FOXE AND HARE #2
Ross Hutchinson
Recap
With their differences behind them, the Fox, the Hare, and Aurora set out to crack the encrypted data they stole from Synastry Designs, but a new threat arrives in Mazu Bay. Prime Minister Moorhouse unveils the Knights of Mazu, his new private army. The local mercenaries are nervous and raring for a fight. The Knights of Mazu are armed to the teeth and moving in. Can the Fox and the Hare diffuse this powder keg or will it bring them all down?
Review
This issue takes a step back from the frenetic pace of the first and while there is still some great action, writer John Tseui and the creative team use most of this issue to flesh out several of the characters and introduce some new ones. The character of AO specifically gets some excellent development while Tsuei also continues to explore the newly established relationship between Aurora and her protectors. As with with the last issue, this to be an exceptionally easy read, the dialogue is genuine and heartfelt and flows in a wonderfully organic and natural way between all the characters involved. Tseui continues expanding our view of the world the creative team is building that’s deeply and refreshingly respectful of the culture it’s representing on the page he and the art team are building, pulling in various factions into the central narrative before an explosive cliffhanger ending that’s sure to test the skills of our Fox and Hare in the issue to follow. This issue expands the location of Mazu Bay as we get to see more of the city, hidden bases and secret meeting places but it’s excellent character building is really the highlight for me including showing off how sly Raja, head of Synestro Security, is.
The art continues to impress, a wonderfully clean and easy to follow affair that marvelously brings to life the world of Mazu Bay, reflecting the culture it’s set in a beautiful, respectful and expansive way as it presents our heroes struggle against the tyrannical authority of those that rule through terror. Lee’s art is beautifully clean and the color choices from Angulo perfectly accentuate that. Character facial expression are critical in a more dialogue driven issue such as this and Lee is on point with every emotion the dialogue and script are trying to communicate start to finish this issue. It’s just a really wonderfully cleanly written and drawn comic that reflects the commitment of everyone working on it. Oh and every single variant cover for this series continues to be stunning!
Final Thoughts
FOX AND HARE #2 steps off the gas action wise but maintains interest with marvelous world building of Mazu Bay around it's central characters as well as excellent character work buoyed by beautifully clean art, that captures and expresses it's characters feelings and emotions wonderfully. This book is a credit to the modern cyberpunk genre.
FOX AND HARE #2: Divide and Conquer
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10