“Prima Apparata #2” Review – Dancing the Dream

The Run Down

The years go by and time moves along. Writer Olivia Dufault shows that as time moves, that doesn’t mean that friendships have to fade… but it doesn’t necessarily mean things won’t be hidden. What might we mean by this? Well, you may just have to join Eddie and me as we review “Prima Apparata #2” in order to figure that out!

Writer: Olivia Dufault

Artist: Rebekah Isaacs

Colorist: Marissa Louise

Letterer: Becca Carey

The Writing

Eddie: Mar and Rhea are entering the full swing of their education and training as dancers. They are seeing firsthand how deadly and gruesome their life can be. Rhea’s rebellious nature is developing as fast as her talent as a dancer. Mar is still focused on becoming the Prima Apparata and she’ll do whatever it takes to get there.

”Prima Apparata #2” continues this science fiction epic with a distinct dystopian streak. Olivia Dufault’s writing is slowly unwinding this beautiful but brutal world. That dichotomy is strong, powerful, and shocking. The characters of Mar and Rhea are beautifully done. They represent two sides of the same coin, equally talented, but focused on different aspects of life. Their characterizations create interesting commentary on the role of social and economic privilege.

Eda: The way that Olivia Dufault writes this story is quite possibly among the most unique I’ve ever seen. While I very much enjoyed the previous issue, she truly sucked me in here. The dichotomy in Mar’s and Rhea’s friendship is highly interesting, but through it, she makes you worry about how things will turn out, dangling the endgame in front of you like shiny, jangling keys. Call me a pessimist, but I have a very sinking feeling things won’t turn out well.

To go along with the intriguing story beats is Dufault’s expert pacing. Everything here feels slow and methodical, like a dance with the minds and eyes of readers. That pace works to the story’s benefit, allowing us to take everything in and bask in each moment.

The Art

Eddie: The art of Rebekah Carey is beautifully detailed and jacks us directly into the action. Marissa Louise’s colors help solidify the dual nature of what we are seeing, gorgeous with an overwhelming edge of looming danger around every turn. Becca Carey’s letters drive the action with subtlety, injecting us into Mar’s mind and thoughts to the point where we feel we are one with her. The combination of those elements turns “Prima Apparata” into a gorgeous but scary symphony.

Eda: I don’t know how they did it, but Marissa Louise managed to capture every moment perfectly. Her colors truly breathe life and beauty into the space and destruction, perfectly capturing the dichotomy of the story. Meanwhile, Carey’s lines and inks are absolutely phenomenal, capturing the intensity of every moment from decision-making to the destructive dances. Lastly, Carey’s letters truly give voices to the voiceless and sound to the silence, making it easy to imagine how each character talks and how each machine sounds.

Final Thoughts

Eddie: “Prima Apparata #2” pulls us through the twists and turns of this world, and there are clearly more surprises to come. Olivia Dufault and team are in nearly perfect harmony as they weave this strong and refreshing original story.

Eda: Olivia Dufault and the team have truly made reading this feel like witnessing the world’s most beautiful ballet. The way the story, art, colors, and letters all play and dance together is a true wonder. “Prima Apparata#2” is something you truly need to read for yourself.

Eddie’s Grade: 9/10
Eda’s Grade: 9/10
Overall Grade: 9/10

Comments

Have you picked up “Prima Apparata”? If so, what are your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments below!