PETER CANNON: THUNDERBOLT #2 – New Comic Review

Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt #2, by Dynamite Comics on 12/17/25, proves that identity theft isn’t just a headache for your credit score, but a full-blown crisis when your childhood tormentor steals your entire mystical destiny.

Credits:

• Writer: Fred Van Lente
• Artist: Jonathan Lau
• Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
• Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
• Cover Artist: Reese Hannigan (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: December 17, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 22
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of PETER CANNON: THUNDERBOLT #2:

First Impressions:

Opening this book feels like walking into a high-stakes poker game where everyone is cheating, and the stakes are life or death. The immediate tension of Peter walking into the lion’s den creates a suffocating atmosphere that grabs you by the throat. It is confident, stylish, and demands you pay attention to every line of dialogue to keep up with the mind games.

Recap:

In the previous issue, Peter Cannon infiltrated a military compound with sardonic ease, showcasing his “Awakened” abilities to dodge bullets and confuse guards before escaping on a motorcycle. News reports revealed that his former cult, the Awakened, had perished in a suspicious mass suicide, a tragedy Cannon suspects was murder. Arriving in New York, Peter visited the former cult base turned mansion and attended a gala hosted by the Mandala Group, where he reconnected with his childhood friend Tabu and positioned himself to take over the organization. The story balanced Peter’s traumatic past with his present-day ambition, ending with him poised to step into the public eye while seeking justice for his fallen order.

Plot Analysis:

The story kicks off immediately in the present day as Peter Cannon and his ally Tabu confront the elusive “Hooded One” in a setting that screams excessive wealth. Instead of a dusty monk in a cave, the villain is revealed to be living in the lap of luxury, having traded ancient wisdom for modern opulence. Peter is not just facing a rival; he is staring down a ghost from his past who has successfully monetized the very teachings that destroyed their childhoods.

The tension skyrockets when the Hooded One reveals the depth of his deception. He has not only survived the cult’s demise but has effectively stolen Peter’s identity to build his empire. The villain stands as a dark mirror to Peter, showcasing what the “Awakened” power looks like when it is stripped of morality and sold to the highest bidder. This revelation hits Peter harder than any physical blow, challenging his claim to be the true heir of their shared history.

A philosophical battle erupts that is just as deadly as the physical one. Peter tries to use his logic and “Awakened” clarity to dismantle the Hooded One’s façade, but the villain is insulated by layers of wealth and security. The dialogue here is a sharp fencing match, with the Hooded One dismissing Peter’s quest for justice as a childish tantrum compared to the “real” power of influence and money.

The issue creates a powder keg situation that finally explodes in the closing pages. Peter is forced to prove that his mastery of the mind is superior to the Hooded One’s mastery of the material world. The confrontation leaves the reader on a sharp cliffhanger, making it clear that reclaiming his name will require Peter to burn down the false life his enemy has built.

Story

Fred Van Lente delivers a script that is dense with dialogue but never feels slow. The pacing is deliberate, treating the conversation like a combat encounter where every word is a calculated strike. The reinterpretation of the Hooded One from a generic cult leader to a corporate identity thief is a brilliant modern update that adds layers to the conflict.

Art

Jonathan Lau’s art continues to be the highlight, particularly in how he renders the subtle expressions during the tense standoff. The environment of the luxury gala is drawn with meticulous detail, contrasting sharply with Peter’s simple, focused demeanor. When the action inevitably breaks out, the panel layout shifts dynamically to match the speed of Peter’s “Thunderbolt” reflexes. Truly, Lau delivers a masterclass in showing martial arts action with fluidity and power.

Characters

Peter’s arrogance is put to the test here, and it makes him a much more interesting protagonist. Seeing him rattled by the Hooded One’s success adds a necessary vulnerability to his character. Tabu also shines as the voice of reason, providing a grounding presence that keeps Peter from getting too lost in his own head.

Originality & Concept Execution

The concept of a superhero fighting a villain who stole his identity via corporate restructuring rather than magic clones is refreshingly unique. It executes the “evil twin” trope in a way that feels grounded in modern fears about identity and capitalism. The creative team has successfully updated a classic hero by making his battles as much about reputation as they are about punches.

Positives

The absolute best part of this comic is the reinvention of the villain. Transforming the Hooded One into a wealthy imposter who stole Peter’s life is a genius move that instantly makes the stakes personal and relatable. It gives the reader a clear reason to hate the bad guy, not because he wants to rule the world, but because he is a fraud living the good life on someone else’s dime.

Negatives

If there is a downside, it is that the issue is very heavy on exposition and talking heads. Readers expecting a non-stop kung-fu brawl might find the extensive dialogue about corporate ownership and cult history a bit dry. The physical action is saved largely for the end, which might test the patience of those who bought the ticket primarily for the “Thunderbolt” strikes.

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): [3.5/4]
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): [3.5/4]
Value (Originality & Entertainment): [1.5/2]

Final Thoughts:

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PETER CANNON: THUNDERBOLT #2 is a smart, stylish thriller that demands you use your brain before you get to the brawling. It is a worthy investment for readers who want a villain with actual depth and a hero who fights with words as well as fists. However, if you are just looking for mindless action to kill twenty minutes, you might want to wait for the trade paperback where the pacing will flow faster.

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