Emily and the Strangers: Breaking the Record issue two picks up right where we left off last month. To recap the gang had an unnerving visit with their potential record label and things are looking pretty shady. Especially, with all the stray cats following them around which makes Emily very suspicious. With that being said, this month we find that the front receptionist at the record label spills the beans on what’s actually going on there. Emily found it as no surprise. Apparently, the record label is just a front for kitty experiments. I think Emily can agree that there’s a special place in hell for kitten abusers. So they plan to expose the label with their mad musical and lyrical skills.
I actually really like how they came together to find a solution like they did. Well it was mostly Emily’s idea but either way I think that it sends a positive message to the readers. Especially to the younger readers who may be influenced by it; I like that it’s a creative way to stand up for those who don’t have a voice.
I have to say I’m actually a pretty big fan of Emily and the Strangers and I do really enjoy this arc, but this issue wasn’t quite doing it for me. I get that this issue is the build up to some major action coming but it was mostly just dialogue about what's going to happen. The issue just didn’t really move they all stayed in one location aside from the receptionist’s flashbacks. Past issues have had more action and covered more ground which I was expecting for this one as well. I just hope that the resolution doesn’t feel too rushed since not a whole lot happen this month. Also I noticed a lack of personality from the characters, in the “Battle of the Bands,” arc you got to see a little of each members uniqueness but I’m only seeing Emily’s personality here. Everyone just seems to follow Emily’s lead and I’d like to see more of what the other members have to offer.
Cat Farris has done a great job with the past issues and I’ve repeatedly praised her work but I don’t know about this issue. I’m not saying that I didn’t like this month’s illustrations but I think I’m used to seeing more layering in the background and just having more to look at. Also there seemed to be a lack of details, especially in the characters’ faces. However, the opening scene was pretty cool I liked the looming darkness in the background. I hope that the next issue will bring back that captivation I’ve seen in previous issues.
Score: 3/5
Writers: Rob Reger and Mariah Huehner Artist: Cat Farris Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 7/30/14 Format: Mini-Series, Print/Digital