NIGHT OF THE CADILLACS #2, from Scout Comics on December 29th, 2021, starts the clock ticking when Stiv and Hope debate whether Hope should enter the portal before it closes until the next Blood Moon or miss her chance to reunite with her mother.
The Details
- Written By: Jake Hearns, Jeff Marsick
- Art By: Kirk ‘The Savage’ Manley
- Colors By: Kirk ‘The Savage’ Manley
- Letters By: Kirk ‘The Savage’ Manley
- Cover Art By: Rob Prior
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: December 29, 2021
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Was It Good?
Hmm. Well, it’s okay. NIGHT OF THE CADILLACS #2 is an odd title in that you’re mixing elements of mysticism, alternate dimensions, Cadillac-themed gangs with a Cholo culture flair, and vampires, all wrapped in a mysterious rebellion… maybe?
The blessing and the curse of this title are that there are so many unique elements going on – elements you may never have expected to see together – you almost don’t know how to process it. Focusing on the plot and the theme first, it hasn’t quite come together yet. Granted, this is only issue #2 and you get the general gist of what’s going on, but it feels like the story is still in the setup phase and we haven’t gotten to the meat of the central conflict yet.
However, the setup still manages to pull out a few surprises. We get a full glimpse (just a glimpse) of the alternate universe, we see who will presumably be the main villain, and there’s plenty of street-level action including a random killing, vampire style. Again, it all still feels like all setup but the pieces are striking enough to keep you engaged.
The art, likewise, is unique, even a bit strange, but striking enough to keep your eyeballs entertained. The West Coast style has a graffiti mural quality, rich with bold colors and unique character designs. It’s almost guaranteed you’ve never seen a gang of vampires where the lead has a grill over her fangs and wears curlers in her hair. The designs evoke a familiar flavor of L.A. gang culture with a sci-fi twist, and it’s yet another surprise in an already surprising title.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
It’s been an L.A. minute, so if you don’t quite remember why vampire Cadillac gangs from an alternate dimension are hunting down Hope, read our NIGHT OF THE CADILLACS #1 review.
We begin with Stiv and Hope finding temporary refuge in Hope’s house while they discuss their next plan. Stiv plays coy to Hope’s questions about her mother’s whereabouts, and Hope makes it clear she’ll go to any length to find her. Meanwhile, the Kill-Town gang follows Shiv’s trail to Hope’s street. They grab and kill a neighbor girl unlucky enough to be taking out the trash, hoping her needless death will lure Stiv out into the open. Conceding their cover is blown, Stiv and Hope bust through the garage door with Stiv’s Cadillac and make a hasty getaway.
Stiv manages to evade the Kill-Towns, and he stops at a gas station for a medical check and gas. Before they can take off, the Chamberlains find Hope in the gas station convenience store stocking up on snacks. What follows is a brutal fight to put the Chamberlains down and escape before another gang shows up. We conclude the issue with a trip down the rabbit hole for Hope, an introduction to the big boss, Papa Duke, and a quick look at the bright lights and big city of Other Earth.
Final Thoughts
NIGHT OF THE CADILLACS #2 is an intriguing display of West Coast art styles and gangs with a story that’s a strange mix of scifi and vampire horror. The plot still feels like it’s in setup mode, but the pieces moving into position are striking enough to keep you dazzled, even if the story hasn’t quite come together yet.
Score: 7.5/10
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