REVIEW: BubbleGun #2

BubbleGun #1 was a fun, fresh cyberpunk story full of action and cool characters. Does the fun and quality carry over in the latest issue? Read on to find out!

BUBBLEGUN #2
Writer: Mark Roslan
Artist: Mike Bowden
Letterer: Josh Reed
Colorist: David Curiel
Editor: Vince Hernandez, Frank Mastromauro
Publisher: Aspen Comics
Cover Price: $3.99

Previously in BubbleGun: Our team of cyberpunk thieves spent a lot of energy and effort to steal a mysterious package from Inotech. Upon realizing many were willing to pay a lot of money for it, they decided to open it up. Inside is a young boy who appears more machine than human.

ALL MEAT AND NO FAT

I loved the first issue of BubbleGun and praised it for using the cyberpunk aesthetic in comics, something rarely seen. I was eager to check out issue two and am pleased to say it’s as good, even slightly better. Mark Roslan doesn’t waste any time getting to the meat of the story and the issue is as brisk as the first. We learn the origins of Asher, the “living computer” obtained by Inotech, which our heroes were tasked with stealing for return to his father. The back-story is heartwarming yet disturbing at the same time and shows the lengths that some will go to for a loved one. The whole issue is packed full with everything from drama to action, switching between the two in the blink of an eye. There’s a car chase between Molli and the team’s traitor that is crazy fun and neat to see how the writer incorporated the mechanical attachments and futuristic weapons into the chase. Roslan uses every page to move his story along. There’s no filler here and I appreciate that as many comics stretch a story out longer than needed. Character development even takes place in the end as Molli realizes it’s time to stop acting immature and grow up. Of course that’s mixed with some of the “romantic” subplot involving Kyo, which is the only complaint I have with the story. Once again, it’s easy to tell where this is headed as (surprise!) Molli calls Kyo her best friend, something no guy with a crush wants to hear. Again, with a book brimming with originality, it’s disappointing to see an element like this in the story, but who knows, Roslan may through us a curve ball. The cliffhanger at the end promises more over the top action as the Vitadrone team descends upon Molli. I’m hooked and anxiously awaiting to see what Mark Roslan brings next.

THAT IS INSANE

The art of BubbleGun is insanely cool in every way possible. The character’s designs are all unique and have an anime influence while maintaining Bowden’s original style. His panel layouts and compositions, especially in the chase scene, are incredible at being unique while never compromising the reading experience. The only minor quibble I have is that characters faces change at different angles, but it’s so slight and happens so little that it doesn’t distract at all. In fact, everyone involved with the visual aspects should be commended. David Curiel’s coloring ads pop to everything, from the gradient change in Molli’s hair to the armor and holograms. Even Josh Reed’s lettering is great, adding unique borders to the text boxes and dialogue balloons. This is wonderful work and it all gels together to make a fun book.

BOTTOM LINE: NOTHING BUT PRAISE

I’m totally enjoying BubbleGun. Both issues I’ve read are telling a fun, intriguing sci-fi, cyberpunk story with a fast pace that never lets up. The whole issue is packed with drama, humor and action, but at no point did I feel that the story was suffering from it’s pace. Sure there may be a few elements I’m not fond of, but some of that comes down to personal taste. BubbleGun is one of those comics that succeeds in standing out from others on the rack and I can’t recommend it enough. Everyone involved with creating it needs applause in making something so entertaining and enjoyable. I’d say only cool people read this, but I like it, so that’s not true. BubbleGun #2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars.