TerrorWar has hit the sophomore slump. After a strong first issue, the follow-up chapter just kind of…is. It’s not bad, but it’s just not particularly good or memorable. And that is a shame given its potential.
The story picks up immediately after the last issue, with Muhammad Cho and his team of specially-gifted contractors who can hurt the manifestations of terrors with so-called brain bullets. This terrorfighter team has defeated the latest group of terrors and now faces another team that want to steal their bounty. A battle ensues. Then they rest. Then there’s another battle.
We don’t end up learning much more than that over the course of the issue, which is odd given the series is still in its infancy. Unfortunately, the action alone isn’t enough to carry the story, The artwork – created by the team of penciler Dave Acosta, inker Jay Leisten and colorist Walter Pereyra – is just OK this time around. The initial battle is a bit confusing to follow. And when the entire issue hangs on the on that battle, it better be spectacular.
In fact, it’s remarkable how the quality of the artwork has diminished since the first issue. In that chapter, the illustrations were a high point. Vast futuristic cityscapes dominated the pages. Here, though, it’s just fighting. It’s as if the art team put all their efforts into the premiere issue and rushed to complete the follow-up.
Saladin Ahmed’s script, which was interesting in the initial issue, is pedestrian this time around. He has built a cool world but doesn’t significantly advance the plot here. It’s a shame, given the Blade Runner vibe he was previously channeling.
One rough issue doesn’t make a bad series, and there is still time to turn this TerrorWar around. But the clock is ticking.
TerrorWar #2 will be available for purchase on May 31, 2023.
TerrorWar has hit the sophomore slump. After a strong first issue, the follow-up chapter just kind of…is. It’s not bad,COMICONRead More