Image Comics reviews 7/17/24 – Destro #2, Redcoat #4

Plastic: Death and Dolls #2

Edwyn’s unique origin continues to play out in this creepily captivating series. Writer Doug Wagner finds an ideal balance of flashbacks and present day moments for Edwin.

The flashbacks further detail Edwyn’s challenge/inability to accept death whether it be an animal or a loved one.

Young Edwyn seems slightly off, but not in a psychotic serial killer kind of off. At least not yet. Wagner shows the path Edwyn will take to eventually get there but isn’t rushing to make him a detached killer.

The present-day setting shows Edwyn largely capable of interacting with others with no problem. He does exhibit a warped sense of honor and a need to protect the diner owner’s son, Booker. A gang’s arrival could prove extremely problematic — for the gang, not Edwyn.

Artist Daniel Hillyard’s animated style is disarming in steering readers into this cartoon-like environment before unleashing gallons of blood. Colorist Michelle Madsen is fully into shaking reader expectations with a bright and cheery color palette. Letterer Ed Dukeshire mainly keeps the sound effect fonts tight and complementary to the art.

There’s some weird stuff at play here, but Death and Dolls is a compelling read as Wagner, Hillyard and company are pacing this mini-series spectacularly.

Rating: 8 out of 10