ROGUE SUN #31 (IMAGE COMICS/MASSIVE-VERSE)
Dylan Siegal has a very complicated life these days.
On one hand, he is an average high school kid trying to figure out what’s next. The other side is he is the supernatural defender of The Massive-Verse: ROGUE SUN!
Complicating things more is his half-sister Aurie Bell has now become Rogue Sun in her own right. His challenges have taken him into many dangerous locations and characters lurking. Now it appears he has another monster hurdle to overcome.
ROGUE SUN #31 by Ryan Parrott, Nick Cotton, Abel, Bruno Frenda, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey takes Dylan into one of the scariest places ever: College!
Let’s take a closer look at how the young hero handles this latest challenge.
ROGUE SUN #31 by Ryan Parrott, Nick Cotton, Abel, Bruno Frenda, Natalia Marques and Becca Carey (IMAGE Comics/MASSIVE-VERSE)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Parrott and Cotton split this issue up into two separate stories. The first focus is on Dylan’s college visit. His persona has always been one of devil-may-care. Seeing him take a step into a possible future is not without motives. It does put him in a path he may not like walking. The dialogue with Vanessa plays into his defiance of accepting his status. Actions like what he involves Bryon in throws him back in the jerky persona when Readers first saw him. Even with his growth as a character, Dylan’s flaws make him that much better to watch. His portion ends with the return of arguably his best rival. Anytime Hellbent makes an appearance, it instantly raises the stock of a story. There is no exception here.
Aurie’s tale mimics some of the themes involving Dylan. Her character is being forced to grow up fast due to her new stat quo. Her dialogue with her mother hits on how the role of Rogue Sun impacts all. It sets up her conflict very soundly. The introduction of Mr. Poe is one fans will love reading. The writing teases a horror element in the carnage following suit. Dialogue throws in some funny moments beofre getting down to business. It leaves Aurie in an unlikely situation. The latest villain is anything but innocent. It’s a creative take that will lock in the audience for the long haul.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Abel and the art team open with a two page splash of the Rogues in action. The fight with Mad Melody moves quick and pops due to Carey’s lettering. Once events calm down, the images become very grounded. They hone in on the family dynamic playing out. It helps move Dylan into his portion of the book. There is a solid amount of college hijinx mixed in the growing drama. This is very different than Mr. Poe’s escapades.
A companion close-up of Poe’s eyes brings readers into the brutal attack he commences. His accomplice gets a great half page panel displaying the strikes. It doesn’t leave much to the imagination. The art sets up a dire mood as Poe starts compiling a body count. It concludes with a solid parting face-off panel. Poe and company’s anger is clearly in view. Aurie’s uncertainty of what is happening here is perfect for the moment. Combine this with the final full page Hellbent image and fans will have much to look forward to.
FINAL GRADE: 8.8
The latest villain makes a terrifying entrance into Rogue Sun’s world while Dylan has a much large problem in the horizon. Parrott and Cotton’s writing deliver on pushing the drama forward while planting more danger for later. Abel and company construct a very grounded look for this chapter which makes Poe’s debut all that more intriguing. A new direction of Rogue Sun starts now and you don’t want to miss this!
Let me know your thoughts about ROGUE SUN #31 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
