1st Impression: SHRUGGED 2 # 4 Review

SHRUGGED 2 # 4
Written Frank Mastromauro

Art by Jonathan Marks, Beth Sotelo & Kyle Ritter
Aspen Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Theo and his friends are in trouble as a vastly changed Ange and Dev show up in reality to cause chaos and more. As Lou walks in, things go from bad to worse. Yet, as Theo, Lou and the others try to fend off “Dark” Ange and “Dark” Dev, they are blessed with some unexpected help as things continue to worsen in Perspecta.

ART:

                Marks continues to give us a very visually unique style as we continue to get deeper into this miniseries. His line work is a bit rougher this issue than it was in previous issues. While I admit that the rougher pencils were great for the first half of the issue, once the conflict was done, I found them less appealing. They were still good but just felt like they were a bit too rough for the more quiet scenes. Still, Marks unique style continues to keep your eyes focused on his work and is, overall, appealing.

                Sotelo and Ritter continue to come up with the right blend of colors that really realize Marks pencils. The dark battles and darker shades fit the battle with Ange and Dev perfectly. And the colors, looking almost water color like, really work well in the more quiet scenes. A fairly good job.

WRITING:

                Things seem to be going to a strong climax as this issue has Theo and the gang face Ange and Dev. While the battle is going, Theo is showing off his bravery and how much he’s come to care for Lou. Kudos to Mastromauro to have a good battle within a house that is going on while developing a character at the same time. The pacing to the story was strong and flowed well. The characters were a joy to read about and Mastromauro gives some solid dialogue that feels true to teenagers today and true to the characters. I am intrigued to see what happens as our group goes to Perspecta themselves.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great story. The art was kind of up and down this issue but still a decent read.  If the scenes after the battle did not look as rough or rushed looking, this book would have been near perfect.

RATING:

                I give Shrugged 2 # 4 a 7.5 out of 10. 

1st Impressions: Shrugged 2 # 3

SHRUGGED 2 # 3
Written by Frank Mastromauro
Art by Jonathan Marks & Beth Sotelo

Aspen Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Theo is enjoying life while Ange and Dev watch as Theo goes through practice, meet up with the mysterious and kind of stalker-ish Mr. Scelus and then nearly getting into a fight with Rick.

            In Prespecta, Chaos becomes unleashed, attacking the citizens and slowly taking it over.

            Back on Earth, the chaos has an effect on both Ange and Dev … which in turn, makes Theo go through pain. So much so that Theo ends up on Perspecta and . . .


ART:

            This issue continues to display the beautiful art from Marks and Sotelo.  What I love is the contrasts that are consistently viewed in this issue. Not just the two realms of Earth and Perspecta but also Ange and Dev. The edgy pencils and inks really help give a different yet animated texture. Ange always looks fluid while Dev is a bit more gruff. Marks gives his people distinct features while Sotelo’s colors really help give energy to Marks’ work.

            The only slightly problem I saw was one panel where it was people from a distance had no distinct features. I know it is hard to make faces from such a distance but it just looked weird to see no faces at all.

            Otherwise, Marks and Sotelo beautifully render this issue.

WRITING:

            Mastromauro spends the issue giving us a day of the life of Theo while building up the threat and chaos that was to come. Theo is growing up while the relationships he has are definitely coming to bear … especially Kiori. Her feelings for Theo are becoming apparent to all … but Theo. Meanwhile … seeing the corruption of Perspecta. We see over the course of the issue how the corruption is affecting Perspecta and the ending definitely nailed that things have gotten bad.

            The issue was paced well. And I am intrigued what is going to happen next. Yet, I felt a bit … meh. I enjoyed the issue. I like Theo and I love Ange and Dev. But there just felt like something was missing and I can’t put my finger on it. Otherwise, it’s got great dialogue, interesting characters and a good plot.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            We get a good day in the life story with a b plot dealing with the corruption of Perspecta. Having both plots meet at the end was done well and the art was superb. The writing is good I just felt like something was missing.


RATING:

   I give Shrugged 2 # 3 a 7.5 out of 10. Good, could be better. Yet, still read it and pick it up.