Orchid #2
Written by Tom Morello
Art by Scott Hepburn
Colors by Dan Jackson
Letters by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by Massimo Carnevale
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: November 9, 2011
Cover Price: $3.50

Orchid #2 appears to reiterate a bit of the information that we learned in the first issue, but goes a bit deeper into the background of why things are the way they are. Writer Tom Morello obviously has a grander vision than I first imagined. I find myself interested in the history of this future Earth. Hopefully more on that front as the series progresses.

We find Orchid in the slave pits this issue, still resigned to her fate. With her younger brother in tow, she tries to avoid Simon as he rants like a madman. Simon, though, has other plans. Plotting an escape, he manages to arrange their sale to a wealthy buyer. Once started, they cannot turn back no matter how dangerous things get. A surprise twist at the end involving the Mask of General China sets up the next issue quite nicely.

Scott Hepburn‘s art once again embraces the dark and dreary feel of the story line. Stretching from minimalist to heavily detailed, he seems able to find the perfect fit for each and every panel. I’m reminded of Frank Frazetta at times, some of the art depicting the Wild is quite fantastic. I find myself reading this series as much for the art as for the writing.

Pick this up, it’s only two issues in and already I’m taken with the concept. More than a futuristic, apocalyptic sci-fi comic, this series adds some real grittiness to the mix. Totally worth the cost, no doubt about it.