When I take on a review, it’s because I’m wondering if I should read/see/experience the thing that is being reviewed.  It’s the way I roll.  I’m assuming if you’re reading this, you either are a friend of mine, or you’re wondering if you should read this comic (Spurs #2.2, in case you’re wondering).  There is a limited third category of reader: the creator, seeking feedback on his or her piece of work. 

Anywho.  About 1 year ago (Seriously – one year ago.), I reviewed this comic/CD combination called Spurs.  I loved it.  It was this thing that was like Twin Peaks and Merle Haggert, a little bit funked up, and a little confusing . . . nd it was good.

I never looked back.  A year passed.  I had moved on and assumed the artists did, as well.

And then, my editor asked for a review of the next one.  I’m not going to lie – the biggest criticism I have of #2.2 (Why not #2? Dunno – just go with it and think of England.) is that it has been one year! Putting the two back together was a challenge.  And, upon reviewing #1, which was complicated and awesome and weird, I had to basically reread the whole thing just to get back into it.  I’m not lying when I say I resented this.

But.

#2.2 is good.  So is the accompanying music.  The music is evolved.  It’s Crash Test Dummies and Foo Fighters and Toad the Wet Sprocket in a blender.  Blended mostly with slow base and a country twang.  It’s nice.  It matches the comic, and the idea that the two should be drunk together, like a gin and tonic,  is correct.

But.

It takes work.  I can recommend #2.2 wholeheartedly – so long as you’ve got #1 nearby.  The stories meld and transform and mess you up a little.  They range from fun/funny to straight horrific and they leave gaps.  Big gaps.  And, you need to catch up.  If you’ve got #1, you need #2.2.  If you don’t have #1, you’re lost without it.

The comic is good.  The story is rougher, sharper, and “bleedier.”  More gritty.  The art is better, and there are a couple of panels I’d want in poster form (specifically her eyes.  HER EYES!).  So, nice work.  Hurry up on the next one, because #3.3 in October 2016 is asking a lot – but you know I’ll read it anyway.