War of Kings Review – “War of Kings #2”

Abnett and Lanning could give classes in how to write event comics.

General Information

Title: War of Kings #2

Authors: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning

Illustrator(s): Paul Pelletier (pencils), Rick Magyar (inks) and Wil Quintana (colours)

Cover Date: June, 2009

Cover Price: $3.99 US

Premise

The War continues. Vulcan’s sudden opening volley has been met with a similarly decisive counter attack, and Vulcan displays his famous lack of anger management skills.

High Point

“You don’t lose a battlegroup, Admiral. It’s not a set of keys. It’s not a puppy. It’s a sixty-five-ship fleet formation with a five point nine trillion ton void displacement. Try again.”

Low Point

Some X-Men can survive in space without technology, but that one? Even for a few seconds?

The Scores

This is staying original. We’re seeing Crystal and Polaris in unfamiliar roles, and Havok has a pretty nifty moment, too. The comments made by the Inhumans about the plans that are being interrupted are also very compelling. I give it 5 out of 6.

The artwork is solid. There’s no question about who is who here, and emotions are conveyed as effectively as the action. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is well paced, and very jam packed. There’s a lot going on, and every line of dialogue is important. Some of these comments draw on the history of the Terragen mists, so readers unfamiliar with that end of Inhuman history may get a bit confused. I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is solid. Few people have moments of true depth, but most have effective moments that are unique to that character. Lorna and Crystal play off each other very well, as do the Summers brothers (which is particularly impressive as they don’t actually interact. Both are extremely angry, but they deal with that anger in drastically different ways.) I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response is great. Things just keep seeming to build, and there’s no sign of slowing down. I give it 6 out of 6.

The flow is smooth and effective. Again, the issue is rapid and self-pacing, which works wonderfully for the flow. I give it 6 out of 6.

Overall, this is a great issue, and an example of what event comics should be. I give it 6 out of 6.

In total, War of Kings #2 receives 38 out of 42.

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