But the question is, could the second issue build on what the first issue started?
Find out after the jump.
The Terminatorâ„¢ 2029 #2
Writer: Zack Whedon
Penciller: Andy MacDonald
Colorist: Dan Jackson
Cover Artist: Massimo Carnevale
While the first issue of this mini-series was much more exposition laden, introducing us to the characters and the situation they are all in, this issue was much more action packed and twist laden. Given that it’s one of the Brothers Whedon though, we aren’t given a vapid bullet (laser?) fest. We’re still given the three dimensional characters and quickly developing relationships that we’ve come to expect from anyone with the last name Whedon.
One of the most difficult things for a writer to do in comics is to develop a world where all of the relationships are in media res, yet the feel to them and their story beats come across as natural and pre-existing to the reader. Whedon handles this exceptionally well, especially between Ben and Paige. These two Resistance members have long been close, but Ben has always had romantic aspirations towards Paige. Without saying anything, Whedon conveys this intimate relationship with subtle gestures and huge movements (like when Ben takes on a T1000 with a pair of pliers – badass!). It’s exceptional, and Whedon’s character work really takes this book to a much higher level than it has any right to be at.
There’s also the aforementioned glorious action sequences and twist moments, and I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t mention the last page. Some may say that they saw it coming, but the ending to this issue floored me – I didn’t see it coming and it really throws the potential for the last issue all over the map. Still, the action sequence at the Terminator base was remarkably well executed, and the twist at the end added all the more power to it as well.
I have to say, I expected Whedon to bring it in this series, but I’ve been incredibly surprised and impressed by Andy MacDonald’s art work in the series to date. He’s got a wonderfully realistic and expressive style, adding a real weight to the actions that Whedon attempts to express. His visual storytelling is also superb, and he makes Whedon’s job all the more easy throughout by allowing minimal dialogue at times.
This is another superb entry to the Dark Horse Terminator collection, and something Zack Whedon and Andy MacDonald can really hang their hat on. I never imagined it could happen, but I’m genuinely excited for the third issue of a Terminator series. That’s all thanks to the creative team, who have done a damn fine job to date.
Final Verdict: 8.4 – Buy
