Brain Boy #2

by kanchilr1 on October 15, 2013

Writer Fred Van Lente Artist R.B. Silva

Introduction

The first chapter of Brain Boy was a well drawn and written opening chapter of an enticing new series by writer Fred Van Lente, and artist R.B. Silva. The character has a distinctive look that is not being capitalized on in most modern comics. The hero is part of Dark Horse’s brand new superhero line, featuring many other fascinating new series. The comic takes the government subterfuge angle, which most were not expecting from this type of story. Watching a well known scribe build an idea from almost scratch, is intriguing here. Nothing seems to be holding this narrative back except for singular imagination of the creators themselves. Another great aspect of the first installment of Brain Boy, was that the script seemed tailor made to suit the needs of R.B. Silva. The artist is truly exceptional, and the story riffed on some of the finer elements of the artist and writer combination. Great comics are similar to jazz, in the sense that two creators need to be on the same page and work together to produce awesome material. This industry includes a couple people, as opposed to one singular voice.

Writing

There are some crazy ideas in this installment, but they seem to suit the script incredibly well. The creative team grounds every one of these strange visual ideas and make them look great on the printed page. Brain Boy #2 is very intriguing visually, but the script is the main factor contributing to the idea. The voice over in these pages had the potential to wreak with cheese, instead the writer takes a stripped down approach that is quite funny. Those who enjoy the minor quips of Spider-Man will feel right at home here. The writer takes funny phrases or ideas, then finds a self deprecating element that will hook the reader in. The script dives slightly further into the mythology that this series could possibly have, which proves very amusing. There is a fun tone in this story that more comics should take away.

Art

R.B. Silva is a genius, one could could call him the true Brain Boy. The Brazilian artist has spent most of his time working over at DC, which makes a Dark Horse book an interesting proposition for the creator. The penciller has definitely grown considerably over the last couple years, working on refining the details of some of the backgrounds in this issue. If I had one quibble with this issue art wise, it is the covers by Ariel Olivetti. There is such a sleek style lying under the surface of the covers, but casual comics fans would have no idea judging that from the old timey image they are presented with from the art team on the front of the book. Really, this is only a complaint because Silva is so fantastical in this title and nobody should sell the artist short.

Conclusion

Those looking for an alternative to the mainstream dark superheroics should come here for an interesting take on superheroes and the like. Silva and Lente are producing some of the best material that readers could ask for.

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside