FISHFLIES #2, from Image Comics on 9/20/23, continues Franny Fox’s unusual relationship with a wounded robber who turned into a giant bug. Will Franny’s one true friend turn into a living nightmare?
The Details
- Written by: Jeff Lemire
- Art by: Jeff Lemire
- Colors by: Jeff Lemire
- Letters by: Steve Wands
- Cover art by: Jeff Lemire (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $5.99
- Release date: September 20, 2023
Is FISHFLIES #2 Good?
Jeff Lemire’s surrealist horror with a heart continues Franny Fox’s unlikely friendship with a monster in FISHFLIES #2. Interlaced with visions and heartfelt moments, Lemire’s simmering tale gives you hope that things might turn out well for Franny while simultaneously giving you a sneaking suspicion that things are about to go terribly wrong.
When last we left Franny Fox, she took in a robber bleeding out from a gunshot wound. The robber, David, was covered in fishflies (more than seemed natural), and when Franny awoke in the morning, David had transformed into a man-sized, mutated version of a fishfly. Now, Franny finds a kindred spirit in the monster David has become while the manhunt to find David after shooting a local boy during a robbery gone wrong intensifies.
Admittedly, this issue doesn’t quite qualify as ‘simmering.’ It’s more like a hot bath with a few bubbles, in terms of pacing and plot movement. Lemire takes his time painting the oddly sweet friendship between Franny and her monstrous friend, so you’ll enjoy the sincerity and heartfelt emotion in their scenes. Presumably, the depth of their bond will make whatever breaks it more painful in the future, so time will tell.
What’s great about FISHFLIES #2? Lemire’s projection of tender, sweet (even in horrifically surreal circumstances) emotion through Franny is amazing. Logically, you want to call the police and get Franny away from this person whose become as ugly on the outside as his heart on the inside, but you feel so bad for Franny that you want her to have a win any way she can get it.
What’s not so great about FISHFLIES #2? For some readers, the pacing will be a drawback. Yes, Lemire makes every panel count in building up Franny’s relationship with the monster, but that’s the heart of the issue, with the rest only filling in little nuggets of information. It’s sweet but not completely satisfying.
How’s the art? Lemire is, correctly so, a show-and-don’t-tell kind of creator, so he knows how to let his imagery do the talking. Lemire’s art speaks volumes through facial expressions, surreal visions, and subtle moments that project meaning and emotion. It makes sense that the artist would know his writing better than an art partner could, so the marriage of word and picture is practically perfect.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s FISHFLIES #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our FISHFLIES #1 review to find out how a broken-down crook turned into a monster.
The issue splits into two threads of interest. First, Paul’s mother (Paul is the boy who got shot) investigates the robbery scene and notices dead fishflies everywhere. She feels compelled to find Officer Laraque to tell her about a vision she had when visiting Paul in the hospital, a vision about fishflies and the moon that she’s convinced has some special meaning about the fugitive.
Meanwhile, Franny contends with the rumors in school about Paul’s shooting and the whispers about a dangerous fugitive on the loose. Further, Franny’s patience with the bullying actions of her classmates reaches a boiling point that gets her sent to the school office.
Later, Franny visits her friend as they “chat” and find peace in each other’s company. We conclude the issue with a warning, a dream, and big jumps.
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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FISHFLIES #2 eases back on the pacing but delivers a fragile, tender, budding friendship between Franny and her monstrous friend. Lemire’s ability to communicate deep emotion and meaning with a single facial expression in a single panel is amazing.
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