ONLY THE SAVAGE ARE LEFT #2: Only The Strong Will Survive

Ryders search for Oaklynn is proving to be more dangerous than anything he ever expected. As his struggle continues he finds himself teaming up with an unlikely ally and needing to make the toughest choices if he not only hopes to save her but, to survive.

Creative Team: Zack Kaplan, Stefano Raffaele, Thiago Rocha, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

Slight Spoilers Ahead

The Story:

I may be in the minority here however, I spent most of issue 2 screaming at the book and every decision Ryder chose or did not choose in this case, to make. I love how Zack is taking us back into the past a little bit at a time because we can sympathize with the world Ryder once knew. As a reader Zack easily lets us slip into his shoes and we like to think about how we should help one another. However, the glass shatters instantly as his rough around the edges newfound partner has accepted what must be done and will not hesitate. If anything I am loving how Ryder isn’t being built up as this hero or savior within this story. The monsters also are not always those who are infected either. As the story unfolds and villains and situations are revealed I felt more and more frustrated with our main characters choices and to me that is the mark of amazing writing.

The Art:

Stefano begins to reveal the variety of creatures and the dangers of this world. The creatures we face in this issue in fact are ugly as all can be and there is a sense of disgust I felt when looking at them. I’m a big fan of when art invokes these types of emotions and it is beyond creative over giving us run of the mill designs. Rocha’s coloring in some of the creatures as well give off a slimy texture which further deepens the disgusting, don’t touch me feeling I get from this issue. They take us through the stages of infection even in this issue. We start with those freshly infected, still having a chance to comeback from being infected, and then what can happen once they are too far gone. The team, along with Hassan (EISNER WINNING LETTERER!!!) tell these details through the artwork and flow of the story.

Final Thoughts:

Only The Savage Are Left #2 will leave you yelling at your book or computer or whatever it is you choose to read this issue with. The complexity within our main characters that Zack delivers is not our traditional hero’s journey and that is a great thing. Thiago, Stefano, and Hassan’s ability to tell an accompanying story through the art with the designs and subtle hints laid in the story do an incredible job. This story continues to get better and sinks its claws further into me the more I read.

Overall Grade: 10/10

How do you feel after this issue? Let us know in the comments and  check out more by Matt!