Dead Teenagers #2 – ONI Press

Dead Teenagers #2 by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Caitlin Yarsky & Becca Carey from ONI Press

PREVIOUSLY:

First, lets start with a quick crash course to get you caught up with this insane comic book series. The year is 1997, Alicia, J.T., Ryder & Brandy were trying to enjoy their High School Prom Night. Unfortunately, they found themselves in a murderous time loop. They endlessly go through exactly what you think. They prepare for prom, go to the prom, and inevitably die that same night. From car accidents to being eaten by aliens, this group of friends goes through all imaginable scenarios.

TRAPPED IN A LOOP

Fortunately, there’s a twist; they are aware of their situation. So, they actively try everything and anything they can think of to change their outcome. Eventually, they realize there’s another participant in their never-ending scenario. This stranger changed everything when he killed Alicia and transported the rest of the group into the future.

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #2*

SOLICITATION:

“For five friends, being trapped in an infinite loop of murder on Prom Night ’97 was a living hell. They’re about to find out that being an adult in 2026 is much, much worse. High school seniors J.T., Ryder, and Brandy have been catapulted through time into their adult bodies…”

MIDLIFE, SUDDENLY

Finally, issue #2 takes us to the year 2026. Brandy, JT & Ryder wake up and realize they are no longer in High School. Also, it’s no longer prom night. Now they’re adults with families, careers, and responsibilities. However, they have no recollection of their lives. Absolutely no idea who these middle-aged versions of themselves are supposed to be. What they do know is that the hooded stranger who killed Alicia Torres caused this. With no clue of what’s happening, they can’t tell if they’re still inside a time loop. So, with that being said, they will try to play things safer.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Obviously, the art is technically sound, and the coloring is quite vibrant. However, do not let the brightness aesthetics fool you, this ain’t no walk-in-the-park type of story. Definitely a credit to the artists who circumvented the genre of this story. Therefore, softening the actual horrors these characters are put through.

OVERALL GRADE: 8/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

Despite the bombastic fest that is the plot, some elements somewhat ground this story. Which is not an easy thing to pull off. But lo and behold, here we are. A group of teenagers who haven’t lived long enough have to discover themselves as middle-aged adults. While solving the mystery of the time trap and that one hooded stranger. In short, all sorts of entertainment are thrown at you at once.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON DEAD TEENAGERS #2 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW: