Under Cover Agents And Over The Top Action: Reviewing ‘Nemesis Forever’ #2
by Olly MacNamee
Summary
And I thought the billionaire class of our reality were vicious. But our titular criminal mastermind even puts them to shame in ‘Nemesis Forever’ #2. And while he seems to enjoy the privileges wealth brings to enrich his master plan, we also catch up with deep cover operative, Agent Katy Tepper, as she gets closer to her prize.
Overall
9/10The bodies keep on piling up – even if we don’t know what Nemesis’s endgame is yet, while deep-cover Special Agent Katy Tepper tries to ingrain herself into the criminal underworld with an induction task that is shockingly brutal. Until you realise the CIA isn’t as dumb as you’d expect. But still dumb enough to not be able to keep up with Nemesis. However, neither can the reader, as we delve into the central mystery of Nemesis’ grand plans. Whatever that may be.
And while we get a good deal of tension created in the scene involving Tepper in Nemesis Forever #2, I do enjoy those scenes, including Nemesis as he wallows in his huge, huge wealth and untouchable status and boosting of a master plan. Curiouser and curiouser.
Mark Millar isn’t averse to satire, and clearly, Nemesis is a figure that drips with satire; a menacing Elon Musk on the global stage, but with the skills and abilities to kill in large numbers. He is the quintessential billionaire writ large. More than just a megalomaniac with wealth beyond imagination, Nemesis is a modern-day super villain that the likes of Musk only wish they could be. The parallels are obvious, but wickedly fun.
In using many European artists of late – in this case the inclusion of Matteo Scalera – gives this series a taste of the European. Artists who did not just grow up with superhero fodder, but also the art of bande dessinée, Asterix, Valerian, Mobieus and so many more influences that can be seen in many a European artists such as Scalera. And whenever I read comics by such artists, I am immediately reminded of this tradition. I just feel it elevates a floppy copy comic to a higher standard, and this issue is no exception. Great emotional expressions are caught as well as great theatrics too. Especially as there is a lot of talk going on heads in this particular issue. But, with exceptional execution of the script, it still remains an engaging comic book from start to finish. With said finish, once more playing like a summer blockbuster in the sheer scale of action presented to the reader in the closing pages.
Whatever Nemesis’s grand plan is, I’m invested. Can he really continue to get away with it every time?
Nemesis Forever #2 is out now from Black Horse Comics.
