Review: Cable: Love & Chrome #2
Love and rebellion in a cyberpunk world…
Cable: Love and Chrome #1 did a fantastic job in throwing Nathaniel Summers into a future where the Techno-Organic Virus had won and subsequently taken over the world. Across the opening issue writer David Pepose introduced us to the status quo of this world as Nathaniel was introduced to the people of Salvation Bay, their leader - and potential love interest - Avery Ryder, and their enemy; the Prime Conclave.
Much like the opening issue, Cable: Love and Chrome #2 continues its spectacular action-centric narrative as Cable battles across the time stream. However, it’s the budding romance between its two central characters that’s the more interesting aspect of this story. It’s been clear since the last issue that there are some romantic feelings between Cable and Avery. The duo enter combat like a fine-tuned machine, and they’re throwing flirtatious insults at each other like it’s a Valentines' Day lovers tiff. As such it’s no surprise that Pepose and artist Mike Henderson allow the duo to give in to temptation.
Thrown into the throes of passion during an argument over Avery’s involvement in the rebellion - and the small fact that the Techno-Organic Virus is consuming her, Pepose wastes no time in giving Cable the emotional attachment to this particular word and time. It’s also here where we get a glimpse of Cable's fragility due to his past experiences of losing those he’s cared for. This is then juxtaposed with Avery’s willingness to throw her own needs away for the greater good. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few is a quote that springs to mind as Avery would rather die fighting for the greater good than die helpless in a hospital bed. This intimacy works wonders in further developing their relationship as it shows just how entwined the two veteran soldiers are even if they’re only just discovering it themselves.
While this budding romance does take up some page space, the rest of the issue boils down to good old-fashioned boots-on-the-ground combat. Here both Henderson and colourist Arif Prianto deliver a blockbuster outing of sweeping wide angles and insane close-ups that up the tension and ferocity of each gunfight. From high-speed areal hijacking of monorail trains to the brutal fist fights of Techo-Organic Virus fuelled monsters, Cable: Love and Chrome has it all. I won’t go into too much detail but the duo of Isaac and Ishmael are both nightmare fuel and a delight as Henderson and Prianto deliver a techno-organic nastiness.
Singling out Prianto for a moment and there’s a great use of colour throughout this issue. Combat scenes burst with vibrancy as Prianto delivers swaths of blues as Cable trades bullets and telekinesis power with those who stand in his way. The climactic battle against Issac is a great testament to this as the page bursts with cool blue tones to highlight the psychic battle taking place. Likewise, Prianto clever colour palette extends to his background work too with the dusty desert atmosphere blending well with the dark brooding industrial ascetic of the Prime Conclave’s facility.
Overall Cable: Love and Chrome #2 continues to be a compelling read for both old-school Cable fans and those who are just testing the water before diving into the wider X-Men universe. While this second issue does spend some time exploring the budding relationship between Nathaniel and Avery it’s still a blockbuster thrill with plenty of hard-punching action.
Rating 8/10
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