The Dead Hand #2
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Stephen Mooney
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Image Comics
Review by Cory Webber
The Dead Hand #2 continues to slowly unravel the secrets of Mountain View. This issue introduces us to another ex-spy from Carter’s past; it shows Harriett as she continues to deal with the violence she witnessed, and it deals with the so-called “writer,” who stumbled upon this secret town.
Dead Hand #2 is another awesome installment to this new series. Higgins is slowly unraveling the secrets of Mountain View. However, the mixing of taut action, intense interactions, and informative flashbacks keep the pace taut. Higgins weaves them all flawlessly before ending on another jaw-dropping ending. To be honest, I was a little confused by the events that unfolded at the end. As a result, I had to reread the issue to see what I missed, but nothing relieved my befuddlement. Thankfully, the solicit for issue three promises to explain more about this issue’s cliffhanger.
Mooney’s art is moody and evocative. You can feel the tension in the characters’ faces and postures. The “acting” by the characters is very convincing and really draws you in — my palmando may have been sweating during a couple sequences. Also, he nicely lays out his action scenes, which creates great motion and energy.
Furthermore, Bellaire’s colors tell just as much of the story as Higgins’ words and Mooney’s pictures. Has she ever chosen the wrong color? The majority of this issue is colored in earthy, neutral tones, which helps set a more grounded, believable story. Consequently, any pop of bright color really stands out. I particularly enjoyed a panel of Harriet’s bedroom, which is lined with early 90’s alternative band posters. Also, there is a sequence colored monochromatically in blue, which gives off a certain horror feel to the goings-on.
Verdict: Buy it.
Dead Hand #2 continues to add to the slowly-revealing mystery surrounding Mountain View. I got enough out of this chapter to want to read the next one.
