Skyward, Volume 2: Strange Creatures
Written and Illustrated by Jeremy Dale
Colored by Stephen Downer, Laura Martin and James Rochelle
Lettered by Thom Zahler
Covers by Jeremy Dale, Mike Norton, Khary Randolph, and Randy Green
Action Lab Comics
Release Date: April 23, 2014
Cover Price: $8.99

Action Lab continues to set the bar high in volume two of its epic fantasy series, Skyward: Strange Creatures. Collecting issues four through six of Jeremy Dale‘s action adventure, alliances are formed and motives are questioned as our heroes continue on their journey.

As the Royal Legion ride out of the city of Three Rivers to learn more about the army marching their way, Prince Dom and his childhood friend, Mia, sneak off in hopes of discovering valuable information for themselves. Meanwhile, Tanner, Jon, and Abi join forces with the Rabites – a hidden race of warrior rabbits led by General Jaa – in order to protect Quinn from Skerrigan, Herod’s masked enforcer.

This series just keeps getting better. Dale has done an incredible job at moving the plot along at an appropriate pace. He seems to have found his stride, with each issue containing the right mix of action, dialogue, and discovery. The reader is allowed enough time to understand the inner-workings of the main cast – dropping hints of personal desires and intentions – while being presented with new characters at opportune times.

Utilizing a cartoon style suitable for this all-ages comic, Dale’s art meshes perfectly with the story. With an offering of diverse wardrobes, stunning landscapes, and an array of magnificent creatures, he’s imbued the land of Skyward with a beautiful and believable portrait of the fantastical. Included in this volume are multiple variant covers from a slew of gifted artists.

I know that I was certainly hesitant about the series upon my review of issue two, but that’s all changed. Illustrating true instances of bravery, authentic relationships, and a storyline that positively moves forward with each issue, Skyward is quickly becoming one of my favorite ongoing reads.