Advance Review: Meeting The Newest Recruit In ‘The Ambassadors’ #2

In The Ambassadors #2 we get to meet the next two Ambassadors to be recruited into service and, through the eyes of Binnu Bhatia, we get to know a bit more about this superhero programme. He’s the main star of this issue, and not too shy to ask pertinent questions too. The answers of which help inform the reader as much as it does him. The second recruit will have to wait for his time to shine in the spotlight.

Our first meeting with Binnu comes in the opening pages of the book when his act of selflessness causes him to be hospitalised and brought before Doctor Choon-He; the brains behind the Ambassadors. And, as an Indian by birth and upbring in the city of Delhi, he is quickly assigned a costume representative of his country’s flag. Which brings about an interesting discussion on such costumes and why Choon-He is insisting all her Ambassadors will be each wearing a similar costume. Personally, I’ve always liked these types of costumes, with my personal favourite having to be Alan Davis’s Captain Britain costume. A timeless classic. And, Binnu’s costume gives off a similar vibe. 

The artist on this issue is Karl Kerschl, who provides a style not too dissimilar to Manga income of its influence. And in abandoning panel borders produces art that is more delicate in its presentation, almost akin to animation cells spread out on a. Page rather than comic book illustrations. The colours of Michele Assarasakorn also help create this  sense of a subtler style of art on the page too. Lighter, not-quite black outlines utilised also dial back the visuals and while there is a lot to take in, its not an onslaught.

This second issue, as well as filling in some of the details on the Ambassadors and their limitations, also acts as a training issue as Binnu is put through his paces ahead of a reunion with family and friends. And that’s when Mark pillar drops his usual twist. You don’t see it coming, there’s no foreshadowing, but it does turn Binnu’s world upside down. Now, while this training issue does help relay important information to the readers about the Ambassadors and their access to powers, it’s the ending to this latest issue that offers up the semblance of the bigger story arc being played out here. It would seem that Doctor Choon-He is the Willy Wonka of the superhero world and her ex-husband is Slugworth. If you read the comic, you’ll get the reference. But, no spoilers from me! 

Overall, this second issue dives straight into the action in introducing us to the person who goes onto be names Codename India, as well as set out the parameters of the Ambassadors power set and limitations as well as hint at possible problems in the near future. Quite a good deal covered with more outstanding art. And, Travis Charest coming next! 

The Ambassadors #2 is out Wednesday 12th April from Image Comics