Is there anywhere safe from the Shroud? For Jo and his friends, the search for hope has taken many turns. After an encounter with a creature, the group was taken out in flight. They woke up in an unknown location. The scenery looks like a virtual paradise. Jo gives a sense that this is too good to be true.
In this new world, it probably is…
BY A THREAD: BOOK TWO #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, and Tom Napolitano continues its’ fantasy epic with an all new chapter.
Let’s take a closer look at how this issue plays out.
BY A THREAD: BOOK TWO #2 by SCOTT SNYDER, Jack Snyder, Valeria Favoccia, Whitney Cogar, and Tom Napolitano (Comixology Originals)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Snyders open events with a close-up of Charlie’s past. The pages carry more detail than the same style in the previous issue. This start deals with the immediate evacuation as the shroud takes hold. Readers watch as her youthful optimism takes hold. It serves a reminder of better times as the issue progresses. The moment leads the audience into its’ new location. From here, a shift in mood is clearly noticed.
The pages carry a lighter feel as the new residency is explored. Seeing the group embrace this new world leaves the door open for possibilities. Readers watch as the group meets more from this oasis. It is huge contrast to Charon’s hunt. The writing shows how determined the evil figure is for his goal. Jo’s group is just absorbing in some possible changes. It leaves the moment with some optimism and joy. This allows for a deceptive build before the ending. Once in the final phases, another curve is thrown into play. Some may think it’s a straight forward ending. With the ever-changing dynamics, “By A Thread” is anything but predictable.
Favoccia and Cogar head back to Charlie’s past for the opening pages. The fear and anxiety is on the evacuees faces. While brief, Charlie’s time on the hills gives a break in the tension at a key spot. The half panel image says goodbye to innocence as the present arrives. Once the rest of the group start awakening in their new place, uncertainty gives way. In its’ place is a happier tone, even in fleeting stages.
Panel set-up allows the exploration images to take center stage. A half page image shows a new animal confronting the group. It is an imaginative take that moves events along. The panels offer a great segway point to Charon’s efforts. Favoccia lets loose on the terror he presents. A half page shot plays out like a horror movie. It steps aside for a full page shot that delivers a powerful statement. As events go for the close, readers watch as each panel teases a possible light in the dark world. It quickly fades with the final page. The chapter closes with a strong full page cliffhanger. Readers will have much to contemplate as they wait for the next chapter to arrive.
OVERALL GRADE: 8.8
Jo and his friends find themselves in a new location with many problems following their journey. The Snyders welcomes optimism into the cold world via the writing. Favoccia, Cogar & Napolitano balance out the drama with spectacular visuals. Even a diamond’s shine can’t steal the spotlight from this story.
Let me know your thoughts on By A Thread: Book Two #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!