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What’s Up Comic Fans!? Rich from the NI Bullpen and its time to get strange and cruel again. EC Comics has given us another issue of Cruel Universe and it’s a fantastic day!
Cruel Universe #2 features writing by Stephanie Phillips, Ben H. Winters, Chris Condon, and Christopher Cantwell. Art in this issue is by Riley Rossmo, Leomacs, Javier Fernandez, and David Lapham. Featuring colors by Inaki Azpaizu, Alessandro Santoro, and Nick Filardi. Letters are by Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Tyler Smith.
Let’s get weird and dive into this issue!
***Minor Spoilers Possible***
Organic
Organic is the first tale up and it is written by Stephanie Phillips, art by Riley Rossmo, and colors by Inaki Azpaizu.
Organic tells the story of a man who is a farmer of meat in the future. He raises his meat fully organic and is proud that it is better than the big industry farming. As we get to the finish of the story, we discover that in this world cattle have been extinct for centuries. So, what is the meat?
Stephanie Phillips tells a magnificent short story. The twist is up front but it still doesn’t prepare you for the final page. The artwork is also phenomenal and makes this story the perfect kickoff tale.
Brilliant and Deceived
Brilliant and Deceived is next up on our journey. This story is written by Ben H. Winters, art by Leomacs, and colors by Inaki Azpaizu.
Brillant and Deceived tells the story of a brilliant doctor whose loving wife has died in a horrible car accident. He is unsure of why she was out in the terrible weather that caused the accident. Either way he needs to try and bring her back from the dead. The only questions left are can he do it and whose story is this to tell?
This short story is impactful with a great premise. The delivery is impeccable, and the twist is next level. The art gives me the Creepshow vibe and made me love every panel presented. The whole creative team nailed it on this one.
And The Profit Said…
The next delectable tale is And The Profit Said… This tale is written by Chris Condon, art by Javier Fernandez, and colors by Alessandro Santoro.
And The Profit Said… is a tale about a janitor who has found out he has a terminal brain tumor. Good news for him is he works for a company that specializes in repairing and enhancing brains. All he must do is sign on the dotted line and agree to work for them when it’s all said and done. But what has he signed up for and what gifts or curses may he have?
This story has a very familiar feel to it, but just when you think you have all the answers, Chris Condon changes the question. The art and colors reflect the different situations and challenges our protagonist goes through. Giving the reader all the feelings.
Check Out My Review for Issue #1
Ray Gun
The last tale on our journey is Ray Gun. This tale is written by Christopher Cantwell, art by David Lapham, and colors by Nick Filardi.
Ray Gun tells the story of a former cowboy, Buck. He had to leave his cowboy career due to a leg injury. Down on his luck he finds a ray gun in what appears to be a UFO crash. With his new toy he sees all the possibilities to regain his spot at the top. Can anyone stop him?
This final tale was a great main event story. It’s purposefully confusing in the beginning to set you up for not one, not two, but three twists. The layering of the story in such a short tale is amazing. The art takes it to the next level and brings the whole world together.
Final Thoughts
Cruel Universe #2 packs a real punch. Four different tales tied together by great monkey paw style twists. This is becoming one of my absolute favorite books and we are only on issue #2. The classic feel of the storytelling, mixed with the nostalgic art style makes Cruel Universe a must for your Pull Lists at your LCS!
Final Grade: 9.5/10
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