Capturing the nostalgic magic of the past, “The Twilight Zone” #2 is a suspenseful mind-bender that never slows down. Based on the classic TV series by Rod Serling, “The Twilight Zone” returns with even more twisted tales. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newbie to the series, don’t miss this trip into another dimension of imagination.
WRITTEN BY: J. Michael Straczynski
ART BY: Guiu Vilanova
PUBLISHER: Dynamite Entertainment
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: Feb. 5, 2013
In order to avoid prison time for embezzlement and fraud, Trevor Richmond traded his old life for a new one. With a different name and face, Trevor is able to walk away freely and unpunished from his crimes. But suddenly, something is obviously wrong when Trevor sees himself testifying in court. Trevor knows that is not him but somehow it really is him standing there in the courtroom. Someone else has taken his name and face, using his identity for their own personal gain. Will Trevor make a new man out of himself now that he has a second chance? Or does he secretly want his old life back?
Writer J. Michael Straczynski explores society’s personal fears through intense psychological horrors. Using satire, Straczynski is able to poke fun at the economic gap between the wealthy and middle class. The real Trevor Richmond is a Wall Street stock-broker who stole millions from his investors. The fake Trevor Richmond has a guilty conscience and turns himself in to the authorities, pleading forgiveness from the public. Everything the real Richmond built, fake Richmond is doing a great job breaking it down.
What’s really interesting about Straczynski’s narrative is that fake Richmond’s character arc resembles closely to a coming-of-age tale. Seeking redemption, fake Richmond is trying to reconcile with his girlfriend and his estranged father. Fake Richmond is making a better life for himself than the real Richmond ever did. Even with his new identity, the real Richmond is still making a mess and getting into serious trouble.
I particularly enjoy how artist Guiu Vilanova came up with the character designs of Trevor Richmond. Though the two Richmonds are basically the same person, Vilanova is able to hint at the differences, making it easier for the readers to distinguish them. While the doubles have the same hairstyle, the real Richmond is a much darker version of himself. In their facial expressions, the real Richmond is smug, arrogant, and confused, while the doppelganger is calm and confident.
Vilanova kicks it up a notch when the real Richmond ends up in a high speed pursuit chase with the police. Through extreme close-ups, Vilanova intensifies the action sequence as the cops end up pulling their triggers. Vilanova makes great use of its New York location, setting the chase inside Manhattan buildings and onto the streets. In an impressive splash page, Vilanova illustrates the different chapters of the car ride from the rims of a tire.
“The Twilight Zone” #2 captures the essence of what made the TV series so memorable. I look forward to more tale tales of light and shadow as the “The Twilight Zone” continues in the comic book page.
4/5 skulls
Reviewed by Jorge Solis