Advance Review: ‘Mugshots’ #2 Has Logical Motivations
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
John Bannan is still trying to find his niece while trying to keep old foes and associates from knowing he is back in town. Meanwhile his brother-in-law is heading for a confrontation that may have more than deadly results. Not to mention there are the Albanian criminals giving local boss Harry Woods trouble. What stew of trouble will see creation from this dangerous mix of elements?
Overall
9.5/10Writer Jordan Thomas creates another strong script for this series. Yet, it is a bit reliant on the first issue to understand what is going on at the start of this one. One of the reasons for this is the use of plain language which may make it tough to remember this is set in England. Though there are certain words and elements of characterization that make it clear it is set in England. On the plus side, Jordan Thomas adds to the cast, and list of suspects, in logical ways. Due to how logical things are this reviewer is currently thinking it is an unlikely suspect who is responsible for the abduction. However, Thomas has yet to swerve from the realm of the logical and into that of the surprising.
Chris Matthews and lettering by Lucas Gattoni.
Artist Chris Matthews gives some personality to non-characters via nonverbal communication in the interior art. This is a smart move to do since it adds to the realism side of the the art style. Also there is a comical element to certain scenes that plays well with the realism to create believable, but not overly explicit violence. Matthews also does a good job with color theory to affect a sense of atmosphere. Another thing worth mentioning is that Matthews makes a character appear in a non-sexual way in one panel. This is good because the panel and sequence are displaying negative emotions. Meaning Matthews does not lose this emotional beat for the sake of the male gaze.
Chris Matthews also provides the cover for this issue. It is seemingly a symbolic piece suggesting the lead male protagonist is drowning in trouble while being in a bind.
Letterer Lucas Gattoni does a nice job with placing the text, especially when it comes to transition points between pages. However, Gattoni does seem to get a little sloppy with the shaping of a few word balloons, particularly on the last few pages.
Mugshots #2 is due out from Mad Cave Studios on July 17th.
