Saucer Country, Vol. 2
The Reticulan Candidate
Trade Paperback | Kindle Edition
Written by Paul Cornell
Illustrated by Ryan Kelly, David Lapham, Mirko Colak and Andrea Mutti
Colored by Giulia Brusco and Lee Loughridge
Lettered by Sal Cipriano
Cover by Ryan Kelly
Vertigo Comics
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Cover Price: $16.99

Politics can be cutthroat “” especially when you’re running for President. Imagine taking a candidate seriously when they not only believe in aliens, but are sure that they have been abducted themselves. Saucer Country: The Reticulan Candidate is the second and final volume of the Hugo Award nominated series from Vertigo. Written by Paul Cornell and illustrated by Ryan Kelly, the closing chapters of Saucer Country offer an out-of-this-world dose of conspiracy and political intrigue.

New Mexico Governor Arcadia Alvarado is running for President of the United States of America. Alvarado, however, has a problem: she and her ex-husband, Michael, believe that they were recently abducted by “aliens.” Struggling to find out the truth behind her beliefs, her campaign team must do everything in their power to get her into office as well as prevent her abduction story from reaching the public. As Election Day closes in, signs begin to lead to multiple “alien” factions controlling governments all over the world and it is unclear whether or not those otherworldly beings are hurting or actually ensuring her chances at the presidency.

Cornell has fashioned together a superbly paced tale from start to finish. Saucer Country, Vol. 2 is full of rich dialogue, excellent character development built off of the previous volume and very strange political maneuverings. Though the end of the series does leave room for further stories, Cornell has closed the book with a wonderful payoff.

Likewise, Kelly shines within the pages of this second volume. His realistic depictions of people are best portrayed through one on one moments “” delivering fantastic character beats with heartfelt emotion. The images come to life, bursting off of the page, allowing the reader to take part in the moment.

Saucer Country: The Reticulan Candidate is a fitting end to a stellar series; however, I’m sad to know that it is over. Once you’ve been “visited,” it’s hard to only wonder without actually seeing.