ROGUE #2 – Even More Complications

Creative Team – Erica Schultz, Luigi Zagaria, Espen Grundetjern, VC’s Ariana Maher, David Nakayama

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Rogue #1 here!

The Story

This comic is reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn, and your truly, Megan!

Shawn – Erica Schultz continues to write an entertaining story that reveals who Rogue was and who she has become. This story really feels like a learning to walk again kind of story. It’s clear through Schultz’s story and the character’s history that Rogue is not who she used to be, but I really love that Schultz is pushing readers to ask questions about how who she was impacts who she has become.

Schultz picks up this issue, coming off a strong opening salvo in issue one, and runs with it. The story flows well and manages to focus on Rogue while giving us insight into her relationships with both her mother and Remy in a satisfying way. The last few panels setting up the future conflict in only the second issue were a really nice surprise.

Megan – In Rogue #2, we see Rogue trying her best to get answers from Mystique and Destiny, but to no success. As always, Mystique keeps her secrets to herself, which infuriates Rogue. However, this won’t be the end of Rogue’s search for answers. She is determined to find out what these cryptic visions mean by any means necessary. What she didn’t plan on happening was her powers malfunctioning in the worst way, putting her in harm’s way.

Erica Schultz brings an all-new story for Rogue and one that revisits her past. Rogue thought her Brotherhood of the Evil Mutant days were behind her, but it seems that those days are coming back to haunt her. This story is dripping in mystery, which I love. The problems with her powers, Mystique being as vague as possible, her visions, all mysteries that lead to somewhere that I’m excited to see.

The Art

Shawn – The art team for Rogue continues to stun with their work. One panel in particular in this issue will stand out from the variety and skill present in line and color, such as a complex panel.
I loved in issue one and continue to love in this issue the lines and colors that Zaharia and Jern combine to create the aged Mystique. We’ve seen the character being so powerful and manipulative throughout their history, and Zaharia and Jern craft an image of a frail Mystique that makes it difficult not to feel some sympathy for.

I really love Ariana Maher’s decision for the small and subtle coloring blocks marking speech bubbles early in the issue. They’re subtle enough that they don’t distract from the words or the art on the page, but still significant enough that the eyes pick them up and help the story flow. The decision to add a tail to Mystique’s bubbles adds to the feeling of frailty as it makes the reader feel like she’s having to force the words out.

Megan – The artwork ofRogue #2 is nothing short of spectacular! Luigi Zagaria, Espen Grundetjern, and Ariana Maher but in so much work, and the readers are benefiting from it heavily. Each character is drawn beautifully in their classic look glory. We even get a few slight looks at other characters who aren’t in the story, which was a fun surprise. Luigi Zagaria does a fantastic job with this, making the characters the focal point of the panels. Espen Grundetjern lends his coloring talents and covers the comic in vibrancy and contrasting colors, which brings so much excitement to the pages ofRogue #2.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 10/10. Schultz is really hitting her stride in this issue. Far too often, comics drop a super satisfying first issue and hit a sophomore slump in the second issue, but that doesn’t happen with Rogue #2. Schultz is crafting a compelling tale that appeals to long-term Rogue fans and new readers alike.

The art team continues to stun, bringing Schultz’s words to life. The narrative of this issue really let Zaharia and Jern shine, and the issue is better because of it. This Rogue series may be some of the best work we’ve seen from Ariana Maher, who continues to elevate her work and with it the entire team from issue to issue.

Megan – 9/10. Erica Schultz has me hooked to the story, while the artists made it hard to look away from the pages. I can’t wait to see where this goes because so far, it’s been an absolute thrill.

Overall Grade – 9.5/10

Let us know in the comments below what you thought of Rogue #2!