There isn’t the conclusion you are expecting but merely the end of Act One. You do find out what happened on the platform and what the family has been up to however. The revelation of an ancestral secret, that has not been foreshadowed or anticipated, is a bit of an awkward change in direction. This story has some great characters and abandoning them for a few issues while the grand plot is wheeled out seems clunky.

There is another new artist with a hugely contrasting style present but this time they are used only for flashbacks which makes so much more sense thematically. Esquejo’s drawings are still perfect with the dramatic splash pages and surrealistic depictions of the world beyond blowing you away.

You are scared that this story will drag on but we have definitely turned a corner and feel satisfied that we are in receipt of some real answers.

Thumbs Up!

How much do you like your mystery? You had better have patience as only the final few pages of this volume start explain things.

This is a nice smooth ride with lots of things happening and new information appearing. This is all about drama. As the next volume is the final one you are prepared to put up with some more ‘Lost’ style bewilderment from this second act.

Esquejo’s art is still breath-taking in every way but for one issue he couldn’t make it so another artist came on board. He chose a style that was the polar opposite to Esquejo’s in every single way. If this was a dream, a flashback or had been used before it would fit into the narrative. But it doesn’t and it chooses not to. Trying to copy the existing art would have been a failure and a mistake so they might as well be brazen about this one issue blip.

It reads slightly shorter than first volume, possibly because you are familiar with the characters or maybe because the world-building is done. This is good as you still have a way to go before (hopefully) all is revealed.

Thumbs Up!

This is a bold and ambitious piece of writing. A woman is attacked and we must piece together who she is and what happened, as must she whilst she is trapped in a coma.

It is a mystery but it is a ride-along one. You aren’t going to solve this until the author wants you to. It reminds me of a more reader-friendly Morning Glories.

Speaking of which the book is drawn by Morning Glories cover artist Rodin Esquejo meaning the art is breath-taking. It is digital and benefits from some sophisticated effects but it keeps that pastel feel and wonderful tangibility. You can see so much effort goes into each panel and the framing and composition are always daring and innovative.

The book hits the ground running and sweeps you along as it sets up its detailed characters and their uncertain relationships. Because there is so much dialogue it does slow down but you really want to find out who did it. There is a satisfying ending to part one that makes you want more. Despite being only five issues this is lengthy and meaty read.

Thumbs Up!