A Less Impressive Second Step In Lucifer #2
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Lucifer unearths a massive statue that he knows to be the visage of his captor. Meanwhile, John is still at the Gately House, and Robert tries to get him to forget about Penny’s last words and to go home as soon as he can. Soon after, John receives another devastating call from the doctor. Back in Lucifer’s prison village, the witches reflect on times past and how the current maiden became part of the coven. It was the time of the plague, and the coven was but a mother and a crone and in fear that they would be blamed for the plague. Then, Lucifer paid them a visit.
Lucifer #2 takes the intriguing start from issue #1 and…well it doesn’t take it much further in this issue.
The backstory of the maiden and her coven is the most interesting part of the comic. Their story is a little predictable, but it adds some depth to the coven and shows where they come from.
The developments in John’s story are a bit tragic, too. He has potential as a pain figure in this tale.
Beyond that, there isn’t a lot of interest in this issue. Bear in mind, I’ve yet to read a lot of the prior Vertigo Lucifer material, so I may be missing some dramatic reveals and references to issues long past. That said, the book still has an obligation to grab newer readers, and I didn’t feel particularly in this issue’s grasp.
Sebastian and Max Fiamura continue to keep the book visually appealing, though. Their gritty and at-times off putting artwork is an excellent fit for Lucifer. This ragged and emaciated version of the Prince of Hell is an interesting and stand-out change of pace. I am also a big fan of his crimson armor in the flashback scenes of the coven’s backstory. Dave McCaig’s color art is similarly grim but offset by vicious reds that keep the visuals lively.
Lucifer #2 is a less exciting issue than the first, but it still has a number of strong points. While I can’t call it a must-read like the first issue, you will still find something of interest if you greatly enjoyed that opening installment like myself. If you did, feel free to pick this one up.
Lucifer #2 comes to us from writer Dan Watters, artists Sebastian and Max Fiamura, color artist Dave McCaig, letterer Steve Wands, and cover artist Tiffany Turrill.
