Devyn has the ability to jump from universe to universe, but that doesn’t mean she’ll find the life she truly wants.  Your Major Spoilers review of Bolero #2, awaits!

BOLERO #2

Writer: Wyatt Kennedy
Artist: Luana Vecchio
Letterer: Brandon Graham
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: February 23rd. 2022

Previously in Bolero: After utterly ruining her life she’s given an opportunity at another chance. With her dimensional-door-opening key, Devyn escapes through the multiverse to mend her broken heart.

A FEW GLIMPSES

Bolero #2 opens with Devyn in the midst of an argument while apparently in the victorian age until she could no longer take it.  Next, we see Devyn in a futuristic setting where she watches a supernova with a version of Natasha.  Next Devyn is suddenly in a medieval setting as a subordinate of a version of  Natasha who is a violent warlord.  A rapid-fire selection of lives is then shown until the reader is shown the one where Devyn is captured by a cult and is subjected to a deadly ritual. During this event, a being emerges from Devyn’s body, protects her, then carries her back to the cat-like being that gave her the ability to hop between lives in the first place.  The two have a nice conversation before Devyn begins her next attempt at a nice life.

A SERIES THAT’S FINDING ITS FOOTING

The first issue of this series suffered a bit because it had to set things up and focused a lot on Devyn’s personality which isn’t exactly likable.  While Bolero #2 certainly has plenty of Devyn in it, it’s balanced with all the variety that jumping from universe to universe offers.  What’s nice about this is that there isn’t a lot of time given to any of the backstories of these various lives and worlds.  Instead, the writers focus on the important things which are Devyn’s attempts to fix her life and find love with Natasha, everything else is just set dressing and it’s treated like it.  This approach makes for a comic that has a grounded feel in its subject matter like a good slice of life comic, but an exciting and fantastical visual appeal of a sci-fi or fantasy comic, without having to explain the juxtaposition.   As for the story, there are a couple of mysterious things that get introduced here that get glossed over pretty quickly making it unclear if they’ll be explained or not, but their effect on this particular issue is that they create threads that are left unsatisfyingly untied.

WONDERFUL VARIATION

Being that this is a comic that is all about jumping from one reality to the next, the art is going to live and die on its ability to portray these well.  It’s good then that this is handled very well in Bolero #2.  There’s a consistent art style throughout which gives this issue a solid tone, but each different place Devyn hops to is distinct enough to make it clear that it’s a new place with a history and set of rules of its own.

THE BOTTOM LINE:  A STRONG IMPROVEMENT

While her personality hasn’t changed, having something else to focus on in this series has really boosted the enjoyability of things.  Bolero #2 gives the reader a fun jaunt through a bunch of different universes and really lets the art have fun with things.  The issue also concludes in a way that makes me interested in seeing the direction the series takes next.  4 out of 5 stars.

---

Dear Spoilerite,

At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

Bolero #2

80%

80%

Give It A Try

While the series had a not mind-blowing opening, Bolero #2 really gets things going, utilizes its gimmick well, and is a well-put-together comic that is enjoyable both with its writing and visually.

• Writing

  8
• Art

  8
• Coloring

  8
• User Ratings (1 Votes)
  9.2