This series grabbed the attention of so many writers on the site that it’s back again with another group review. It’s likely the last so enjoy the variety of opinions before the solo reviews begin with the next issue. As with every group review the writers/reviews of Comic Bastards will give their opinion along with a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass for the issue. First here’s a blurb about the issue from Dark Horse Comics: A new world order plotted by a secret cabal known as the Advisors seems to be connected to the crazed criminal known as the Jackal, Metatron’s trip to the moon, and the deadly new villain known as Tarcus. What does it mean for Faustus and his teammates?
Dustin: Buy
I’m really enjoying the depth that this story has. The world felt very small in the first volume, but with the second story arc (DHP) it became huge. Now our characters feel very small compared to everything else and even the Superman-esc character comes across as just a man. I think that’s probably the most amazing thing about Oeming’s characters is that none of them are super, but rather people with extraordinary gifts that either use them for good or evil. Also my absolute favorite character returns and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next issue.
Oeming’s writing and art continues to be the best of his career. There was even a Power styled camera segment that I enjoyed. Highly entertaining and one of the best superhero titles being published.
Ed: Buy
Wow - I'm not sure what I was expecting but I certainly did not expect this. Victories is a brutal superhero comic, made to feel even more so by the contrast between Oeming's cartoonish artwork and the visceral intensity of the action sequences in this issue. There's a lot of confidence to Oeming's thick lines, often resembling brush strokes, and it's really enhanced by Nick Filardi, who deserves a lot of credit for his colors.
I don't think The Victories is really one for my collection but it would be foolish and unkind to rate this as anything other than a "buy". Oeming's masterful art, well-paced script, natural dialogue and exciting storyline are a welcome addition to a superhero genre which often fails to deliver in the areas that The Victories excels. Fast pacing, hard hitting fight sequences, an intriguing plotline with a well-executed cliffhanger and an artist who's at the top of his game - you can't ask for much more than that in a cape comic. A lot of superhero readers are going to seriously dig this and it's well worth them giving it a try.
Serg: Buy
The Victories is off to a great start as an ongoing with the addition of the second issue. This issue gives a more detailed introduction to Meteron and a new villain is introduced who goes by the name of Tarcus. Meteron is still feeling the effects of Bacchu's sting and can't quite shake what's going on in his head. He tries to fight it for the sake of his team but it’s no use; especially when Sleeper can see right through him. Thief friendship adds a very real touch to the story which I really enjoy. Tarcus seems like a lunatic, he ate people who were waiting in line at a soup kitchen, where does one get the balls?
I'm really excited to see what kind of challenge he poses to The Victories. The ending grabbed my attention when they introduced what I assume is a dog like human bounty hunter... Wait a minute... Dog the bounty hunter?? The story was great and it looks like this is going to be one hell of an introductory arc. The art was fantastic as always and I especially appreciated any panel that focused on Tarcus just for the sheer brutality. In the words of that guy from Star Trek who also did, "Reading Rainbow", "Victories #2 was solid through and through, but don't take my word for it".
Connor: Buy
Whoa! Man I knew The Victories was something else when I read the first volume but after reading this issue things are starting to get insane. Two issues in and Michael Avon Oeming is really pulling all the punches.
His writing and art go together so well to deliver the mayhem that literally explodes on the pages, with some intriguing conspiring and slight reveals going on in the background. I've said it before and I will say it again, this is the stuff right here that you need to read if you want a good superhero comic. Seriously, you will not be disappointed.
Score: Buy It!
Writer/Artist/Creator: Michael Avon Oeming
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: 6/5/13