Death Vigil #2
Publisher: Top Cow
Writer: Stjepan Sejic
Artist: Stjepan Sejic
Cover: Stjepan Sejic
The world of Death Vigil becomes a little larger in this issue as Sejic not only introduces more characters, but also gives the story a deeper purpose. He balances the origin of Samuel along with what is happening to Clara in the present. This helps move things along at a very nice pace, and he provides some pretty humorous dialogue along the way. None of which seems out of place and forced, as it just flows naturally from panel to panel. By doing this we’re given a very fleshed out principal cast of new characters that are fun to watch interact with one another.
Several more characters are also introduced along the way, and here is where things get a bit busy. As Clara is becoming acclimated to becoming a Death Vigil, there’s a sudden shift to a battle already in progress. Once it concludes our two successful veteran Death Vigils return to their home and meet Clara. From here Sejic has one of them explain the purpose of the Vigil to the new recruit, and a bit about their enemy the Necromancers. Though much of it is still delivered with the solid pacing and well timed humor as earlier in the issue, it is much to take in after receiving so much exposition earlier on.
However, you can also argue that if there’s more exposition then that means more of Sejic’s artwork, which is just as solid here. One thing you can always count on when it comes to Sejic’s artwork is great creature designs and some of the best panel layouts in the industry. The guy makes full use of the page and refuses to waste any space in the panels.
Kudos to Sejic for handling both the writing and art duties on this title, and not dropping the ball on either area. After being blown away by the first issue, there were high expectations going into the second. With that said, Death Vigil is starting off as a must read series that you need to check out.
Till next time!
Infinite Speech
infinitespeech@comicattack.net
