DC Comics reviews for the week of 5/2/18

The Curse of Brimstone #2

The mystery depends in the second issue of the New Age of Heroes’ darkest title. Writer Justin Jordan and artist Phillip Tan are doing their best impression of a super-powered Vertigo book making for a unique, horror-tinged read.

Joe begins to learn the horrible cost of trying to save his town from desolation as The Salesman sends another lackey to finish the job Joe started. With Annie’s help, Joe tries to keep Brimstone in check to prevent the tragedies that have befallen other downtrodden towns.

I like the concept of small towns being culled and written off the map for some yet to be revealed purpose. That helps make Joe and Annie easy to root for in the hopes of turning the tide. Tan does a wonderful job of telling this dark story with his artwork. His layouts are intense and his expressive characters help convey that sense of fear and isolation.

Brimstone avoided the sophomore issue curse with just enough new bits of information to keep the story moving forward. I’m not quite sure what Tan and Jordan have in store yet long-term, but this initial arc has been very engaging.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: DC Comics