COMIC BOOK REVIEW: We Stand On Guard #2

I’M THE LAW!

Brian K. Vaughan continues to explore the possible scenarios how the future imperialists that are the Americans against their future recalcitrant, the Canadians in the second issue of the critically and commercially smash hit WE STAND ON GUARD. The premier issue set the tone and the direction necessary to have the readers gear up who they should side with (remember, this is only a sci-fi visual literature, not to be taken so seriously, and even so literally). It even sees more the Canadians at the ropes, absorbing more aggressive attacks from the biggest bully ever (Vaughan even makes one reference towards China’s blatant aggression that MAY lead to the bigger military confrontation YET in the not-so-distant future) that is the US of A. Amber’s childhood memories, as crafted by the clean and delicate pencils of the evergreen Canadian artist Steve Skroce, we witness how the American troops become some of the worst offenders of human rights in the future, the ironic twist from many of us who see the so-called Land of the Brave and the Free.

Yet, historically speaking, American troops have their shares of atrocious behaviors and some despicable acts of barbarity in their imperialist pursuits from the 19^th century up to the 21^st century. Vaughan most probably does his research on those unsavory moments of his beloved America and posits that America will learn nothing from its past mistakes and continuing repeating those.

Additionally, characterizations are lessened as this moment to deal on the plot-twisting part that nicely shifts for the next issue, which the writer promises a more intense (and controversial) part. Amber’s past is briefly shown to prove her allegiance and her sincerity to fight for the guerilla’s cause, particularly to Dunn whose life is equally tragic, if not worse, with hers. And, a possible new antagonist is introduced just in time for the widening scope in the war of territories.

But the true showstopper here is no other than Steve Skroce whose illustrations are simply spectacular to mesmerize with. His painstakingly detailed and clean takes on the vehicles and the robots of the relatively distant future look so believably realistic and intricately crafted. I would not be surprised if ever some of his drawings inspire future inventors to make these or even enhance further. Moreover, his illustrations of dogs and the “half coyote” “half wolf” breed are expertly drawn to the point of realism even the latter is a possible effect of climate change, another heated contention that rages nowadays in the public sphere. And, his feminine illustrations, particularly Amber, are definitely the highlights of this issue, most especially the shower scenes! In addition, this issue features his preliminary and on-going sketches on the robots and characters for this series. This is why the abovementioned comic artist veteran has so much respect from the comic industry in the first place. His art form is neither exaggeratedly bombastic nor lazily made, just as real as one can get!

If one pinpoints some so-called “mistakes”, the French dialogues are still, well, FRENCH as ever. There are definitely no English translations at least for the sake of non-French speakers out there. Though Skroce is an excellent draughtsman, his Amber shower moments show his a bit conservative take on not engaging a little of full-blown exposure expect the rear part. Maybe, this is a relative point-of-view, and this can be debated on a minor scale. Well, Image Comics as a whole are known to push the envelopes, but let’s respect Skroce’s decision on that manner.

If the creative team of WE STAND ON GUARD continues its excellent run of great storytelling about the on-going imperialist pursuits of the Americans, then it is already a foregone conclusion that this series will become the 21^st century greatest, if not one of the best, underdog story in the graphic visual literature yet! Vaughan’s consistent good storytelling and Skroce’s magnificent drawings will surely become a memorable treat for readers of great visual tales, and they form another formidable tandem furthermore the collaboration with Fiona Staples of the Saga series. WE STAND ON GUARD is THE MUST for those cravers of freedom, resilience, and the Rocky-types as well.