Review - The Red Ten #2

Things for the heroes of The Red Ten don't seem to be getting much better. After the events in the first issue find The Oxymoron dead and Androika suddenly blowing up, the remaining members of the Alliance are forced to continue their mission for survival. The Red Ten #2 doesn't take it any easier on the heroes, giving the nine left even more to contend with.

The title is written by Tyler James and illustrated by Cesar Feliciano, with inks by Vic Moya, colors by Guillermo Ucha and a cover by CP Wilson III. Publisher ComixTribe wants to make sure you're paying attention with this one.

The second issue opens with an origin-- the origin of Red to be exact. It wasn't exactly the best way to learn you want to be a hero, but it's definitely an effective way. The middle of the issue also features an origin, that of Throttle. His calling to be a hero followed a different route, requiring less blood, but imprinting upon him just as much.

As known the second issue ends with the death of another one of the heroes. This hero succumbed to his own powers in a way, much like Androika did before. It's becoming apparent that each hero is being done in by the same power that makes him or her said hero, which is interesting.

The Red Ten #2 looked to be a step above the first issue. Not to say the first issue was bad, but this one seemed to have everything and everyone at its best. James packed a ton of story into the issue, but his choice to obscure part of the text in one of the panels was a little annoying. There was a reason behind it which added to the story, but there has to be a better way to depict that whispered knowledge.

Feliciano really brought it as far as artwork goes in this one. The art seems to have a life of its own, which is nice. It adds to the entire feel of the comic and is just flat out pretty good.

The most striking thing about The Red Ten #2 is that the real meat of the series was sort of an afterthought. The premise is that heroes are dying and they have to figure out who's doing it before they're all dead, but this issue wasn't all about them just investigating the crime. It was more about them learning who they are. It was refreshing.

The Red Ten #2 is a solid second issue, giving a bit more insight into Red and Throttle while also exploring the group dynamic as a whole. They're not quite at the point where they're casting aspersions on one another, but you can sense the tension in the group rising. The next few issues should be interesting in that I would expect things to really come off the rails interpersonally.

The Red Ten #2 hits stores February 29.