Reviewed By Jorge Solis. As the suspense mounts and the cinematic imagery takes hold, “Southern Cross” #2 is a captivating follow-up to the stellar first issue. This sci-fi thriller succeeds thanks to an immersive world created by Andy Belanger and the cerebral and existentialist mystery, rising from Becky Cloonan’s script. “Southern Cross” isn’t afraid to slowly build tension, which is felt through the claustrophobic menace that lurks within its pages.
WRITTEN BY: Becky Cloonan
ART BY: Andy Belanger
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: April 8, 2015
In the vastness of outer-space, Alex Braith is consumed with grief over the death of her sister, Amber. To start the mourning process, Alex travels in-between the planets and stars to collect her sister’s remains. But on her journey into the never-ending darkness, someone has gone missing in the colossal spaceship. Where could this missing person be hiding? And why does Alex feel like she is suddenly being watched?
On the second day of her voyage, Alex meets some of the crew members and other passengers in her spaceship. I love how writer Becky Cloonan builds the mystery with numerous suspects and red herrings. Because the narrative is told from Alex’s point-of-view, the reader joins the main protagonist as she questions everyone’s motives. It’s an interesting guessing game because we’re not quite sure who’s supposed to be a friend or foe.
Cloonan emphasizes Alex’s strong personality through her snappy dialogue. There is a feistiness to her punkish attitude, as if she’s unafraid to speak her mind. Alex wants everyone on the ship, especially the other female members, to think she doesn’t care, but she really does. Alex has to deal with the external conflict as well as her internal struggle.
Knocking it out of the park, artist Andy Belanger plays around with size and scope as the panels switch from different angles. In a two-pager, we get to see the exterior of the spaceship in all its glory. In these tight close-ups, Belanger captures the claustrophobic atmosphere Alex feels in her cramped private quarters. Notice how the dripping of the faucet is driving her nuts, like “the tapping on her chamber door.”
With her sleeveless jacket and wool cap, Alex looks like she belongs to a tough biker gang. Colorist Lee Loughridge’s vividly paints the cafeteria scenes in yellow tones, emphasizing the foulness of the food. Then Loughridge switches to a pinkish shade, to highlight Alex’s isolation in the vastness of outer-space.
“Southern Cross” #2 continues to be an great read. I cannot wait to get my hands on the third issue.