With a single push of a button, Gabriel Winter erased the internet to save the world and thrust everyone into a new age, for better or worse. As his closest friends and associates of the W0RLDTR33 forum deal with the fallout, Special Agent Siobhan Silk continues her investigation into the events that began 25 years ago, the killer PH34R, and what the Undernet is.

Collecting issues #6-11, W0rldtr33: Volume 2 by multi-Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV and critically acclaimed artist Fernando Blanco delves deeper into the W0rldtr33 forum members and their battle against PH34R. Tynion successfully answers burning questions to the mysteries set up by the first volume while also generating new ones. In fact, the end of this collection is packed full of revelations, including one that will make readers reevaluate issue five’s ending. It’s a surprise there are still more mysteries waiting to be solved. It’s a testament to the team’s ability to craft a compelling narrative with a mystery that threads through each plotline. Each thread is relevant to the overall story, and figuring out how and when they would intersect becomes part of its charme.

Some sections of the trade paperback do take longer to get through than others, where large portions of exposition feel as though they may be setting up the big revelations in the next issue or volume. The action does tend to slow down a bit in the middle, and it isn’t until the ending that everything regains steam and jolts toward the finish line. That being said, the exposition can easily be forgiven, especially with how well the story develops over time.

The character designs are off the charts, as Blanco and colorist Jordie Bellaire do a magnificent job differentiating between them. Each character has its own style, silhouette, and appearance, emphasizing the uniqueness that can make up a person. The color palette also adds to the depth to the characters, showcasing Jordie Bellaire’s skillset.

Despite a bit of a slowdown in the middle, W0rldtr33: Volume 2 is an exciting chapter within the series, answering burning questions while setting up new mysteries, confrontations, and more in one of the best horror comics on the market.

Creative Team: James Tynion IV ( writer/co-creator); Fernando Blanco (art/co-creator); Jordie Bellaire (colors); Aditya Bidikar (letters); Steve Foxe (editor); Dylan Todd (designs)
Publisher: Image Comics
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