REVIEW: 'Black Cloak' #2 by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren, and Becca Carey

BLACK CLOAK #2

Writer: Kelly Thompson

Artist: Meredith McClaren

Letters: Becca Carey

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

Murdered prince. Hungry mermaids. Vengeful queen. Plentiful suspects. Dead assassin. Dying Black Cloak. So far this case is going to the devils. And it's super great that absolutely everything is on the line. No pressure!

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

QUICK REVIEW: 'Black Cloak' by Kelly Thompson, Meredith McClaren, and Becca Carey opened up a potent mix of fantasy and crime drama since its debut on Substack and again in print with Image Comics. Issue two continues the murder mystery of a familiar royal to Detective Phaedra Essex who's recovering from an attack at the end of the last issue. An attack she's still trying to figure out how she survived. Meanwhile, witnesses need to be interviewed, and certain suspects are trying to cover their butts in the aftermath of the murder. There's a nicely designed flashback covering Phaedra's time with Freyal as well as a witness account. McClaren's use of color in those instances differentiates the scenes adding layers to the issue. Thompson's writing remains pulpy and quirky giving off a serious tone and an occasionally humorous one with ease as in the interviews. The transitions in tone are seamless and only add to the charm of the series. Issue two builds on the first providing new details, some revelations, and a cliffhanger to boot. 'Black Cloak' is an exceptional crime procedural that offers an appealing fantasy setting while being legitimately absorbing.

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