Issue #2 of Black Hammer: Age of Doom filled me with unadulterated joy. Part of that reason is that I’m starting to feel like I’m a part of this dysfunctional family of ex-superheroes trapped on this strange farm. Over the last 14 issues, Jeff Lemire has done such a solid job of bringing each and every one of them to life that I know them, I understand them, I’m with them. That’s really difficult to do with an ensemble cast. He does it by not focusing on how the characters fight during action scenes, but by studying with a scalpel each of the character’s intents and reactions to this place, where they may end up dying…having no idea why – like the first half hour of Oldboy.
The second reason is because Lucy, as the new Black Hammer, kicks ass. OMG, what she does in this issue and how she affects the big baddy made me laugh out loud. She takes guff from no one. It’s not just how awesome she is as a character, but also how she’s inspired our group of forlorn heroes. They are motivated again, and after a year of seeing them dealing with depression, angst, anger, sadness, etc., it’s a wonderful respite.
A journey is occurring, on both small and epic scales, both internal and external, and that’s what makes this book thrilling to me. So many stories have been woven together that every page brings something thrilling and worth discovering. Ormstrom and Stewart’s work on the visual side is simply beautiful. It’s stunning work.
I would suggest that if you haven’t read the four-part mini-series Sherlock Frankenstein, check it out. A big revelation in that book is dealt with in this issue, and it will have more impact if you have a little back story.
Creative Team: Jeff Lemire (writer, creator), Dean Ormstrom (artist, creator), Dave Stewart (colors), Todd Klein (letters), Daniel Chabon (editor), Brett Israel (assistant editor)
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
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