From Aspen Comics, Frank Mastromauro, Jonathan Marks, Micah Gunnell, Josh Reed, Beth Sotelo.
Aspen Comics brings back Shrugged as part of the year long 10 for 10 celebration. After a few year absence from the shelves, Shrugged comes back with your favorite characters and some new ones.
Our hero, Theo, begins another year of school and meets up with his old friends who shared in his other worldly adventure from volume one. Theo’s voices on his shoulder, Ange and Dev, are back as well and they are the most changed from last we saw them. These two have forged a bond that only teammates facing certain doom can share. There is a new feeling of friendship, of respect between these two and together they may just make Theo the strongest force on two worlds.
While this issue is strictly set up, its a good set up. The familiar faces are re-introduced and new ones are set up. Plus, what good is it to remind us who the heroes will be if there’s not also a villain? Thankfully there is a very well done tease at the end.
The comic keeps its strange structure that I loved in the first volume, but in a slightly different way. Ange and Dev have their own own palates that also showcases their differing personalities. Theo has his own colors which is neither totally a combination of Ange and Dev yet not completely different either. Simple things like colors show just how much growth is still ahead for Thom. Then there is the panels. While the first volume seemed crazier, this issue continues to have pages that are chaotic, panels that are build upon other panels, and pages full of intricate details. The new trick in this issue is showing how different each world is through these devices. Not only does the alternate world of Ange and Dev’s races, Perspecta, have its own style but the two sides of the dimension - Elysium and Devonshire – have their own lines and colors. When Thom is the focus the panels are very straight forward. But he doesn’t interact with his opposing sides too much. I’m looking forward to seeing how these worlds will change each other as the series progresses.
If there is one flaw I can find with the book it is with Ange’s speech. Some times the colors are just so light its tough to read. Such a small complaint though, and it will depend on where your copy was in the printing process.
Shrugged continues Aspen Comics string of hits in the 10 for 10 program. The two sides of your personality wont have to debate. Both of them will demand you pick up this issue.
Shrugged is in stores March 13th for only a dollar!
