Infidel #2 Review

I ain't afraid of no Ghosts!

Written by: Pornsak Pichetshote
Art by: Aaron Campbell
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy


It is always a good sign when you hit the last page of a comic book and realize that you have lost track of time completely. It is rare now that I have that kind of immersive experience in other media. TV shows and Movies with chills and thrills do still tend to mesmerize me. Just like a thrilling movie, I read this second issue of Infidel gripped by the story, digging my fingers into the side of the couch as I read, toes curled and rooting for the lead character, Aisha.

Last issue I was impressed by how this book set up some strong characters, and the difficult predicament that the lead character Aisha found herself in. In particular her mother in law was portrayed as one to watch  - the book led us to believe that she was cunning and Machiavellian type who was opposed to her daughter in laws religion and background.

 This issue challenges some of those easy assumptions I made as reader last time around. The mother in law is seen as a more complex character in this issue, as the plot line begins to focus on Aisha's increasing difficulty with spectral beings inhabiting her building. This issue gives a little ray of light in that regard and there is a hint that it may not just be Aisha who senses their presence. The ending of the issue suggests that even that development will be little comfort to Aisha given the traumatic events that play out.

The art and colors in this issue by Campbell and Villarrubia, really serve to underscore the overall sense of threat and the disturbing atmosphere surrounding Aisha. I like the contrast between the modern and trendy city living depicted in the art, and the fact that it keeps becoming disrupted by these horrific spirits. The repulsive nature of those interventions into the apartment owe a debt to the art team.

Bits and Pieces

This was an intriguing issue which really challenged some of my assumptions formed in the opening installment. I had to reconsider my views on the mother-in-law, and I am also intrigued by the concept of this book - namely that racism and hate find a way of manifesting themselves in the world outside the physical sphere. There is something chilling about the concept of those sentiments inhabiting the atmosphere long after their human hosts are gone. Can't wait to see what happens next, but the ending suggests that there'll be no happy outcome.

8.3/10