OF EARTH #2: That Texas Heat!

Upon finding her grandma dazed and confused, Tabby calls the oil company, which sends out representative Thomas Morton. As the duo is searching for answers, things start to get weird. Is it that Texas heat playing tricks on their mind, or something evil at work?

Creative Team:

Chris Condon, Andrew Ehrich, Charlie Adlard, Pip Martin, Hasson Otsmane-Elhaou, and Michael Tivey.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Picking up where the first issue left off, Chris is slowly turning up the heat and building up suspense with this story. While her grandmother is alive, she is in a state of unresponsive shock the entire issue, and honestly, fewer things creep me out than an old person in a horror setting. Every page turn is built up as though we are getting ready to be met with a jump scare, and Chris and Andrew do an incredible job of keeping us with that feeling throughout. As Thomas Morton arrives to begin taking a look, we’re also met with a mysterious figure, and the math equation is starting to take shape with no clear answer yet. Less is more when building a suspenseful horror tale, and the duo perfectly understands that, as there isn’t an overcrowding of dialogue or characters at any point. In fact, with the help of Hassan’s lettering, they do a wonderful job at making the reader feel as though we’re right there beside them as they’re uncovering more and more throughout the issue. I cannot get enough of how well-crafted this plot and story are.

The Art:

Pip and Charlie continue to make us feel like we need a shower in the worst way. As not only is the sweltering heat brought to life, but now we’re adding in thick oil to boot. The duo doesn’t do anything fancy in terms of drawing and detailing Tabby’s grandmother, yet there is just enough about the wide-eyed, open-mouthed stare she gives that will send chills down your spine. In fact, I kept half expecting the grandma to leap up from her seat at times and almost felt as though she was staring into my soul.

I love the dusk setting we transition into with this issue and how blended the hazy heat in the distance is while throwing in the mysterious figure they see. The art is doing more with less and it’s giving life to the uncomfortable and dirty feeling we continuously feel with this run.

Final Thoughts:

Of Earth #2 knows how to set the tone and build up the suspense. By using the art to make it just unpolished enough and detailed enough to leave the reader feeling grimy and on edge, Chris and Andrew weave the plot in such a way that it has us waiting for that jump-scare moment. I’m absolutely loving this run, and I need answers as to what is happening! Make sure you’re checking this book out; it’s worth adding into the pull pile!

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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