COMIC BOOK REVIEW: The Owl #2
Probably the biggest thing that could hit a character who’s skipped through time is the fact that most of the people he’s known are either already old or dead. That’s what hits The Owl in Dynamite Entertainment‘s The Owl #2 as he not only tries to come in terms with the time he missed but also with the new surprises that came along his way such as the mysterious new Owl Girl.
Last issue we saw The Owl being caught off-guard as he saw someone who seems to be Owl Girl in a new suit. The female vigilante can’t be his old love as five decades already passed and the Belle he wished to spend his life with has already passed away. In #2, the identity of Owl Girl’s revealed and so is her connection to The Owl’s past. Not only that, we get to see a clash between the new and the old, with differing styles and ferocity during combat, and even morals and outlook in life. The Owl gets to experience not only a battle with his past memories but also with the challenges and demands of the present. Is there really a need for The Owl in his city? Will he adapt to this new Owl Girl? Or will he keep his stance, turn it all around and have the new owl Girl learn how things are supposed to be done just like the old days?
J.T. Krul brings us a story that gives a very vulnerable human side to our owl-themed hero who just got off fresh from 50 years of ethereal limbo. I know that it’s just a four issue miniseries so Owl Girl’s introduction seems abrupt while other developments seeem to move slow but I just love how this issue explores The Owl’s past and his relationships while putting a bigger weight on the hero’s conflict not only with the scum roaming around but also with his own grief, doubt and questions. Owl Girl represents best all of that as she dumps on Nick Terry the harsh reality that he’s been gone for so long and so much has already changed.
Heubert Khan Michael’s art’s impressive as usual as he’s able to portray the mixed emotions the hero’s having together with the contrasting action of the hero of the past versus the new vigilante. Not only are the action scenes so alive and flowing, it’s also great to see The Owl’s special abilities at work. Vinicius Andrade‘s colors even make it all jump right out of the page with the costume’s vibrant colors in contrast to the city’s gritty nature sparkled by city lights.
The Owl #2 is packed with drama but it feels a little bit slow considering that there’s just a couple of issues left. I just hope that they pick up the pace in the next issue. But still, it’s an awesome chapter that gives depth and more conflict to The Owl. There’s a good serving of bone-snapping and ass-kicking action and we hope to see more of the developments in #3.
Review Score:
7.5/10
Once again, big thanks to Comic Odyssey!
