REVIEW: 'The Madness' #2 by J. Michael Straczynski, ACO, David Lorenzo, and Marcelo Maiolo

THE MADNESS #2

Writer: J. Michael Straczynski

Artist: Aco

Inker: David Lorenzo

Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo

Letterer: Sal Cipriano

Cover Artist: ACO

Publisher: AWA

Release Date: September 13, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

The imaginary friend from Sarah's childhood has returned as a murderous alter ego. The Madness has completely taken over Sarah, and it's determined to track down and destroy the people who killed her family. They know she survived their attempted hit, but is there anything they can do to stop her?

Score:

7/10

QUICK REVIEW: After a great first issue, 'The Madness' #2 by J. Michael Straczynski,  Aco, David Lorenzo, and Marcelo Maiolo jumps right into Sarah's backstory to help explain her superpowers but mostly the basis for her alter ego. It starts with her childhood but JMS decides her split personality isn't of the traditional nature and just manifested itself like her powers. I'm not sure why that's important but maybe it'll payoff later on. The backstory would have to come eventually but I'm not sure issue two was the place as it breaks up the momentum from the debut issue and doesn't bring us any closer to knowing Sarah in either form.  ACO, David Lorenzo, and Marcelo Maiolo continue to do amazing art which fuels this series with stunning expertise. Sarah's Raven is thirsty for revenge and nothing will get in her way. She's brutal and unrelenting so I anticipate we'll see more of her now that the origin story has been told. 'The Madness' still has a lot to offer and I expect the best is yet to come.