SHOW’S END: THE SECOND COMING #1, from Mad Cave Studios on July 27th, 2022, sets the eclectic members of Dax’s Carnival back on the road and in need of refuge to avoid being linked to a series of gruesome murders.
The Details
- Written by: Anthony Cleveland
- Art by: Jef Sadzinski
- Colors by: Fabi Marques
- Letters by: Justin Birch
- Cover art by: Jef Sadzinski
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: July 27, 2022
Is It Good?
SHOW’S END: THE SECOND COMING #1 is an engaging first issue in the newest arc, starring a group of carnival misfits trying to get by in a tough world. Filled with colorful art and unique characters, this story is tailor-made for readers who like circuses with a dark edge.
If you’re new to this series, Loralye and her colleagues aren’t simply performers. They’re the real deal – monsters and mystics. The strongest element of Cleveland’s story about a down-on-their-luck traveling carnival is the ragtag group of characters. Each character has a unique voice and personality, they accept each other for their strengths and flaws, and they act as a pseudo-family. The family aspects of the cast give readers an emotional core that gives you a reason to care.
The caveat to this first issue, especially in the opening prologue, is the lack of setup coming out of the first arc which concluded three years ago. A preface page would have been helpful to draw readers back into this world and explain what happens on the very first page. A preface isn’t mandatory, but after such a long hiatus, a preface would have been advisable.
Sadzinski’s art is a good match for this material. The linework isn’t super clean or precise, but the sketchiness gives off an antiquated feel to fit the old-fashioned vibe of the timeframe. The rough spots, however, aren’t very noticeable due to Marques’s excellent coloring.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with the Dax carnival setting up shop in an empty lot to put on a show and (hopefully) earn enough tips for food and supplies. The lot owner and his gang of toughs show up to demand more money, claiming the rent they paid doesn’t include a cut of their earnings. Loralye almost loses control and turns into her bestial form when the lot owner gets rough. Fortunately, Vaddy keeps Loralye calm, and the carnival decides to leave the lot.
Later, the gang camps in the woods and discusses heading to Sanctuary Glade, an encampment of all circus performers looking for rest and sanctuary. The gang is ultimately undecided and chooses to sleep on the suggestion. Later that night, Loralye hears a strange noise and ventures into the wood to investigate. She makes a gruesome discovery, one that could be linked to her piggy friend, Pavel.
We conclude the issue with a symbolic invitation, a road trip, a family history lesson, and a new town.
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Final Thoughts
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SHOW’S END: THE SECOND COMING #1 is a whimsically solid return to the Dax Carnival, and its merry band of unique characters. The story is well-paced and kicks off multiple mysteries to build intrigue, and the art amplifies the rough charm of the Carnival’s ragtag nature.
Related Information
Are there any circuses left?
Yes, there are circuses left in the world. While not as numerous as they have been in the past, there are a number of circuses still touring, including Royal Hanneford, Jordan World, Loomis Bros Circus, Carson & Barnes, and Carden International. The common structure of circuses has also changed into a boutique- and stage-performance-style show with companies such as Cirque du Soleil.
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