Comic Book Review - Basilisk #2

Rob reviews Basilisk #2...

Basilisk, the new original comic series from BOOM! Studios got off to quite a good start last month. While its opening issue was a little short on the overall story, writer Cullen Bunn included just enough to keep readers guessing.

This time around, Basilisk #2 attempts to answer some of the questions while throwing more random acts of violence into the mix. 

Last time out we had a brief introduction to Basilisk' somewhat colourful cast of characters. Chief amongst these is the mysterious 'Chimera' - a group of individuals who put the kids from the Village of the Damned to shame. Readers were also introduced to Hannah - who has a past with the Chimera, and Regan - one of the Chimera, and also Hannah's prisoner. 

In terms of story Bunn uses this issue to further expand and establish what was started in issue 1. We get a horrific-yet-gorgeous account of the Chimera at work as they continue their past assault on that unsuspecting town. Then it's a flashback to the present as Bunn hints at both Hannah's overall agenda and Regan's own conflicted loyalties.

There are quite a few shocking moments within Basilisk #2 that highlights just how powerful the Chimera is. Both the opening scene and the one in the diner is a great bit of storytelling - even with the additional gore. Each member of the group seems to have different powers too. We've already seen Regan with her ability to blind people and Vanessa can immolate via touch. Jimmy-Boy, Clara, and Barret each affect people via smell, hunger, and fear. While we see these powers displayed in a somewhat brutal encounter we've not yet seen Manny in action - who seems somewhat as conflicted as Regen in terms of loyalty to the group. 

As this issue goes on we also get some insight into Hannah and her agenda. She has a past with the Chimera which involves the town of Kinglsey and her family. She's full of revenge, yet as an ordinary human, she's already at a disadvantage considering the Chimera are seen as Gods. Just how do you kill a group of super-humans? Well, I guess we'll find out soon. 

The art throughout Basilisk #2 is brilliant. Past events are shown in a somewhat rough style that brings the horror aspect to the forefront. Jonas Scharf and Alex Guimarães have nailed this aspect with their choice of detail and muted colours. Scenes set within the present also take a somewhat different tone as Scharf uses thicker line work and Guimarães mixes some vibrancy into their palette. 

Basilisk is shaping up to be a great horror mystery and I can't wait for the next outing. 

Rating 9/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev