By Justin McCarty
The witches of Redlands are back! Like Dustin pointed out in his review, issue one was more of a prologue. Issue two has the witches running the town as the town’s law enforcement. Redlands doesn’t seem to be aware of who the ladies really are, while they story moves ahead some period of time pretty much to the present day. Now the ladies have a mysterious adversary bent on outing them.
I still like Redlands, there is a richness to this story. There is a lot below the surface just waiting to be revealed. The story does not move along very much in this issue, and that’s ok. Even so, this is a definite start to the story of Redlands and the witches we were introduced to in issue one. This issue is a little slower paced than the last; that comes from the new set of character’s we have to be introduced to and set up the new situation that has the ladies now at the top of power, instead of escaping from nooses. Jordie still refuses to let us know if these ladies are heroes or villains.
The plot is taught, with a through line straight to the end, which keeps you reading. My one disappointment is the old school horror feel that came with the last issue is not as upfront. I look forward to more eerie scenes like the basement scene from the last issue.
The art continues to work for me. It has plenty of contrast and flow. The line art is very readable; I never had to search for anything. The colors continue to be moody with broad single color washes. It’s very much in keeping with old school horror where the palate is limited to single primary colors. There is a lot of red here, which gives the reader a sense of danger and urgency.
The story is just getting starting; we are learning the witch's place in this world, the secrets, and danger that is ahead. Are these ladies good or bad for the town of Redlands; benevolent or hateful; do they want life or death?
Redlands #2 is a solid installment that kicks off the story in earnest. Pick it up September 13th.
Score: 5/5
Redlands #2
Story: Jordie Bellaire & Vanesa R. Del Rey
Art: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Color: Jordie Bellaire
Lettering: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Image Comics