BIG GAME #2, from Image Comics on 8/23/23, puts the BIG in BIG GAME when the Chrononauts go back in time to verify the existence of Supers and return to a blood bath.
The Details
- Written by: Mark Millar
- Art by: Pepe Larraz
- Colors by: Giovanna Niro
- Letters by: Clem Robins
- Cover art by: Pepe Larraz (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: August 23, 2023
Is It Good?
Jeez, Mark Millar! You didn’t have to go THIS hard to clear the decks. But hard Mark Millar goes in BIG GAME #2 to take every expectation about where you think the crossover of the Summer is going and chuck them in the bin (that’s “throw them in the trash” for our American readers).
When last we left Dr. Crane and his fledgling colleagues, they received intel that superheroes were commonplace until 1986, but a collaboration between the world’s supervillains wiped the heroes out. The supervillains have secretly controlled the world ever since. Now, Dr. Crane and his new allies tap the Chrononauts to travel back in time to 1986 to see for themselves (they do), but when they get back, their world gets turned upside down.
“Turned upside down? What does that mean? Mark Millar has teased that someone dies? Is it bad? Does somebody die?” you might wonder. No spoilers in this section, but let’s just say Millar delivers on the promise of the premise and rubs your face in it for good measure. While you’re rolling on the ground, coming to terms with your grief, Millar grabs the nearest folding chair and gives you a fast fresh one to the back of the head before finishing you off with an atomic super wedgie.
What’s great about this comic? Mark Millar’s script is smart and well-crafted, with excellent dialog and pacing. But above all the writing basics, this issue has one BIG idea above everything else – MAYHEM. Millar executes (heh) mayhem brilliantly, without pause, remorse, or mercy. By the time this issue is done, you’ll be left with one prevailing question – “Well, now what are we supposed to do?”
What’s not so great about this comic? If you’re attached to any of Mark Millar’s superhero characters, you’re in for a bad day.
How’s the art? Pepe Larraz has a well-deserved rep as a crowdpleaser, and this issue is no exception. Larraz’s lines are meaty, expressive, and dramatic. Better still, Larraz’s art is elevated further by Giovanna Niro’s immaculate coloring.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our BIG GAME #1 review to find out how the supervillains’ grip on the world started to falter.
We begin with Dr. Crane contacting the Chrononauts for a favor. If the supervillain theory is true, the best way to confirm is to go back to 1986 and see for themselves. With a brief, controlled trip, funded by Dr. Crane’s inestimable wealth, the time travelers arrive just in time to see a superhero save the day.
When they return to the present, lots and lots of people die.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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BIG GAME #2 puts the BIG in BIG GAME when Dr. Crane and the Chrononauts visit 1986 to confirm superheroes existed, suffering massive consequences for their curiosity. Pepe Larraz’s art is spectacular, and Millar’s script is as BIG as it gets.
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