PopCultHQ Comic Book Review: "Rough Riders" #2 from AfterShock Comics

PopCultHQ received a preview copy of Rough Riders #2 from AfterShock Comics. Available now, the creative team for this new series features writing from Adam Glass, artist Pat Olliffe, and colorist Gabe Eltaeb.

Here is PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of Rough Riders #2…

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review: Rough Riders #2

Teddy Roosevelt continues with his recruitment for the Rough Riders. Thomas Alva Edison joins the crew, as well as a young Edward “Monk” Eastman. Teddy makes his way to the local watering hole where he encounters a young Annie Oakley, who after a dance with Roosevelt and a few too many drinks, she agrees to accompany him too.

Thomas Edison, I’m pretty sure you are all familiar with him. Eastman was a New York City gangster who founded and led the Eastman Gang, which became one of the most powerful street gangs in New York City at the turn of the 19th/20th century. And Oakley was a phenomenal sharpshooter.

As the ensemble is being formed, everyone is curious as to the mysterious goings-on in Cuba. A single snapshot of an event in the island nation is all the team has to go on. But go on, they shall!

Let me preface this review by pointing out something to potential, or current, readers of this series. From only taking a look at the cover, seeing the writer’s name emblazoned along the top of the comic should tell you this is going to be a strong and solid story.

When I saw that Adam Glass was writing this story, it immediately piqued my interest. Adam brings with him an impressive resumé of credentials. Not only is he a comic book writer, but also has screenwriting and television production credits to his name. Ever heard of Supernatural, Cold Case, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and Blue Collar TV? He has also written for Deadpool and Luke Cage from Marvel Comics and Suicide Squad‘s New 52 series for DC Comics. That being said, here are my thoughts…

Glass has a fun and clever time-period story. It draws parallels to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen so far, but with better execution. His writing captures the essence of each players. Love Harry Houdini’s mannerisms, Annie Oakley’s bold and brash behavior, Edison’s timidness, and Teddy Roosevelt leading the campaign with the utmost confidence.

Artist Pat Olliffe gives the characters such depth and conveys a turn-of-the-century feel to their attire. I feel his strong suit in this series is in his details on each person’s face. The facial expressions, nuances, and form give these historical individuals a classic and iconic look comparable to those people they represent. Colorist Gabe Eltaeb does his typical, high-quality work which I’ve admired since his coloring of Green Lantern titles. Top-notch all the way!

I will certainly be following Rough Riders to see what transpires with this unique ensemble of characters and their mission shrouded in mystery. I look forward to learning more about what is happening in Cuba that demands the assistance of the Riders to protect American interests. I’m also curious as to how their individual talents will benefit the team as a whole. As Roosevelt pointed out, “You all possess special skill sets that will be required for our success.” Hmmm. Have my attention? Yeah you do!

PopCultHQ’s Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Rough Riders synopsis:

Led by a young Theodore Roosevelt, a motley crew of soon-to-be American legends must work together to solve a mystery that threatens life itself. Harry Houdini — street magician and master of misdirection. Annie Oakley — a washed-up entertainer, eager for a chance to prove herself in a real war. Jack Johnson — an undefeated brawler and the son of ex-slaves, determined to get his shot at the heavyweight championship…When a terrifying alien technology destroys the USS Maine, these unlikely allies set sail for bloody Cuba, into the heart of a brewing conflict, to wage a shadow war against the greatest threat mankind has ever known. Before they were famous, they were… ROUGH RIDERS.

The year is 1898 and Teddy Roosevelt has put together an incongruous band of dissidents to battle a mysterious force in Cuba. Under the guise of the Spanish American War, Teddy and his “Rough Riders” will try to discover who is truly behind the sinking of the USS MAINE. But as they touch down on Cuban soil, they’ll soon discover that the biggest battle, they must fight is the one amongst each other.