If you haven’t had a chance, and before you read this, check out my review of Man From Space #1!
Did I say that I couldn’t wait for issue 2 of this? Most definitely! Well, here it is, in all it’s digital glory! Was I impressed? Did it stay true to the first issue? Am I still a fan? Before we get to far ahead of ourselves, let’s just take a look at this issue, shall we? Engage the hyperdrive as we set our course to Man From Space #2!
Now, if you haven’t read the first issue, the concept is simple. A man from space and his fish crash land on a planet in the far reaches of the universe. Once there, chaos and hilarity ensue as he comes across some of the most bizarre and awesome creatures he’s ever seen. Issue 2 holds true to this and begins mere moments from the end of issue one. The plot for #2 is thus: Doctor Brain and his giant ship (is he compensating for his size?) are poised and ready to capture our little group of adventurers. After quite a hilarious exchange of words, nearly everyone is taken aboard. This is where things start to get good.
Marc Jackson, once again, keeps great pace with the first issue. None of the silly humor, simplistic artwork, or outright weirdness of the series is lost here, and that’s such a wonderful thing. The plot chugs along quite well, not really letting down much, and keeping you interested. With a second issue, I’m always afraid that some of the magic that made me love Man From Space #1 would be lost, but it’s not. Michael, the deep in debt fish, is as hilarious as ever, and all three version of Man From Space each have very distinct personalities. With the way the art is, it could almost be confusing at first, but that’s were it ends. Each version is visually different, and with the words Marc has put to each character, they hold as vocally different as well. Melto is a classic, and almost steals the show for me, but with Doctor Brain, you have to see him to believe him. Very short, very tall head, very evil German accent…I mean, what more could you ask for in a villain? He even has a giant ship!
When you look at the art, at first, it comes across as very simplistic, but as I’ve said before, that is a huge part of this comic’s charm. If it were any more detailed than this, I don’t think I’d be near as interested as I am. I can see enough detail in that latest issue of Spider-Man or Batman, but here, simplicity is what is necessary. It doesn’t have to be flashy and glamorous to be loved. If only Marc would add a little bit to the emotion of characters, then that would make this comic oh so much more than it already is. Aside from that, it’s the subtle things, visually, that make this great to look at. The blue Fu Manchu, glowing blue eyes on black background, the red torso of Rusty’s body, all of this is cleverly put in, and neat to catch.
If there is one thing that has totally impressed me about this series, it’s the creator himself, Marc Jackson. His campaign to get this little comic book into the hands of nearly anyone that will read it is astounding. I don’t think I’ve seen this type of PR push out of any of the bigger companies, and with whatever Marc is doing, it works. If you follow his twitter, you’ll see what I mean. Another cool thing about this is the quotes at the end of the issue. Now, I don’t mean to toot my own horn, well, yeah, I do, but I’m in there. You’ll have to read the issue to see what I’ve said!
Issue 1 was great, and with this latest installment, I’m not left feeling let down. Quite the opposite. I’m left with a feeling that this comic has stood it’s ground, kept up with it’s own pace, and started to carve a niche in the world of comics. It’s a shame it’ll only last 4 issues. I might need more than that, and with Marc’s aggressive push to get this comic to the masses, I hope to see just that…More.
Art: 8/10
Script: 8/10 Simple is best here!
Parental concern: Slight parental concern. Mild language and suggestive themes
There are several places you can go to order Man From Space #2. Hurry though, the first print run will only be 50 copies, so get it while you can!
www.theillustratedsection.com/manfromspace
http://www.drivethrustuff.com/
http://www.manfromspace.co.uk/
