THE FOREVER HOME #2 (ONI PRESS)
We find out what has happened to Tommy after he left the house and is aging in a more proper fashion. Tommy was lost in the wilderness and was found by the World Mother of the tribe. He instantly fell in love with Briss and is truly happy with his new life. Unfortunately, Dodo, his dog has gotten older and is about to die. So, Tommy wants to take him back to the house where time is slower so he can live longer. The only problem is the house is hard to find and some of the people in the tribe think it isn’t even real.
The Forever Home #2 - Written By Christian Ward – Art By Sami Kivelä – Colors By Jason Wordie – Letters By Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou – Edited By Sierra Hahn with Allyson Gronowitz – Published By Oni Press
Credit: Oni Press
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
This second issue slows down the pace quite a bit, and it tells what happened to Tommy after he left the house. Christian Ward takes his time telling how Tommy came to the tribe and introducing his new family. This was definitely needed so we can get a grasp on what has shaped Tommy as he’s aged, as well as why he wants to return to the house. The love story between Tommy and Briss brings a new layer to the story that can develop in a lot of different ways. I did find myself slightly disappointed with the lack of follow up of the cliffhanger ending of issue one. Personally, I was excited to just push forward from that reveal, but it was not to be. Ward wanted to give the backstory first which is fine, but hopefully he can pick up the pace and give a proper payoff to the first issue in the next one. I’m sure he will and will be looking forward to where we go from here.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this issue is fantastic and really shows the beauty and scope of this post-apocalyptic world. Sami Kivelä expands this world in ways we didn’t even think of. The landscapes are beautiful and have a prehistoric feel to them. The design of the people in the tribe looks amazing and feels like something straight out of a history book. But my favorite designs in the book are the creatures and monsters. They look real, well still coming across as a fantasy. Kivelä takes a grounded approach to this world, well still having some fun creating fantastical sights.
Jason Wordie compliments the linework perfectly with his color pallet. The use of brighter colors makes this world feel vibrant and fresh. The choice to go with brighter colors really sets this artwork apart from other post-apocalyptic stories. The colors catch your eyes and make you search out all that the art has to offer. Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering helps the reader follow the story, well also blending in with the artwork. The words never overpower the artwork, but at the same time are clear and easy to follow.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF THE FOREVER HOME #1
Final Thoughts:
The Forever Home #2 trades the first issue’s momentum for a thoughtful look at Tommy’s life beyond the house. While the slower pace and delayed follow-up to the previous cliffhanger may leave some readers impatient, the issue deepens Tommy’s character, introduces an intriguing new community, and gives his return journey real emotional weight. With imaginative world-building, beautiful artwork, vibrant colors, and clear lettering, the creative team continues to make this strange post-apocalyptic world feel alive. This issue may be quieter, but it lays meaningful groundwork for what comes next.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6/10
Let me know your thoughts on The Forever Home #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
