Gone #2
Seth A. Romo
Recap
t’s been fifteen years since we last saw ABI—a frightened 13-year-old stowaway on a spaceship bound for distant stars… Now nearly 30, Abi is not only still roaming the galaxy, but is a self-assured—and deeply scarred—veteran of an intergalactic war!
Review
Gone #2 is an incredible balance of tension, action, and world building. Jock may primarily be known as an artist, but it’s evident he’s got a story to tell and it’s certainly one worth following.
Gone is a dystopian story in a universe where space travel is common—especially for those who have the means for it. Focused on a young girl named Abi, she is stuck on a ship designed to transport elites to faraway lands as they hibernate. Unfortunately for Abi, this means having to dodge guards and do what it takes to survive. She’s used to this lifestyle as she scours for what she can to keep food on the table on her home planet for her family, but this time surviving isn’t what she is used to.
The story itself is well written and puts the reader right back into the action within the first few pages. Jock has created a likable protagonist in Abi and while the plot keeps the reader entertained, the art enhances the overall experience—but more on that in a bit. The story isn’t just about a stowaway trying to find a way home, but it has some twists that complicate who the readers may have deemed good or bad. This isn’t a story for the faint of heart, it’s rough and there is a lot of violence throughout the 25+ pages but it isn’t overdone. It all flows well as Abi barely gets a minute to rest and is always on the run from something or someone and by the end of the issue, readers may feel out of breath.
In addition to the well crafted story, Jock flexes his artistic skills with well designed panels and imaginative set pieces. The action is grand and the visuals put the reader in the middle of the conflict giving up close views on the blood and grime on many of the characters. Lee Loughridge lends their skills with the colors and while many of the tones are more muted and fatigued, the colors also pop off of the page during firefights and alarm systems sprinkled throughout the story.
This is one of the first few series to come out of the DSTLRY publishing company, and it’s very strong standard of what’s to be released.
Final Thoughts
Gone #2 is accessible for those interested in the story and portions out the drama and action masterfully. It’s certainly a series to follow.
Gone #2: Sleep with Your Eyes Open
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10