Review: Firefly: Brand New ‘Verse #2
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writer: Josh Lee Gordon
Artist: Fabiana Mascolo
Colors: Lucia DiGiamarino
Letters: Jim Campbell
Reviewer: Tony Farina
Summary
It’s been 20 years since the events of Firefly, but Serenity can’t seem to keep out of trouble – which means Zoe and her daughter Emma are in for a world of hurt! With the Blue Sun on their tail, they turn to the only people they can trust – Kaylee and Simon. But what happened to Mal… and what does it mean for the new crew of Serenity?
Positives
Firefly: Brand New ‘Verse #2 scratches an itch we didn’t know we really had. It manages to start us off in a strikingly similar tone to the way the series started. Mystery woman who is dangerous. Emma even makes the illusion to River. It made me lean forward to get closer to the action as I read it. That is pretty powerful stuff.
The way the new ‘Verse is explained in fits and starts is really smart. No one needs a full exposition dump. We are reading this book. We are smart enough to figure it out. Yes, we need the information, but we can have it dripped to us. I like that style. It works in universe we already understand.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give letterer Jim Campbell as HUGE shout. This universe is full of all kinds of languages, tones, inflections and everything else. He blends everything in so perfectly. We never feel as though the other words are forced in there. The rule is, if the letterer is good, you shouldn’t notice. Well, I say the letter is good and I do notice.
Negatives
This issue brings forth a whole new set of issues. Mainly, Emma Washburn is not super reliable nor really likeable. Can a whole series be placed on the shoulders of someone we don’t really want on our side? I suspect all of that will be investigated as the series goes on, but it is problematic here.
Verdict
Firefly: Brand New ‘Verse #2 captures the right balance between old and new. There is always a risk when one revisits a property and keeps some of the original characters while creating a new band of malcontents for us to like. Do the newbies get their due or will the old guard steal all the spotlight? The fact that this is just a mini-series makes me wonder how long it will be before the balance is thrown off. Two issues in, this is a compelling story that does figure out how to give space to everyone. Looking forward to issue three.
