Abe Sapien: Dark and Terrible #2
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writers: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie
Artist: Sebastián Fiumara
Colors: Dave Stewart
This issue brings us several aspects that were previously unknown. First off, we get to see what happened with Abe when he first came out of his coma. He and Panya had an interesting conversation and it was one that was very shocking to Abe, especially when he learned of Hellboy’s death. She also informs him that there are certain events plaguing the Earth now, and all these creatures that are terrorizing the planet seem to have been set off when Abe was shot by Fenix. He then sets out to find out why he’s somehow connected to all this.
Abe winds up in a church, but as he’s heading for the confessional he’s noticed by a priest. He eases the man’s fears, and then the two talk for a bit. He tells Abe of the carnage that’s ensued (while he was in the coma), and that regular conveniences like sewage and running water have been cut off in some areas. He lets Abe rest for a while in a bedroom, and while he sleeps Abe dreams about his past, and perhaps what’s to come as well. As he wakes up, he hears the priest delivering his sermon, but things quickly spiral out of control. Before you know it, a few of the parishioners attack the priest, disagreeing with his thoughts on the recent atrocities. Abe jumps in to stop them, but realizes that he and the priest are in over their heads.
Wow, what a fantastic issue from Mignola and Allie. They really cranked up the awesome in this issue. With only one more issue in this mini, though, is it really possible to tie up all the loose ends in one more book? Everyone realizes that they can keep the story going in BPRD, no doubt, but three issues might be cutting Abe a little short of the much needed spotlight he has to have in order to get him back to the forefront properly. The coercion (seemingly) by Panya at the beginning was a great psychological angle that was missing from most of the previous BPRD stories.
The artwork by Fiumara and Stewart was just exhilarating. Fiumara really gets Abe Sapien and how he should look and act. That being said, he also draws great action scenes. The first page has a panel at the bottom that is super cool (above)! The flashback scenes where Abe is recounting his origins are also quite good, and Dave Stewart has a lot to do with that. Rating 4/5
Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net
