Rai #2: A Man of Peace (Spoiler Free Early Review)

Rai #2 is a true spectacle to behold, capturing pure sci-fi awesomeness with an emotional core that both gives the book heart and asks a few insightful questions regarding the implications of empathy.

After such a strong setup in the first issue, it was important for Rai #2 to carry that momentum forward with an exciting story and this creative team has certainly accomplished that. It was no easy task following up on that Mad Max landscape full of dinosaurs but the second issue delves into spectacular sci-fi for something entirely new.

Fans of the character will particularly enjoy the growth that is taking place in the series so far, capitalizing on the past Rai series while still offering something of its own. The second issue pushes the character in some remarkably dynamic directions giving a lot of room for the creative team to explore. Within the back and forth discussions on morality we find an evolving sense of what life means for the titular character and that is where this issue truly succeeds.

The artwork is once again downright impressive. Andrew Dalhouse’s colors give the series such an engaging and unique aesthetic that it’s hard not to be absorbed into the world. Though this issue doesn’t get quite as many chances to shine as the first, there are still more than enough moments to keep you excited all throughout.

New and longtime fans will find plenty to love about Rai #2. It continues the overarching story but also functions similar to a one-shot where anyone can pick it up and enjoy it. For me, that is a sign of a truly great comic book. Be sure to grab your copy of Rai #2 when it hits shelves, you definitely won’t regret it!