Bad Thoughts #2 – Trust But Verify

Jack Coates can see every awful thing you’ve ever thought or done. It’s a painful gift, but as a member of a private security team that deals with terrible situations and even more terrible people, it has been useful. Home from his latest mission, new dark memories that leaked out from Jack’s boss have caused work to follow him home. When you know everyone’s dark secrets, how do you protect yourself or your family? Bad Thoughts #2 just might have the answer.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Ande Parks
Penciller: Dave Wachter
Inker/Color Artist: Brad Simpson
Letterer: AndWorld Design

Writing

I think next time I see my wife downstairs, I will use the “best wife and most adequate dog” line, so thanks for that, Ande Parks. Beyond just the funny morning greeting, Parks really pulls the veil back and lets us see the pain that Jack carries in Bad Thoughts #2. Not only do we see how long he’s carried this weight, but the approach Jack takes to his “gift,” if you can call it that. While Jack is loved and supported, Parks shows us that he’s a “man’s man” who takes the “if not me then who” approach to his gift and his choice to use it for his company.

This was really an eye-opening issue. Jack maintains a level of pain from being able to do what he does, and that undoubtedly takes a toll on him. While we may all experience a range of emotions, Parks makes it clear that for Jack, those emotions from others flow singly to him. Parks provided a really great twist to this story that leaves me desperate to see where the story goes next. The second half of this issue felt like a great rollercoaster ride.

Art

Dave Wachter is doing an amazing job of capturing the feel of this story. Every bit of the art feels to fit the scene perfectly. The subdued tones make the darkness that hangs over Jack feel ever-present.

Wachter really highlights and displays beautiful linework throughout the issue. The lines feel gritty and rough, but in a way that lets you know that’s exactly how Wachter wants it. The lines and color draw you into this world. In a way that makes you anxious for what surprise you may find on the next page. It’s a page turner for the entire issue, but Wachter takes it to another level for the second half of the book.

Final Thoughts

Bad Thoughts #2 continues a unique and adrenaline-filled story. The first part of the issue gives us a little backstory on Jack and what he’s gone through. The second half is a thrill ride that leaves you wondering what comes next. Jack is slowly realizing there’s more to this life than he thought, but where does he go from here?

Overall Grade: 10 / 10

Are you enjoying Bad Thoughts? Let me know in the comments