Matt Hardy from Mad Robot Comics kindly recently posted me a review copy of Issue Two of his series Thunder Child, it is subtitled Chapter Two: The Impossible Invasion.
I was fortunate enough to review Issue One. A link to that review is below.
Thunder Child. Issue One Review. .....Big 5 stars. – The Shift Anthology Shop
Issue two follows on very neatly from issue one. It is a triumph. The characters previously created continue to be interesting and develop further. There are conflicts and interpersonal exchanges. The story continues and the cast of characters evolves and expands.
As a publication Mad Robot continues to impress. The paper stock and binding of issue two is actually superior to issue one
Storywise the stakes are raised, gone is the impending sense of doom from the debut issue, and now the reader is dropped in at the deep end of a full on action packed experience.
With the characters established, the writer and artist are clearly now feel they can take their project off the leash with their new refreshing bold, and yet faithful, approach to Orson Well's classic story.
There is a blockbuster feel to this issue, a big budget vibe that sometimes only comics can accomplish.
Co writers Matt Hardy and Rob Jones make an interesting choice with this script, despite the unremitting devastation caused by the Martians tripods upon London's fair skyline, they focus on the conflicts between their cast of characters. The clash of military concerns versus those of the civilians, the priorities of The British Empire over an actual humanitarian common good add flavour to the already thrilling scenario. Hardy and Jones find a consistent and distinct voice for all of the main players in the drama they creates at the centre of the battle. Yet none of these character are mere avatars for a point of view, some live and die sticking to their guns (pun intended) whilst others see the folly of their ways, resulting in one standout redemptive moment that is to be savoured.
Kevin Castaniero's art continues to truly impress. The artist's storytelling is faultless. This issue has a satisfying mixture of well choregraphed battle sequence along with some eye catching big panel images of the Martians' relentless barrage of death and destruction. Yes more impressive amongst the carnage are the considered character moments, Castaniero's skill with facial expressions match the dialogue convincingly and make the reading experience all the more immersive.
Huge credit must also go to Simon Gough's clever choice of palette for an issue set entirely against a starry nights sky. There is nothing garish about the colour choices, instead the lighting decisions made illuminate the moments of panic and ever increasing stakes until the final dramatic page.
The always reliable Rob Jones letters with a deft hand. His work is never obtrusive, it simply and skilfully guides the reader through the story, whilst still adding subtlety or emphasis to key moments as and when required.
A note recognition also goes to Aaron Moran and Max Davenport's colourful variant covers that are also included at the rear of the edition I received. Both covers would do the job of drawing the attention of any new potential fan of the series.
I gave Issue one of Thunder Child a well deserved 5 gold stars. I am sticking with that for issue two. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
If I had one concern for this three issue mini series, it is simply that I hesitate to wonder how this talented team of creators can create a satisfying conclusion in the final issue. Regardless of that small measure of apprehension, on the basis of the first two issues I am itching to read what I hope will be a thrilling and satisfying finale.
If they can stick the landing and round out the series on a high, I hope someone from Mad Robot Comics will Fed EX a complimentary set of the three issues to a certain Mr Spielberg with a polite note that reads, "Dear Sir, this is how you should have done War Of The Worlds."