Bigger Than Capes

Publisher: Image

Writers: Robert McKenzie & Dave Walker
Artist: Justin Greenwood
Colourist: Daniela Miwa
Letterer: Simon Bowland

Whilst I enjoyed many aspects of Compass #1 it didn’t quite click with me all the way. I did enjoy this second issue more. It had more of the things I enjoyed about the first issue – the choregraphed fight scenes, the dynamic action oriented art and a thread of mythological interest. I am pleased that the latter is much clearly expanded upon. Indeed this feels something like a bumper expanded out issue because we do get more character stuff, ore plot and I feel like I have a better grasp of what this book is about.

I still struggle with the idea that Welsh folk back in the medieval would give a young Muslim woman the time of day but then again said young Muslim woman speaks Welsh. It was a lot easier to suspend my disbelief this issue because we started to deal with more fantasy rather than historical aspects of the tale. My history orientated brain basically did not enjoy as much as the general comic book enjoying brain. But that’s okay.

I am glad to see a few characters fleshed out a little. Our main character Shahi reveals more of her talents. It’s really good to see the scholarly side of her. The action adventurer part we already had seen in the first issue but here her skillset is expanded to scholarly work as well as a touch of diplomacy and that’s good as it rounds out our protagonist a bit more. We start to understand her motives and determination.

We also get more information on the Mongols and what they are up to as well. There’s a creeping menace to them and the brutality is underlined in several scenes. As a result we also get a bit of sympathy for Shahi’s friend who is being pretty much forced to do the Mongols’ bidding.

The art is still very strong. The action and movement really well depicted. As are the characters and the general world. The more mystic world of the druids providing a good contrast to the church earlier. Overall it’s a really good book to look at. The use of colour complements the art. The lettering complements the feel of the world. It’s all working well together.

There’s a lot in this issue which feels well packed with plot and character as well as action. There’s a classic hero’s quest going on and it will be interesting to see where it leads.