REVIEW: 'Calavera P.I.' #2 by Marco Finnegan

 

Calavera P.I. #2 

Writer: Marco Finnegan

Artist: Marco Finnegan

Publisher: Oni Press

Release Date: December 4, 2024

Cover Price: $4.99

The mystery deepens in Marco Finnegan's (Morning Star, Night People) supernatural Chicano noir!

Five years after he was gunned down in cold blood, private investigator Juan Calavera has been resurrected from the dead to help Maria Valdez find her missing son. As he contends with his ghastly new appearance and powerful abilities, Calavera returns to an unrecognizable Los Angeles ravaged by the Great Depression. Meanwhile, hidden amid the fog of the Mexican Repatriation, La Fantasma continues her human trafficking campaign. Will Calavera's thirst for vengeance get in the way of finding Maria's son?

Score:

★★★1/2 (3.5/5)

QUICK REVIEW: In this supernatural Chicano noir, private investigator Juan Calavera, resurrected after being killed five years earlier, teams up with Maria Valdez to find her missing son in a hauntingly transformed Los Angeles during the Great Depression. As they face the terrifying legends of La Fantasma and navigate the socio-political landscape of the Mexican Repatriation, Calavera's dual identity as both a monster and a protector adds depth to the story.

While the horror elements add an intriguing layer, Maria’s character feels less dynamic in this issue, primarily focusing on her grief. The introduction of a clown antagonist threatens to undermine the story’s serious tone, suggesting potential future issues with maintaining the balance between genre elements and character development. 

Overall, Finnegan continues to explore themes of justice and discrimination amid a unique blend of horror and humanity.