BUG WARS: THE COMING OF THE WARDOOM #2 (IMAGE COMICS)

The Worldstomper has returned, although not by choice. As Slade has regained his Lord of Wardoom powers, he must also help save and keep safe the innocent people he has shrunken on accident with him. Meanwhile, his brother Sydney, who has been shrunk as well, finds himself separated from his brother and the rest of the gang. This is a real treat for the Squirrel King and his plans of domination of the Yard.

Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoom #2 – Written By Jason Aaron – Art By Mahmud Asrar – Colors By Matthew Wilson – Letters By Becca Carey – Edited By Heather Antos - Published By Image Comics

Credit: Image Comics

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

STORY OVERVIEW:

After being shrunk down yet again, Slade finds himself the target of Mytes on Crows. Although this time there is more at stake as shrunk alongside of him is his new neighbors Zsofi and Tyko, as well as a mysterious exterminator. As Slade tries to activate the amulet to once again become the Worldstomper, of course it gives him issues. But just in time to save everyone he gets his armor and axe back, as well as a new trick, some wings. After getting everyone to the ground he discovers they are in the Ash Lands. They meet a large bug named Doolie, who would love nothing more than help the Son of Jim, as well as kill birds, he hates birds. He warns them of the Underbugs and the dangers they cause. So, he gets everyone to shelter for the long night. Meanwhile, Sydney wakes up on top of a cell phone, realizing he is the size of an insect. But he can’t process this for long as he finds himself under attack as well.

WRITING:

This issue picks right up where we left off and gives us a ton of action. Jason Aaron adds some new wrinkles to the story and ups the stakes a bit. Slade struggling to get the broken amulet working adds a great deal of tension. But when we get the return of the Worldstomper it’s glorious and the addition of wings helps with the new aerial threat from the crows. The violence and action scenes are just as exciting and violent as the ones we got in volume one of this series. The return to the brutality of the story is welcome and refreshing all at once. Aaron’s introduction of Doolie is also exciting as well as giving us a new character to root for in this volume. The predicament Slade finds himself in, well also having to protect newcomers adds a new layer to the story which will surely be wonderful to see how it plays out. Sydney being in danger again brings a familiar tone to the story, but his being shrunk adds a new wrinkle as well. But my favorite addition is the exterminator and how the mystery of this new threat will play out. As well as the motives of the Squirrel King and his minions from the woods.

ARTWORK:

The artwork in this issue continues to be a strong point for the series and helps bring this crazy world to life. Mahmud Asrar continues to create this awe inspiring world with breathtaking visuals and settings. The character designs, especially that of Doolie, really stand out and make this world feel alien, well grounding it in real life insects and animals. The violence and action beats don’t shy away from the brutality of the fight. These action beats are exciting and exhilarating. Matthew Wilson’s colors are bright and make the artwork pop off the page. His bug gore is top notch and sets itself apart from other titles on the shelf. Becca Carey keeps her lettering clear and easy to follow, which helps the flow and tone of the story. Together the art team picks up where they left off in volume one and does some of the best work in comics today.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF BUG WARS: THE COMING OF THE WARDOOM #1

Final Thoughts:

Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoom #2 builds on the new arc with brutal action, inventive world-building, and escalating danger. Slade’s upgraded Worldstomper powers, Doolie’s memorable debut, and the mysteries surrounding the exterminator and Squirrel King keep the story moving, while the art team makes every strange and violent moment leap off the page. This is a fast, confident issue that leaves the coming war feeling bigger and far more dangerous. If you haven’t jumped on this series yet, what are you waiting for!? Grab a copy of this issue, as well as issue one well you’re at the shop this week and find out what all the hypes about!

FINAL GRADE: 9.6/10

Let me know your thoughts on Bug Wars: The Coming of the Wardoom #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!