If the measure of a good book is it making you feel something, and uncomfortable is a feeling, then this issue did something very right. Unfortunately it was because of the very heavy rape implication. This issue jumps between the past and the present, showing us the weak Maddie she used to be and the tough version she has become. In the first page it is implied that Alton, who has Maddie held captive, will use her against her will. The second time we return to the past they are sharing a bed, she is wearing clothes though, so I'm not sure whether they are implying he is a gentleman and is trying to woo her (Stockholm syndrome style) or if they have done something. Either way she tries to escape, which Alton responds to by letting his men have their way with her. If the rapey vibe wasn't there before it certainly is here.

The dialogue is pretty good, adding to the creepy vibe in places and showing how they characters feel. Alton uses an analogy of his pet (wild badger) that ran away all the time, one time it got past the fence and died, so freedom is not good. He uses this to convince Maddie that she should give up and be his pet. In fact this issue is very Alton-centric, we find out about his past and why, even though he's a total scumbag that no one trusts, may or may not be helpful to Maddies plans.

The artwork is really nice, the people look real. Maddie is drawn really well. Unfortunately the two brothers and Alton look remarkably similar. Which makes it tough when they share a scene.

I don't know where this story is going. The guys are building a plane but there doesn't seem to be a plan for where they are going. The only thing that I'm sure of is, I don't like Alton. I'm not convinced of Maddies new-found toughness or her strategy or prowess. I want to believe that there is a reason that people follow her, but for right now I don't know what that is.

Score: 2/5

Lola XOXO: Wasteland Madam #2 Writer: Vince Hernandez Artist: Siya Oum Publisher: Aspen Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 5/27/15 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital