“Copperhead” #2 is a strong second outing, but not without a few hiccups. With all the characters and the setting fleshed out in issue 1, issue 2 sees the overarching plot begin to take shape. Some of the plot threads are quite compelling while others just spin their tires in the mud, barely gaining any traction.
WRITTEN BY: Jay Faerber
ART BY: Scott Godlewski & Ron Riley
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: October 8, 2014
Reviewed By: Torin Chambers
We open on the significantly stronger plot of this months issue, Zeke nighttime adventure. Last month Zeke and his new friend Annie went out to find Annie’s dog but night quickly descended upon them. The wilderness surrounding Copperhead is a very, very bad place after dark. Lucky for Zeke and Annie they’ve got Ishmael, a strange and mysterious individual who’s shifty for sure but also the only protection these kids have got against the monsters encroaching upon them.
Elsewhere the Sheriff and Boo are investigating the horrific murder scene we saw last month. The investigations is entertaining, if a bit hallow. By the end of the issue hardly any progress has been accomplished on the case. A couple of things are raised but they don’t go anywhere this issue. I don’t expect the mystery to be solved already, but a little more forward progression would be nice.
This issue does introduce a new player, Doc Mosley, who’s a total drunk and the only doctor in town. He’s a treat to read once he’s in the medical office but his introduction at the bar feels superfluous. He comes off very clearly as a drunk in the infirmary, the bar introduction could have been scrapped and would change nothing. That being said I am more than excited to see him again, I’m especially thrilled for him and Boo to interact.
Godlewski continues to deliver alluring and fascinating visuals. Excellently capturing many small details such as Doc Mosley’s mole and Missus Sewell’s face flagellum. Many pints of blood are spilled this issue and they look amazing. Insectoid monsters are blown open, gushing with blood that you can almost hear squishing and squashing.
While not as exciting as its debut Copperhead is still well worth checking out. Although I had a few issues they don’t feel like problems with the actual creative team more like a sophomore slump. All the same ingredients where there they just didn’t come together in as appealing a package as issue 1. I believe Copperhead is going places I’d just like to get there faster.
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Torin Chambers is a rad dude from the nineties who does film stuff or something. Thomas the Tank Engine is his favorite transformer. Find him on Twitter @TorinsChambers