The line between biology and crimeology blur with Image Comics’ latest hit series. Mason Shaw is drawn into a world he’s not ready for. Queen Shay demands complete control. When there’s a mutiny forming, the repercussions will be deadly.
THE HIVE #2 by A. J. Lieberman, Mike Henderson, and Inaki Azpiazu dives further into the crime drama with a new gritty chapter.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand now.
THE HIVE #2 by A. J. Lieberman, Mike Henderson, and Inaki Azpiazu (IMAGE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Lieberman does the slow play to dig into Shay’s hold over the hive. The writing never escapes its gritty demeanor. This all stems off the robbery and murder of security guards. The attack creates a ripple effect that’s bad for business. Shay’s focus move back to retaining control when doubts start creeping in. Readers watch as the payoff becomes a diversion to take the heat off the organization. It appears the plan might backfire in this stage as the last page dictates.
As for Shaw, his role in this equation becomes a touch more clearer. The writing starts unveiling the biological methods used. This comes to light when Shaw finally meets the Queen. Readers get some key info before events shift back to Shay’s long game. At times, it moves very quick to fully nail its’ mark. There’s still enough intrigue that isn’t lost in the shuffling.
Henderson drops another gem with the art. The opening pages in the dark swamp sets a brooding tempo. It matches the same mood of Ash and Benji’s story portion. There’s a sense of relief with the Beekeeper’s diagnosis. It appears short lived when an examiner starts diving into Quinn. Knowing how the tampering plays out, it draws more heat on a growing fire.
Shaw’s encounter with the Queen carries a sense of uneasiness. The art reflects the power play being enforced by the Queen. It also unveils a surprising factor into their dynamic. Readers can get the understanding of Shay’s set-up. It connects enough before the story jumps to a show of force at a business meeting. A solid action sequence puts Shay’s plans in motion. This all rolls over into the final page. A near full page image indicates the business is drawing more attention than meets the eye.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.4
The sophomore chapter of the bio-crime noir saga builds up some key character moments. Lieberman’s writing dabbles into the long build of Shay’s moves. Henderson and Azpiazu capture the dark nature of dirty business with the art. Sit back and buckle in. This is a long build with a huge payoff coming.
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