FIRE AND ICE #2, by Dynamite Comics on 12/6/23, suffers the fate of all kings, queens, and kingdoms when schemes and double-crosses are afoot. This time, Julian’s son’s treachery makes a bad situation worse.
The Details
- Written by: Bill Willingham
- Art by: Leonardo Manco
- Colors by: Leonardo Manco
- Letters by: Jeff Eckleberry
- Cover art by: Joseph Michael Linsner (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: December 6, 2023
Is FIRE AND ICE #2 Good?
Well, the sword and sorcery series is back after a four-month hiatus to turn up the heat on a simmering war between the Fire and Ice realms. In FIRE AND ICE #2, Bill Willingham topples giants, assembles kings, and makes ready for war.
When last we left the Realms, Prince Kaledan was betrayed by his jealous, scheming brother, Nekron, and Darkwolf was confronted by Roliel’s giant son, Otwa. Now, Darkwolf finds the giant son of a witch is tougher to kill than he thought, Nekron blames Kaledan’s death on the Fire Realm, and Juliana’s hold on power begins to slip, moving up her timetable to conquer the Fire Realm.
Due to the lengthy hiatus, you’ll be much better off picking up the previous issue to refresh your memory. With nary a preface page to remind readers where the story left off, you’ll struggle to remember who’s who and what’s happening. It also helps to read the solicit description to get re-grounded.
What’s great about FIRE AND ICE #2? The highlight of Willingham’s latest entry is the brutal action from Darkwolf in his fight against Otwa. It’s not often you see a demi-giant with a split skull throw a horse, and if that doesn’t get your fantasy motor running, nothing will.
What’s not so great about FIRE AND ICE #2? We noted in the previous issue’s review how there was a little too much going on. This time, Willingham pares the volume of plots and subplots down, but it still feels busy. Further, Darkwolf’s fight is the highlight because it’s the only bit of action in the comic, so there’s a lot of standing around and talking as the sizable cast of characters set up what’s to come. It would be unfair to call the issue boring, but it’s not exciting.
How’s the art? Leonardo Manco’s art is first-rate and a decent successor to the source material. The characters are powerful, imposing, and memorable. Plus, Darkwolf’s action scenes are brutal in the best way.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s FIRE AND ICE #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our FIRE AND ICE #1 review to get caught up.
We pick up with Darkwolf and Otwa engaged in a fight to the death. Otwas is low and dimwitted but incredibly strong. Darkwolf delivers what he thinks is a killing blow to Otwa’s skull with his mighty axe, but the dimwitted giant won’t die. Otwa picks up Darkwolf and slams him against a tree, knocking the warrior out before collapsing himself. Later, Darkwolf wakes up to find Otwa slowly crawling away.
Elsewhere, Nekron presents the body of his brother to their Queen Mother, Juliana. Nekron blames his brother’s death on the Dragonhawk Knights of the Fire Realm. Enraged, Juliana instructs Nekron, now the heir apparent, to assemble all the sub-human tribes for an attack.
We conclude the issue with an assembly of tribes in both realms, a call for help, and a sneak attack.
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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FIRE AND ICE #2 continues the complex plot surrounding Realms on the brink of war. Willingham crafts a script brimming with plots, subplots, and strategic maneuvering, and Manco’s art is a worthy successor to the source material. That said, the busy plot is hampered by a lack of action and energy.
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