely don’t want to see him die.
Negatives
While most of the art is great, I still think the humans look weird. They almost look out of place which could be intentional. I do love most of the art until I have to look at a person’s face. It takes me out; there’s more detail in Lou than the people.
Verdict
This is a solid issue. Carlos Giffoni moves the story forward in a nice way. The stakes are higher and I’m more invested in the story. This is a unique book that’s bursting with creativity; I’m enjoying it a lot.
