PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of SUBSPECIES #2 from Action Lab: Danger Zone. Available on Wednesday, April 25th, the series features writing from Cullen Bunn (HARROW COUNTY, REGRESSION) and JimmyZ Johnston (MICRONAUTS, THE TICK), artwork by Daniel J. Logan (PUPPET MASTER: CURTAIN CALL), and colors by Yann Perrelet (PUPPET MASTER: CURTAIN CALL), and letters from Micah Myers (Aspen Mascots, The Disasters).
Here’s PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review of…
SUBSPECIES # 2
Writers:
Cullen Bunn & JimmyZ
Artist: Daniel J. Logan
Colorist: Yann Perrelet
Letterer: Micah Myers
Cover Artists:
Daniel J. Logan
J. Travis Smith
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
SUBSPECIES #2
Let me begin by prefacing this review with the fact that I have not seen a Subspecies film. This is a comic book reader/reviewer being newly introduced to the franchise. Prior to issue two, I caught myself up by reading issue one. I was pleasantly surprised that the premiere issue gave me enough backstory, accompanied by a quick internet search of the films, and laid out the groundwork for this comic book run nicely.
Writing:
Writers Cullen Bunn and JimmyZ Johnston have created an intriguing premise guaranteed to pique your curiosity. I enjoy the layers that the writing has, following not only Michelle but the many “faces” of Radu Vladislas. There’s vampiric lore, a ritualistic celebrating of the undead, and a strong female lead dealing with, and learning to accept, her transformation. For someone like me who has never seen the films, Cullen & JimmyZ’s script definitely got me interested in the characters and the narrative had me on the edge of my seat wanting more.
Art:
Artist Daniel J. Logan certainly has his work cut out for him in the title. When your series features creatures of the night, you come to expect a darker tone, heavy with inks. Daniel brings that nocturnal atmosphere with his illustrations. I was actually impressed by a lot of the detail Logan provided. Sometimes it may not have even been important or necessary to the storyline or a particular scene, but by opting to put in the extra effort Daniel has increased the value of each page. It also shows his work ethic as an artist and it’s admirable.
Yann Perrelet’s colors really amplify the tone and mood of each setting. The colors are either very warm or quite cold, augmenting the scene and its characters in every panel. Great use (and understanding) of light sources, adds some nice depth, and Yann complements and enhances Daniel’s inks throughout.
Micah Myers aced the lettering in SUBSPECIES #2. There really isn’t a need for anything extravagant (at least in this issue), so Myers has simply delivered top-notch lettering throughout the book: great layout and placement, sharp text-centering, and when sfx were necessary, they heighten the intensity of the scene without overtaking the panel.
PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:
This new tale of Radu Vladislas stays true to the original source material and delivers an appealing vampire story. Regardless if you’re familiar with the Subspecies films, it’s an enjoyable read that is well-paced and can easily get you hooked. Come the end of the issue, I found myself eagerly anticipating to see where this story goes next. I definitely will be picking up issue three!
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
4.5 Out of 5 Stars
SUBSPECIES #2 can be purchased on ComiXology and available
at your local comic shop and online retailers on Wednesday, April 25th!
Be sure to follow the creative team!
Writer – Cullen Bunn
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Writer: JimmyZ
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Artist – Daniel J. Logan
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Colorist: Yann Perrelet
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Letterer – Micah Myers
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Publisher – Action Lab: Danger Zone
