30 DAYS OF NIGHT: FALLING SUN #2 (IDW Publishing)

It’s been over 2 decades since the vampire attack on Barrow, Alaska and since then a lot of townspeople have the belief it is just a myth. Jalen James has just moved from LA to Barrow to get away from gang violence. But now there is an even bigger threat as the vampires have returned.

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2 - Written By Rodney Barnes – Story Consultant Steve Niles - Art By Chris Shehan & Maan House - Colors By Xenon Honchar - Letters By Alex Ray - Edited By Thea Cheuk & Ellen Boener - Published By IDW Publishing

Credit: IDW Publishing

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

The leader of the gang Rashon has ordered Tequan to find and kill Jalen or else he will be killed. Tequan goes to Jalen’s mom, and after holding her at gun point he gets the information on where he is but still kills his mom. Meanwhile, Jalen is trying to adapt to life with his uncle in Alaska. At the same time Vladimer leads a gang of vampires to Barrow to avenge his brother’s death. They slaughter and feed on the locals at a bar, where Jalen finds the grizzly aftermath. The town goes on full alert, and everyone is congregated at a center. Unfortunately, many of the townspeople think this is a myth and a waste of time. They will soon find out this is a grave mistake.

WRITING:

This issue fully delivers on the promise of gore and horror, immersing readers in a relentless atmosphere of violence and dread. Rodney Barnes masterfully utilizes the theme of revenge, weaving it not only into the motivations of the vampires but also into the actions of Tequan and his gang. The story’s suspense escalates as Barnes skillfully crafts a sense of tightening danger around Jalen, who remains largely oblivious to the looming threats closing in on him.

The aftermath of the vampires’ brutal attacks is depicted with shocking clarity, their savagery echoing the ruthless behavior of the LA gang. Through these mirrored acts of violence and carnage, Barnes draws clear parallels between the two groups. This direct comparison emphasizes the underlying message of the narrative, highlighting how both human and supernatural forces are capable of similar brutality. The strong thematic connections Barnes establishes serve to intensify the sense of peril while reinforcing the core message that violence and vengeance transcend distinctions between monsters and men.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue stands out for its intense and violent imagery, perfectly capturing the horror that defines the story. Chris Shehan and Maan House excel in visual storytelling, vividly depicting scenes of terror and brutality. Their portrayal of the vampires is especially striking, with designs that are both disturbing and distinctly animalistic, heightening the sense of unease throughout the narrative.

Action sequences are rendered with remarkable detail and an uncompromising sense of brutality, reinforcing the grim atmosphere that permeates the book. Xenon Honchar’s color work amplifies the impact of the art, using a palette of darker hues to evoke despair and emphasize the bleakness of the events unfolding in Barrow. The combination of intricate linework and somber colors brings the story’s violence and horror to life.

Final Thoughts:

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2 brings the horror right to the reader. But the horror in this story comes from different places and that’s the beauty of this issue. A gory and unsettling book, that sets a suspenseful tone. If you are a horror fan this is a must pick up for you at the LCS this week.

FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10

Let me know your thoughts on 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!