Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2: Like It Or Not, We Are Here To Stay

Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 picks up with Fire continuing her ambitions to enter the public spotlight after she and Ice were grounded within Superman’s hometown of Smallville. This series is an excellent, highly meta discussion of the lives of those who love the spotlight versus those who prefer a life of peace and solitude. This is an excellent theme for today’s world where it seems like everyone is attempting to cash in on their two minutes of fame, refusing to fade into obscurity once the public’s attention has been diverted. More so than the first issue, Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 further establishes the rift between its titular character, highlighting the two points of view that surround its themes.

The art from Natacha Bustos continues to lend well to the tone and feeling of this series. While the characters in this series are very passionate about their opinions, there is a strong sense of the fantastical that Bustos is able to capture with the cartoon-like aesthetic that makes this all fit together like bread on butter. This makes Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 read like the adult animation shows that have gained popularity over the last couple of decades, using the art aesthetic to juxtapose the sometimes highly adult innuendos and conversations that the characters have through the issue.

Adding to this aesthetic is the art by Tamra Bonvillain, whose use of very vibrant covers deeply roots this series within the comic book medium. These larger than life depictions of Fire, Ice, and the large cast of guest stars really pop off the page, adding to the fun, upbeat style that makes Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 a truly fun read. This is a perfect pairing between artist and colorist, showing off what makes both of their jobs so important.

The highlight of Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 is the writing from Joanne Starer. Starer must be having the time of her life with this series delivering such a fun interplay between all these characters. The story is very simple, making the dialogue and interplay very important, with Starer knocking it out of the park with the comedy. There’s one section Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville #2 in which Fire posts some resumes of D-Tier DC villains on the wall that will make almost any reader laugh out loud. This attention to detail and strong adherence to the continuity that DC fans routinely make fun of really ads to the con of this book, making it a must read for longtime fans.

Rounding out the creative team is the letterer, Ariana Maher, who never ceases to deliver anything but stellar work. Immediately on the first page, Maher’s fun use of unique lettering helps set the tone for this issue. This is continued throughout the series, always adding to the level of fun within the art and the writing, creating a well rounded tone that stays consistent.