DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #2, from Dynamite Comics on April 6th, 2022, finds Tarzan II very far away from his jungle home when he encounters new allies. Meanwhile, Vampirella and her friends search for a way to reach him.
The Details
- Written By: Fred Van Lente
- Art By: Vincenzo Carratú
- Colors By: Kike J. Diaz
- Letters By: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Cover Art By: Tony Fleecs (cover A)
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: April 6, 2022
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Was It Good?
DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #2 is a frantic, fast-paced, sometimes amusing continuation of the last vestiges of Dynamite’s heroes battling against an intergalactic zombie apocalypse. That’s a fancy way of saying a lot happens very quickly so you’d better buckle up.
In terms of sheer spectacle, we get zombie pterodactyls in space, secret moon bases, Martian zombies, secret caverns, more next-generation heroes, and alien death gods. That’s a lot, but “a lot” is pretty standard for the entire DIE!namite collection of arc. Yet, the super high pacing pulls it all together in a steady flow so you never feel rushed or that corners are cut. Van Lente does a marvelous job keeping the dots from A to B to C lined up, even though you’re connecting the dots at 290 MPH.
If the frenetic pace wasn’t enough, the action now splits between three galactic locations to give readers plenty of eye-popping scenery. The story takes an already diverse setup and cranks up the intricacy of the story by introducing a possible conspiracy involving one of the heroes (who may or may not turn out to be a villain). Again, you have to pay attention to keep track of everything but Van Lente successfully holds the line between complex and confusing.
The art by Carratú, Diaz, and Otsmane-Elhaou is sufficiently stellar (pun intended) in this issue. Panel compositions are as dynamic as they are dramatic. The colors are bold and infuse plenty of pop, especially the blood reds, and the set designs give each location a rich distinctiveness.
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]
If you’re unsure how Tarzan II got lost in the first place, first read our DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #1 review.
We begin with high-orbit military fighters making test runs with enhancements thanks to future technology from Captain Future. Unfortunately, even these advanced craft are no match for zombie pterodactyls flying in space between Earth and the Moon. The pilots survive just long enough to witness zombie Martians building a base on the dark side of the Moon.
Meanwhile, we catch up with Vampirella, Pantha, and Evil Red Sonja wielding the Smileysword as they shut down a scout troop of Drakulonian zombies setting up camp in the jungle. Once the troop is cleared out, they figure out Tarzan II was teleported off-world but the teleporter is no longer functional. Thankfully, they figure out a plan B to find him.
Elsewhere, Tarzan II materializes in Helium (capital city of Mars) in the middle of a wave of attacking zombies. Finding the super-strength bestowed on all Earthlings moving on the surface of Mars, he leaps from building to building to get away when he receives a helping hand from Thuvia and Carthoris, the son of John Carter and Dejah Thoris.
We conclude the issue with a test of courage, a request for a meeting, and a supernatural summons.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #2 is another banger of an entry in the zombie series that throws in everything plus the kitchen sink while maintaining a sense of purpose and direction that flow evenly. The action is fast-paced and presents heaps of story development, and the art team executes well on every level.
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