Dark Agnes #2: Vengeance is Mine

Issue 2 continues the energy begun in the first issue. We see a very competent Agnes working alongside a very comical Villiers as they attempt to keep their charges safe from enemies both known and unknown. Cloonan has crafted an energetic tale that doesn’t lose energy from start to finish. The story never feels rushed, never grows stagnant, and has a great flow that never feels forced. The character’s interaction feels natural, the relationship between Agnes and Villiers feels friendly without being romantic and I’m glad it’s not something the writer tries to force, and the fleshing out of support characters makes you excited to see where the writers might take them next.

But don’t think the story is the only driving element. The colorful backdrop sets a merry scene that helps draw you in. Set in a period full of mystery and intrigue, Agnes finds herself inadvertently drawn into court intrigue, something she would rather avoid, and the French Court is a hotbed of colorful characters and volatile situations. With an expansive color pallet and an expressive art style, the story is painted in vibrant tones that leave little to the imagination and drive the story along with little trouble.

Dark Agnes provides a colorful distraction in a world of Hack and Slash action stories. The mixture of interesting characters, colorful scenery, and well-written stories create a tale that draws you in and leaves you longing for the next episode. I cant wait to see this tale of dark and gritty revenge unfold against the backdrop of 1500’s France and I hope that the next issue brings the same energy we’ve seen so far.