Burning Fields #2

by F.D. White on February 19, 2015

Hey, HBO, you want to scoop up a sweet IP for what would surely be an Emmy contender for best mini-series? Look no further. Burning Fields is your answer. 

After an incredibly gripping first issue, Burning Fields returns to lay the reader into the thick of it. This issue gives us even more in-depth look into Dana and Aban's past lives. What we find out by the end of the issue is both intriguing and appalling, something that should lure readers further into the lore of the story. If you were invested before starting this issue then there will be no turning back by the end of it. While the pages are generally filled with copious word balloons and caption boxes, everything feels necessary. The story moves along at it's own pace, determined to make sure that you understand not only the weight of the story, but the weight of the real world situation of para-military operations that the story is based around. This is reverse American Sniper, there is no grandstanding. Here is the nitty gritty, the effect that these operations have on the Middle East is presented in front of you and then glazed in a nice horror-mystery. The funny thing is that I use nice because in comparison to the actual horror of the situation the cult-horror story surrounding it is fantasy to pull you away from the horrible reality of it all. 

As I said in the first issue review, the paneling, pacing, and art work wonders here giving the story a gritty HBO drama feel. I wasn't kidding earlier when I said HBO should option this story. Colin Lorimer's art adds heft to the story that is necessary given the dark subject matter. He grounds the fantastic with realism, think True Detective in terms of tone and mood. 

Burning Fields is building up an epic story that utlizes both modern and ancient fears. This slow build is heading towards a powder keg explosion. Hop on now before it's too late.

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside