The artwork in Titan Comics’ Masked #2 stands out with large, lively cityscapes that generate a real sense of dimension. Differently angled views of Paris show the magnificent details crafted by artists Stephane Crety, Julien Hugonnard-Bert, and Gaetan Georges. The combined efforts of these three maximize every millimeter of each page.
Varying sizes of panels mix from one page to the next – either long or wide, small or large, or smaller panels planted on top of a full-page illustration. Along with this design, hallways, office spaces, and atriums appear massive, allowing actions scenes such as rainfall, flying cars, and explosions to seem even more lifelike. This blend of imagery enhances the story and moves the reader forward as writer Serge Lehman leads you through this multifaceted plot.
Leading off from where Lehman left us in Issue #1, he provides a synopsis describing the main character, Frank Braffort, as he deals with returning to “Paritropolis.” After leaving the military, he gets wrapped up in a world that now includes self-creating, mechanical “anomalies.” Not only is Braffort trying to learn about how his home has changed over the years, he encounters one of these anomalies face to face. In doing so, the resulting aftermath insinuates some divine connection between the veteran and these creatures.
Lehman is an award-winning writer for previous works, and Masked recreates this masterful ability to lead his fans along as bits and pieces of the plot bubble to the surface throughout the comic book. He presents a mystery with many moving parts, while allowing the reader to uncover elements of this tale alongside the main character. Of course, with any intriguing storyline comes that many more questions needing to be answered. This unknown helps to drive curiosity as you easily flip through the pages.
Braffort learns what he can from his sister, who he’s living with since his return to Paris, and his former military brethren and current love interest, Mel, who has to endure imprisonment while awaiting trial after assaulting a ranking official. These two connections give him a reason to stay in town and try to understand what’s going on, especially with a pending job offer that places him square in the middle of these odd events.
This issue of Masked is visually stunning from its dramatic vantage points, and includes scenes meant for mature audiences. Some relationships are further established, while others generate a sense of apprehension, as the main character gets pulled into a world filled with anomalies and those trying to decipher the intent behind them.
Masked #2 is now available in print and digital form.
