Archeologists Of Shadows, Volume 2: Once A Nightmare
Created by Lara Fuentes and Patricio Clarey
Written by Lara Fuentes
Art by Patricio Clarey
Septagon Studios
Release Date: September 10, 2012
Cover Price: $0.99

It’s been about six months since I reviewed the first volume of this series but I was definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. Archeologists Of Shadows, Volume 2: Once  A Nightmare is just as entertaining and exceptional as the previous one. I wasn’t sure what to expect after the way the first one left the story hanging but the followup was a delight.

We find our heroes, Baltimo and Alix, in a dreamworld at the beginning of this book. They are forced to go through trials of pain and fear to reach their destination. Unfortunately for them, not everyone cooperates on their quest. I will admit, the challenges they face individually are supposed to be introspective and to give us a better look at their personalities. Instead, we find ourselves aware of the results before the battles are finished. This doesn’t detract from the storyline, but it is the one complaint I had in the entire comic. I love the story that Lara Fuentes is slowly telling, it has so many possibilities and is obviously far from over. The final scene will definitely leave you fiending for more.

But the art, oh my gosh…the art is outstanding. Where the last volume was almost steampunk in its visual representation, this one is more of a fantasy dreamworld with science fiction components thrown in. Beautiful scenery composes the vast majority of the art, but it is coupled with highly detailed characters who are almost realistic in their actions and posture. I will say that while I am still not a huge fan of digital art, Patricio Clarey is on the verge of convincing me otherwise. There is such wonderful art in this series, it is redefining my definition of breathtaking.

I cannot say enough positive things about this series. The ultra low price should make it easy enough for people to acquire this, but if you are still on the fence, give it a try. It’s less than the price of a taco, for crying out loud. Even if you aren’t into Sci-Fi/Fantasy comics, the artwork is worth the measly dollar. Just buy it so I will quit harassing you, geez…