Rasputin #2

by Forrest.H on November 26, 2014

Rasputin #2 Comic Review
Intrigue of the Russian resurrectionist magic variety

Writer: Alex Grecian 
Artist: Riley Rossmo 
Publisher: Image


Rasputin survives a few fights, makes some friends, and waxes poetic on his impending doom, again. And, again, it's just as good as the first issue, no more or less.

Grecian attempts to give more this time around. Rasputin, quippy and oddly heroic in ways that don't quite match up to the real man, is a great leading character. One, that I can see myself growing to like quite a bit as this story progresses. This kind of cold, bitter place that Grecian and Rossmo are creating together is the perfect setting for this story to take place in, too. It's great worldbuilding, it feels authentic and so does the dialogue despite the strangeness of the premise. I'm always a fan of flash forwards that revel in the kind of dark, brooding, foreshadowing that takes place at the end of this issue, too. Grecian is a great storyteller, one that understands pace and place. But, again, only so much is done and said and I can't help feeling that it's going to be a slow, laborious crawl towards Rasputin's end, one that might not hook readers who crave more than is given. It's a matter of taste, of course, but Grecian and Rossmo are playing a risky game especially if there aren't some twists and turns aren't around the corner. 

Rossmo, again, carries a big part of the story and he carries it well. His pictures transcend words, telling story of fight, magic and flawed hero. The bar fight is an exquisite example of Rossmo's abilities, telling story simply through fluid and followable motion. The places are real, detailed and believable. Rasputin himself is a great character written by Grecian but an even greater one envisioned by Rossmo. He's sleek, slender, sad and strangley powerful, a character deserving of Rossmo's work. 

The story, its brooding nature, is one of intrigue and mystery even if we know the end. Grecian and Rossmo keep up the pace here but it's hard to decide whether or not that pace is the appropriate one. I don't think this issue will pull readers on the fence in but, I do think it's a great indication of whats to come which I have high hopes for.
 

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside