Not a lot happens in this issue. It’s all pretty straightforward and while it sets the stage for future events, it leaves this issue feeling average and even a bit dull. What stood out the most in this particular issue is that the comedy almost complete evaporates. There are a couple of soft attempts at humor, but for the most part the jokes are either non-existent or very cliché for the genre. One thing that stood out about the plot this time around is the fact that no one from Cody’s city seemed to notice or care that he’s been gone for a day… or more. If the story holds true to the tropes of the genre, then this is likely to play a role in the coming issues; but it still stands out in this issue.

Cody reunites with his friend Deron that was introduced in the previous issue. Deron happens to be the king of the rival city that Cody declared and then undeclared war upon. Whereas Cody’s city is massive, beautiful and rich looking; Deron’s city is grungy, but quaint. After Cody reveals that he’s stopped the war (which as the reader we know isn’t the case) he begins helping out around the city. He and his royal guards change diapers on babies, feed the poor and essentially show through their actions that they’re ready to co-exist with each other. Again, no one else from Cody’s city seems to notice or take part in this leaving you to wonder what it’s all for.

Personally I had a hard time buying into to Cody doing all this stuff. Not because it was out of character for him, but because it didn’t make any sense. Three dudes, one of which is barely holding onto his throne spend time doing average tasks and this somehow makes peace? Peace with the city that didn’t declare war, but instead was ready to defend themselves against an attack. Also why would his friend randomly ask this of him?

I didn’t buy Deron’s character at all. Whereas Cody was the crazy power hungry king looking to party and not actually caring for the people, Deron relates to his people’s struggles instantly and only looks to give back to the community and build prosperity between the two cities. Granted they’re supposed to be night and day, but Deron comes across as an un-relatable saint of saintliness. If this is their personalities then how are they friends? Deron may have been there for two weeks, but his knowledge of the city, people and the history of the world is too vast to be believable.

This series is definitely following a formula and while it works, it’s not as successful as the first issue. The first issue brought a flair of freshness with its updated jokes and humor, but that has faded quickly. The series wasn’t exactly blazing a new path, but it was at least entertaining and now that has faded.

The artwork is consistent and wonderful as always. It really is the lynchpin that holds the entire series together. Unfortunately its success is limited by the plot, so there isn’t a lot more to say about it. Consistently great, but hindered at the same time.

The series has stopped focusing on the “Native Guided View” technology as much this issue or really they use it effectively. The second issue was heavy handed on the NGV, but this issue uses it seamlessly and to the success of the story. Kudos to the team for that.

What will the fourth issue be like? The question needs to be asked because so far no two issues have been alike. The faults of one issue are not the faults of another. If you were to compare all three issues to this point you could describe the series as inconsistent and with that the art is again the lynchpin keeping it all together. Remove that pin and this series is in trouble. Hopefully the next issue will find a middle ground between all three issues and show some semblance of the first.

Score: 3/5

Writer: Quinton Miles Artist: Daniele Cosentino Coloirst: Giulia Priori Publisher: QAM Comics Price: $.99 Release Date: 2/5/14