In issue #2 of Orphan Black: Deviations, tensions rise to extreme levels. No one knows who to trust or where answers may lie. As the Clone Club is busy trying to put the pieces of their complicated lives together, Heli Kennedy’s brilliant script conveys the idiosyncrasies of each character. Alison’s quips provide humorous moments amid intense interrogation of Sarah. And Beth is starting to develop more, as we see how she fits into the group. Since we don’t get to see these interactions in the show, it is refreshing to have her character so active and involved—even if she is just really angry and tense so far. We also witness her coping mechanism, which shows how much her character is struggling on the inside. Hopefully, once Sarah is welcomed into the group, Beth will be able to release some of her pain.

I appreciate the ways in which the series adapts the show and stays faithful to the characters. While the plot is intriguing, it’s really the characters that make both the show and this series so compelling. The clones are unique individuals all striving to uncover the truth and save their lives in the process. The tension and mystery from the show transfers nicely to the comic book pages, and the characters carry it through.

This issue brings in some more of the show’s great characters that we have not yet seen—like Donnie! Donnie and his interactions with Alison are likely to provide some entertainment. His character on the show is a bumbling goof trying to seem like a tough guy—which serves as great comic relief. His brief appearance in this issue suggests a similar character. Without spoiling it, this issue ends with a brief glimpse of another fantastic character. I actually said, “Yes!” out loud when I reached the last page. My eagerness to meet the comic’s version of this character has heightened.

Wayne Nichols’ art continues to impress with his depiction of the clones. He nicely captures the anger and concern in the faces of the women as they struggle to find answers. Sarah’s eyes pierce through the page in one panel, effectively conveying her frustration. With all the drama, Nichols creates a tense atmosphere where everyone is at each other’s throats.

Cat Staggs’ cover is literally electrifying. The bright sparks glow in Sarah’s eyes. Fico Ossio’s mashup cover effectively illustrates a nerve-racking moment in a Clone Club meeting. And Kelly Blake brings us Beth as the next papercraft character to add to our collection.

Hopefully, the clones will start trusting Sarah soon. While her character is the driving force of the show, in this series, the women seem to carry equal power and influence. But I’d like to see Sarah brought into their detective work and help them uncover the truth and thwart their enemies. Ultimately, though, the series effectively depicts who strong these women are. Both the show and the comics are a testament to the will and tenacity of women on a mission.