If you didn’t read Big Man Plans #1, then you missed out on one of the best things to happen to comics in a long while. This series hit like lightning and really got your attention while stopping your heart. I really wondered what this issue would do with the first issue covered so much story and being so damn good, but here we are on the second issue… let’s find out. Holy. Shit.
We didn’t know what Big Man was planning with that hammer in the last issue, but holy shit. I can’t spoil it for you. I could, but I won’t. The opening to this issue instantly reminds you why you shit your pants for the first issue. Let’s just say that revenge is in full swing, but of course there’s a snag. There has to be a snag because as good and different as this story is, it’s still following the revenge outline and that’s okay. It’s kind of like watching Kill Bill, you know that boiled down to its core it’s not that different, but the execution and heart is what makes it different. Same thing with Big Man Plans, the core is revenge and the ups and downs that come with it, but the execution is what makes it incredible.
This comics is so fucking great. Way better than Kill Bill in case you were wondering.
I really wish I could say more about the story, but only five things happen, it’s just that they’re executed so well that it’s all that needs to happen. Gah, it’s so fucking good.
The art is of course fantastic because it’s Eric Powell. In this issue it really becomes apparent that Powell isn’t just duplicating his efforts on The Goon. There’s a lot of reality soaked into this series and while there’s still his trademark style present, it is different from his other work and I can see and appreciate that now. I don’t think it was quite as obvious on the first issue, but definitely here. There’s also an incredible transition from past to present in this issue that was very cinematic and Powell uses the gutter to make the transition in your mind while reading. The art is fantastic and continues to produce the imagery that makes you say, “Holy shit.”
I almost feel like I’m cheating this series by having such a short review, but I don’t want to tell you anything else about it. I mean I do. I want to tell you all about what Big Man does with that hammer. Oh man, do I ever. I want to tell you about what happens to him the next time he goes to use it. I want to tell you about every damn page of this comic, but more than anything I want you to read it and enjoy it for yourself. I want you to tell your friends and have them look at you like you’re a crazy asshole and then read it for themselves and suddenly you start the “Holy Shit Book Club” and your first book is Big Man Plans… because gah! It’s so fucking great. Give it a shot, if you don’t like it then take a hammer to your head and read it again.
Score: 5/5
Big Man Plans #2 (of 4) Writers: Eric Powell & Tim Wiesch Artist: Eric Powell Publisher: Image Comics Price: $3.50 Release Date: 4/5/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital