HEAT SEEKER: EXPOSED #2 – New Comic Review

Heat Seeker: Exposed #2, by Titan Comics on 7/30/25, throws Dahlia Racers right back into the fire after a major explosion at her apartment, leaving police officers injured and putting her squarely in the crosshairs for murder charges.

Credits:

• Writer: Charles Ardai
• Artist: Ace Continuado, Juan Castro
• Colorist: Asifur Rahman
• Letterer: David Leach
• Cover Artist: InHyuk Lee (cover A)
• Publisher: Titan Comics
• Release Date: July 30, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (violence, language, nudity)
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 36
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of HEAT SEEKER: EXPOSED #2:

First Impressions:

This issue hits hard and fast, immediately grabbing your attention with its explosive opening and relentless pace. It’s a wild ride that leaves you wondering what fresh chaos will unfold next.

Recap:

In Heat Seeker: Exposed #1, Dahlia Racers, a master of disguise and identity alterations, found herself confronted by Jacqueline McGee in New York City. This encounter, far from a friendly reunion but a confrontation by a “journalist” hungry to expose Dahlia for the Internet fame, escalated into a dangerous situation involving an armed drone attack. The issue ended with Dahlia on the run when McGee’s research may have turned Dahlia’s clients against her.

Plot Analysis:

Dahlia Racers begins the issue feeling anything but invisible as her Flatiron Building apartment is rocked by an explosion, injuring two police officers and a civilian. Now facing potential murder charges, Dahlia is forced to seek a new identity from Billie at a tattoo and piercing parlor, acknowledging that her previous blonde and red disguises are compromised. Billie is hesitant to help due to the reward for Dahlia, but ultimately agrees, giving Dahlia a new appearance while expressing a willingness to turn her in if approached by authorities. News reports amplify the severity of the situation, stating that if the injured officers die, Dahlia will face murder charges, intensifying her predicament.

Meanwhile, Jacqueline McGee continues her relentless pursuit of Dahlia, showing up at the tattoo parlor, convinced Dahlia is still inside. Despite a man leaving the building, McGee remains suspicious, believing Dahlia is merely disguised. She confronts Officer Demarcor, asserting Dahlia is still there, while also dealing with an emotional Rosaline who is concerned about her safety due to Dahlia’s actions. The police presence escalates, with orders to bring Dahlia in for murder one.

Dahlia contacts Yevgeny, learning that the drone from the previous incident was Russian, but the buyer was a man named Leo Dupont, one of McGee’s former clients. This revelation points to a deeper conspiracy, suggesting Dupont is attempting to silence Dahlia for creating his new identity. Dahlia travels to Riverdale in the Bronx, arriving at a lavish estate where she encounters Julia Dupont, who mistakenly believes Dahlia is delivering a package for her brother, Leonard Dupont III.

Upon meeting Leonard Dupont Sr., Dahlia reveals his son, Leo Dupont, is not dead as presumed, but was given a new identity by Dahlia, which is why she was hired. Julia, overhearing this, realizes her brother is alive and, in a fit of rage and misguided protection, attacks Dahlia and Leonard Sr., believing Dahlia is trying to expose Leo. Dahlia escapes the chaotic scene, now needing to fake her own death to truly disappear from the escalating threats of the police, McGee, and the vengeful Dupont family. She instructs Cesar to retrieve her salvaged items and meet her at a construction site, where she plans her dramatic “demise” witnessed by police, leaving McGee furious and shocked.

Story

Charles Ardai delivers a cracking script that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The plot is a winding road of twists and turns, with each revelation building on the last, from the apartment explosion to the true identity of the drone operator. The stakes are constantly rising, and the dialogue is sharp and witty, perfectly capturing the noir feel of the series. It’s a masterclass in escalating tension and reveals.

Art

The artwork in Heat Seeker: Exposed #2 by Ace Continuado, Asifur Rahman, and Castro is a vibrant, energetic feast for the eyes, perfectly complementing the fast-paced narrative. The character designs are dynamic, especially Dahlia’s chameleon-like transformations, and the action sequences are rendered with a powerful sense of motion and impact. The colors pop, creating a mood that shifts effortlessly from gritty city streets to opulent estates, pulling the reader deeper into the story.

Characters

Dahlia Racers is truly put through the wringer in this issue, shedding her “invisible” persona and forced to confront the direct consequences of her past actions. Her desperation is palpable as she seeks new identities, showcasing a vulnerability we haven’t seen before. Billie, the tattoo artist, is a fantastic addition, injecting a dose of gritty realism and moral ambiguity, while Julia Dupont’s explosive reaction adds a surprising layer to the Dupont family drama. Jacqueline McGee remains a relentless force, her single-minded pursuit driving much of the tension.

Positives

This issue absolutely nails the high-stakes, action-packed thriller vibe. The pacing is relentless, moving from one dramatic event to the next without a single wasted panel. The art is consistently strong, bringing the gritty world and its colorful characters to life with expressive detail. The story deepens the mystery surrounding Dahlia’s past clients, making the current threats feel even more personal and immediate. The introduction of new characters like Billie adds fresh dynamics and some much-needed humor, while also highlighting Dahlia’s desperate situation. The ending is a truly shocking cliffhanger that will leave readers clamoring for the next issue.

Negatives

While the issue is largely a success, some of the dialogue can feel a bit overly dramatic at times, bordering on theatrical, which occasionally pulls you out of the intense realism the art strives for. There are moments where the plot relies a little too heavily on convenient coincidences to propel the story forward, particularly in how easily key information is revealed or how characters seem to appear exactly when needed. Furthermore, the quick succession of events, while keeping the pace high, sometimes sacrifices a moment for the reader to truly process the emotional weight of Dahlia’s rapidly deteriorating situation before she’s forced into the next crisis.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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HEAT SEEKER: EXPOSED #2 is a punchy, explosive thrill ride that elevates the series to new heights. The writing is sharp, the art is dynamic, and the plot twists keep you guessing until the very last panel. It’s a must read for anyone who loves high-octane espionage with a dash of noir.

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