Odysseus: In Defiance of the Gods - Book 2 Review

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Odysseus continues to defy the gods as a familiar face makes her presence known…

Front cover showing the Greek god Circe



PSY Comics return with another thrilling chapter in their epic saga of gods and mortals. This second issue in the adventures of Odysseus not only delivers more spectacular battles and terrifying monsters, but also serves as a bridge to the publisher’s other series, Circe.

With Circe stepping into Odysseus’s path, the stakes rise dramatically. How will the goddess of change influence his crew? More importantly, how will she infiltrate the thoughts and resolve of Odysseus himself?

Like PSY Comics’ other projects, Odysseus: In Defiance of the Gods - Book Two was brought to life through Kickstarter. At the time of writing, the campaign has been fully funded with support from 136 backers—easily surpassing its £1,000 target and raising an impressive £3,489. Credit to Neil “Bhuna” Roach and the team for their success.

The story picks up directly where the first issue left off. Having escaped the Lotus Eaters and the deadly Cyclops, Polyphemus, Odysseus receives a grim warning: Poseidon is watching, and the journey home will be fraught with peril. True to form, Odysseus chooses defiance over caution and sails onward—only to find Poseidon’s promise swiftly fulfilled. Soon, the crew encounters the mysterious island of the Laestrygonians, while the ever-meddling god of mischief, Hermes, makes his own appearance.


Conversation between Odysseus and his crew


While much of this issue pushes the overarching narrative forward, writer Laurence Alison also explores the human element within Odysseus and his men. There’s a fascinating tension between Odysseus’s burning desire to return home and his crew’s shifting ambitions. Circe’s arrival only deepens this conflict, her manipulations rippling through the group. Without spoiling events, it’s safe to say the story takes a decisive turn here and it’s one that promises even greater intrigue ahead.

Fans of Laurence Alison’s previous work will recognise his trademarks: weighty moral dilemmas, sharply drawn characters, and unflinching bursts of action. Like Circe, Odysseus is accessible even to readers unfamiliar with Greek mythology, offering enough context to follow the plot without overwhelming exposition. Alison respects the source material while carving his own path, reimagining the legend with a fresh and compelling voice.

Artist Vú Danh once again delivers a visual feast. Every panel bursts from the page with energy and detail. His linework captures not only the brutal force of battle—waves crashing, teeth snapping—but also the subtleties of emotion etched across each face. The combat sequences are especially visceral, pulling the reader directly into the chaos. It’s worth noting that Danh’s style is markedly different from Simon Harrison’s work on Circe, giving each series its own distinct visual identity while enriching the shared universe they inhabit.


Odysseus battles a cyclops within the roaring seas


Much like my Circe review, I’m keeping plot details deliberately vague to preserve the surprises within. What I can say is this: Odysseus: Book Two feels like a turning point. The gods are meddling more than ever, and Odysseus’s path is only growing darker and more dangerous. With Alison steering the story and Danh bringing it vividly to life, this is shaping up to be an unmissable journey through myth, magic, and mortal will.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There’s still time to pledge towards Odyssey: Defiance of the Gods and you can do so by clicking here.

If you want to check out more of Laurence Alison’s work you can read my reviews of Madness & Monsters, and Out There by clicking the links 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky

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