“Red Roots #2” Review – A Risky Departure That Pays Off

After the end of the last issue, it became clear that this run would wear its unpredictability on its sleeve. While this doesn’t always pay off, it’s more than safe to say that it does here. If you need proof, read it for yourself, but also take it from Shawn and I here as we entice you!

Writer & Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
Lettering: Rus Wooton
Design: Drew Gill

Writing the Roots

Shawn: I really enjoyed this issue. I thought as good as issue #1 was, Lorenzo De Felici really stepped up his game. One thing he did really well was give you enough information to feel like you’re learning more about the roots while also still leaving enough to the imagination to keep you coming back.

This is shaping up to be such a unique story. De Felici lets us see how our two individuals begin to bridge their stories together. The way he seamlessly introduced a new setting was magnificent and I’m anxious to learn more about where our characters now find themselves.

Edalyn: I’m in complete agreement with Shawn here. The way De Felici pulled off the impossible is absolutely awe inspiring. Introducing a new setting in such a way as this is no easy feat, yet De Felici made it look so. Any aspiring writers looking to do something outside of the norm should be looking this way and taking note.

While reading, I knew right away that this was a fantasy world that I want so much more of. It felt truly living and thriving, with its own set of characters and history, yet we don’t yet know what that is. In the coming issues, I truly hope we get more as I’m absolutely still hooked.

Art That Stands Out

Shawn: As good as the writing is, De Felici’s artwork may be even better. He forms a symbiotic relationship with his written words as both begin to feed off each other. This in turn raises the overall quality of the issue. In making the two work so well together, De Felici creates some really surprising blink or you’ll miss it moments. In one panel, a character remarks that they are missing their glasses and De Felici takes a moment to make the rest of the panel distorted and fuzzy as if someone were looking at it without their glasses.

Edalyn: The art here by De Felici himself was absolutely next level, elevating everything to greater heights. It’s probably some of the most unique I’ve seen and truly made me feel enthralled into this new world. I could feel the dirt and grime seeping out of the page and into my bedroom. When an artist can make that happen while simultaneously excelling in the writing department, you know you’re reading something special.

Final Thoughts

Shawn: Overall, this is a really strong follow-up issue. I’m intrigued by this story and can’t wait to see what happens next. While De Felici is known primarily as an artist, “Red Roots #2” shows that he’s a strong writer as well. This is a story I can’t wait to see more of.

Edalyn: De Felici is truly a wonder maker. From his writing to his artwork, he excels on both fronts, something that isn’t easy to do. I’m super excited to see where things go from here!

Shawn’s Grade: 9/10
Edalyn’s Grade: 9.5/10
Overall Grade: 9.25/10

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Comments

Are you reading “Red Roots”? What’re you thinking so far? Let us know in the comments below!