MONKEY MEAT #2
Writer: Juni Ba
Artist: Juni Ba
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: February 9, 2022
Cover Price: $3.99
The anthology series set on Monkey Meat Island continues with the unfortunate adventures of Haricot, a sweet young boy who falls victim to harsh bullying. When Haricot finally gets the power to assert himself, will he become a hero or a monster?
Score:
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Juni Ba's first series with Image Comics, 'Monkey Meat,' has already established him as a smart and cutting satirist with this anthology. Where the great Mark Russell's satire speed is more akin to The Eagles, Ba's style is brash, loud, and in your face like The Dead Kennedys. Ba has a point of view and his own arsenal of tools to express exactly what's on his mind. As the writer and artist, he's got the freedom to do what he wants and it speaks to the benefits of creator-owned work.
In this installment, a young man named Haricot is sent to the island by his parents to find work and grow up after failing academically. He's trying to make his way, keeping to himself, and reading his favorite books. Until one day, he's bullied and beat up for no apparent reason. Seeking justice, inspired by his favorite superhero character, and given the chance to magically gain superpowers, Haricot gives in to these desires and becomes a hero. Or does he?
Ba's playground is this island he created where a monkey meatpacking company has taken over, colonized it, and subsequently experimented on its indigenous inhabitants. The first issue was a wild rollercoaster ride of world-building that indicted corporate scorched-earth capitalism and the atrocities they're willing to commit to earn a buck. It was scathing and outrageous tour de force that made Ba's presence felt. Issue two takes a more pointed approach about what makes someone a hero or a monster and just how thin that line is. Whether it's for vengeance or justice as the motivation, how an act of violence begets an act of violence can sometimes negate the original justification. Sometimes an overcorrection can be worse and the whole "with great power comes great responsibility" is lost.
The fighting action is spectacularly cartoonish and bombastic. In the spirit of anime and old Warner Bros. cartoons, every 'boom' and 'pow' is splashed all over the page in a ground-shaking head-to-head match. Ba's unique art style gives the issue its vibe and attitude. It's rather electric.
'Monkey Meat' #2 is another thought-provoking adventure in Juni Ba's unrelenting satirical anthology. It asks some philosophical questions with cutting commentary and over-the-top visuals. It's unlike anything in comics solely because there isn't anyone like Ba so this young creator is full of the type of vigor and vision the industry needs.
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