Second Coming #2 Review

Writer: Mark Russell

Art: Richard Pace, Leonard Kirk, Andy Troy, and Rob Steen

Publisher: AHOY Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: August 14th, 2019

When a weirdo stalks and threatens Sunstar's girlfriend, Jesus tries to prevent the superhero from succumbing to rage in this week’s all-new SECOND COMING #2 by Mark Russell. Let’s jump into the issue and see if God has other plans for Sunstar and Jesus!

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Mark Russell continues to impress as issue two focuses on aspects of pride, power, and miscalculations. Through Russell’s unique comedic style and a knack for detail, these two storytellers continue to imprint the idea that “with great power comes great responsibility” but even the very best of us use that “great power” irresponsibly. Russell ultimately attempts to focus the issue on humanities attempt for doing good and how our personal hubris essentially leads to others pain inadvertently. 

Additionally, Richard Pace’s art truly stood out the most when given the opportunity to draw large panels or splash pages. The detail in each character’s face, or even the moment Sunstar arrives in Heaven, was incredibly dynamic and painted the importance of each scene. Pace added the weight to each conversation as well as the emotion to each “mistake” Sunstar (and even God) made throughout the issue. 

After multiple readings of the issue, this reviewer noticed that Russell’s true gift was with the subtle minutia throughout each scene. These faint impressions sprinkled across the issue like the superhero support group interactions, Fruit Rollups, the Heaven Food Court Restaurants, and adding just a little bit of fish sauce to your wilderness loaves, was the hilarious additions that made his satirical style so heavenly. Russell continues to get readers to think critically about life, the afterlife, and superhero life in an entertainingly witty way while Pace’s art adds the enthusiasm, warmth, and spirit to each page.

So, is Russell saying that humanity should stop doing good? Not at all! Russell’s point is actually the opposite. However, humanities biggest mistakes often happen when we focus more on “our” version of good and not what’s best for everyone else. As Jesus said in the issue, “God is the life of the party... He’s not the guy who cleans up afterward.” Russell’s point is that God literally created us to do some crazy things with our own choices - good or bad. However, He’s not going to be there to hold our hand with the mess we made. At the end of the day, we’re going to have to be the ones to live with our own decisions, good or bad, and clean them up afterward. 

This reviewer totally understands that Russell’s style, as well as the topics and focus of the comic, may not be for everyone... and that’s ok. There may be a superhero in the comic but this series isn’t technically about the millennium-old battle of good versus evil, super strength, laser beams, and world domination. This series is about looking past the fists in a tongue-in-cheek way to show readers a different way. Is ”that way” a better way? That’s for you, the reader, to decide. That’s the point.

BITS AND PIECES

If you’re in the mood to laugh, think critically, and ponder Christianity, this series is for you. If you’re not sure if you should give it a look, this reviewer highly recommends giving the issue and this series a chance. Readers just jumping in now can easily catch up, hop on board, and follow along with ease. Bring your preconceived notions of the series, sit down with a Kenny Rogers Roaster, and give this issue a chance. As the support group leader said, “Pain is a caravan. Unload those camels.” It’s time to unload your camels and give this issue a shot. Afterward, let me know what you think.

8.9/10