THE ARGUS #2, from Source Point Press on November 30th, 2022, finds Randall Patton and the future versions of himself training to ensure Randall isn’t killed when the time to confront 96 arrives.
The Details
- Written by: Mark Bertolini
- Art by: Darryl Knickrehm
- Colors by: Darryl Knickrehm
- Letters by: Darryl Knickrehm
- Cover art by: Darryl Knickrehm
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 30, 2022
Is It Good?
THE ARGUS #2 is a significantly better comic compared to the first issue. The story flow with better clarity, Randall’s integration into the ARGUS team feels more complete, some of the quirkier sci-fi elements get plausible explanations, and the comic is an overall more enjoyable read. But for one flaw in the plot and one flaw in the art, this would be a near-perfect sci-fi film.
The highlight of Mark Bertolini’s script is the full lean into the “Fun and Games” portion of the plot. You get training montages where Randall learns to fight from his older selves. You get a glimpse into the terrible lengths 96 will go to for victory. The stakes increase significantly, and 96’s threat level considerably amps up the dramatic tension.
However, the flaw in the story is not trivial. Somebody, please, just shoot 96. He’s not superhuman by any stretch. 96 is outmanned and outgunned more than once, and yet, nobody seems willing to kill him before he destroys all of reality. Bertolini can only suspend disbelief in the story if you believe that 96 is somehow unkillable. By not establishing some mechanism to make 96 unbeatability plausible, the ARGUS team’s conflict with 96 makes no sense. Dogpile him and tie him up. End of story.
Knickrehm’s art in this issue is excellent. The fight scenes are grounded and gritty. The panels are composed of cinematic, dramatic angles to keep the visuals interesting, and the line work is pristine.
That said, the flaw in the art is the same as noted in the previous issues. All the Randalls are the same person from the same timeline. Not different timelines, the same timeline. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense that the different Randalls would have different facial features, different hair, and different heights. You’re supposed to believe all the Randalls are the same person, but the artist drew them so differently, the visuals don’t match the story concept.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our THE ARGUS #1 review to find out how Randall Patton got himself into this mess.
We begin with Randall Patton on the farm in the pocket dimension constructed by the Argus. Randy and the rest of the Randalls decide it’s too dangerous to leave until they train Randall to fight and defend himself. Randy takes the lead in hand-to-hand combat, but the rest of the Randalls soon take turns teaching a crash course in self-defense.
Meanwhile 96, recreates the same time travel accident that drove him mad and sends the captured Randalls to undergo the same torture. When the Randalls return, they’re under 96’s control and just as mad as he is.
We conclude the issue with a frontal assault, slippery escapes, and death.
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Final Thoughts
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THE ARGUS #2 is an entertaining yet flawed time-travel adventure. The art quality is top-notch. The pacing and dialog are all on point, and the cliffhanger will keep you guessing. However, the main villain’s ability to elude capture doesn’t make sense, and the character designs don’t match the story.
Related Information
Will a time machine ever be invented?
Yes, a time machine will be invented IF time travel is discovered. There are too many unanswered questions about history to let such an opportunity go to waste.
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