This was the first issue I felt left behind on. I haven’t read the first volume of Pariah and up until this issue I didn’t really see the need. The series thus far has recapped enough of the previous events and hurried forward so much that I thought it was just going to keep chugging forward. There’s a bit too much mention of the past volume in this issue, which is surprisingly the only bad thing about it. In the last issue we meet Hal Roberts the last Vitro on the planet since the rest of them are trapped in space. His parents are anti-government types, but instead of being religious or whack jobs in general, they’re just paranoid of the power the government has and want to live free; be it a bit more than the average person.

We see how Hal grew up for a while and then one day the government comes for him. His father tells the Feds that they’re not getting him, but that ends up with him being hand cuffed over the hood of a car. Seeing the potential of the situation, Hal executes a plan he’s had to live free from his parents. This puts him on the run from everyone and we learn what Hal’s vitro powers are. He basically speaks all languages, but heavily associates with computers of course. He fakes his death and then begins communicating with other vitros. How does he come in contact with the space station and become their last hope on earth? Well let’s just say that there is a plan and you’ll see why Hyde and the vitro’s self-appointed leader kept it a secret.

What continues to impress me about the story for this series is the fact that each issue stars one character and it sticks with that character. I was worried after the first issue that I wouldn’t like another character, but I’ve been proved wrong twice since. I’m still largely not a fan of the supporting cast and dread the day that they become the star for a month.

The narration works really well for this series. It makes the characters personal and with their extra thoughts the art can focus more on the storytelling aspect of the visuals rather than helping with exposition. Hal was an interesting character, but like those before him on this series I doubt we’ll see him again for some time.

The artwork is still the biggest reason I come back to this series. I should say that art and coloring since that’s a huge part of it. Brett Weldele’s visuals are spot on for the series, but his coloring is what gives the book a unique look. It’s the constant flux of hues that keeps the book from being boring to look at.

Much like the last issue we’re left with an idea of what will happen in the next issue. Who we’ll follow remains unknown, but as long as the issues remain consistently good I’ll be back to check them out. This issue might not be the best to jump on with, but I have a feeling the next issue won’t have time to reference the past. If anything you should catch up on the first two issues before reading this one.

Score: 4/5

Writes: Aron Warner and Philip Gelatt Artist: Brett Weldele Publisher: Dark Horse Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/30/14 Format: Ongoing, Print/Digital