END OF LIFE #2 – Within the Small Town

Creative Team – Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Chris O’Halloran, Gerald Parel

Published by DC Comics

Catch up with End of Life #1!

The Story

Eddie finds himself back at home with his dying father, and he couldn’t be more excited to leave. With a hit on his head and trained assassins looking to make a quick buck by taking him out, he has no other option but to hide out. Unfortunately, the town is the exact opposite of what he’s used to. The people of Pluto are kind and generous and go out of their way to help each other. They spend their time at farmers markets, helping their neighbor, and taking pride in their work. Eddie comes from a life of high quality champagne and fancy suits. He cannot relate to these people in the slightest and looks down on them, which is unsurprising from Eddie.

The father Eddie can leave this town behind him, the better. However, he finds out very quickly that even the people he’s trusted in his life do not have his best interests at heart. It’s only a matter of time before the Menagerie find him, and time is running out fast.

Kyle Stark continues the thrilling story of Eddie and the Menagerie by building multiple worlds at once. Eddie’s world and the town of Pluto are two wildly different places and seeing Eddie in a place that’s completely out of his comfort zone was fantastic to read. I’m really looking forward to what’s next as Starks has me completely hooked.

The Art

The artwork for End of Life #2 rivals the first issue in the best way. The people of Pluto are drawn in a way that allows you to see the good in them, while Eddie is shown as an outcast who thinks he’s better than them all. The facial expressions on each character give great insight into who they are, and that’s thanks to Steve Pugh.

Chris O’Halloran handles the colors, and does a brilliant job at mixing the more muted tones with vibrancy. Using Eddie’s vibrant red suit as a focal point at the farmers market was very well done and did a great job showing just how different he is to those around him.

There’s a fight scene that I think puts Pugh and O’Halloran’s talents on full display, and shows how well they work off of each other. Complimenting the other’s work, the artists made the fight feel larger than life, while still keeping the scene maintained.

Final Thoughts

End of Life #2 is proof that the first issue wasn’t just a strong start, but a good example of the top quality that creative team is delivering through this series.

Overall Grade – 9/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of End of Life #2!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of End of Life #2, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!