Black Science #2
Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: Matteo Scalera and Dean White
On Sale Date: December 18, 2013
Publisher: IMAGE COMICS
The first issue of Rick Remender’s Black Science moved with the speed and impact of a sniper’s round! It was dripping with his trademark black wit and frenetic action as readers were plunged head first into an alien landscape with only anarchist-cum-scientist Grant McKay to guide us through the electrified frog tongues and dancing fish ladies. Where some writers choose to bog down their opening salvo with background and setup, Remender goes straight for the carotid by forcing us to keep up with his mad vision of alternate dimensions mixed with Lost in Space style family drama.
And while it switches gears a bit, the second issue is no less powerful. After his team of reality-hopping scientists escape the amphibious nether-realm from issue 1, they’re immediately thrust into an equally bleak reality. Scores of WWII-era German soldiers getting exterminated by technologically advanced American Indians seems to be the preferred milieu this time around, and as the team struggles with how to get back, we become privy to the personalities and mindsets of the crew. As this quick pause in the breakneck action subsides, we’re left with one thought: The Pillar, (the means through which our heroes can travel between dimensions) was sabotaged by someone among them. Before anyone can point fingers, Grant is seriously wounded, and the chase is on again, this time to save his life.
Even a quick glance thorough this book reveals that Remender is not the only talent on display. I have trouble telling where the art of Matteo Scalera ends and the painting by Dean White begins, but the result is some of the most arresting and unique work done this year. With no indication that Remender will pump his brakes any time soon, expect them to be working overtime on creating more lush imagery for you to barely wrap your head around.
Black Science has vaulted over my already-high expectations for creator-owned comics, and impresses on all fronts. Don’t wait for the trade! Pick this up in second prints or in the back issue bins (if you can find any).
I give this issue 4 out of 5 nerdskulls.
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