SIRENS GATE #2, from Dynamite Comics on November 23rd, 2022, draws Tara deeper into the world of the supernatural when Lady Rose sends a vampire protector to guide Tara to her true power. Meanwhile, Commander Rein acquires a different and lethal kind of power.
The Details
- Written by: Shannon Maer
- Art by: Shannon Maer
- Colors by: Shannon Maer
- Letters by: Shannon Maer
- Cover art by: Shannon Maer
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: November 23, 2022
Is It Good?
SIRENS GATE #2 continues Shannon Maer’s experimental journey into the realm of the supernatural with deadly developments and intriguing revelations. Coupled with an unusual art style, this is one of the more unique comics Dynamite has to offer.
That may sound like a backhanded compliment, but it’s not. Truly, Maer’s art style is unlike anything you’ll find on the comic shelves. While the style here is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea (more on why in a minute), it’s certainly different.
Maer’s story follows Tara after her mysterious meeting with Lady Rose ended with a werewolf attack. Michael the vampire is sent to watch over Tara and guide her to other allies who may help her figure out why she’s so special after her “resurrection.”
To Maer’s credit, Tara’s journey contains oodles of creativity and plot development. You won’t find any decompressed storytelling here, and that’s a blessed relief in a largely decompressed industry. That said, the narrative flow of the issue hinders the reading enjoyment. A story needs to have rises and falls to keep the proceedings interesting, but this issue lacks that rhythm, so the energy feels flat. It’s not quite a pacing problem as the plot takes appreciable steps forward. Think of it as a flatness that feels like a dull hum.
As for the art, it’s excellent for Maer’s style, but some readers may not be keen on the mannequin-like positioning of the characters. Maer’s art is highly referenced, which means it looks like photographs of dolls run through an art filter. Again, Maer’s style is unique, so kudos for bringing something new to the medium, but the static feel of the characters, especially in the lack of facial expressions through the eyes, makes this comic feel like a slideshow lacking movement and flow.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our Sirens Gate #1 review to find out how Tara was brought into Lady Rose’s circle.
We begin with Commander Rein, in her wheelchair, entering the research lab for her organization. Suddenly, a lab accident brings Rein in contact with an otherwordly force that heals her legs and grants her deadly fire powers.
Elsewhere, Tars exits the back door of the Cat Club, not realizing a sniper has orders to take her out. At the right moment, Michael the vampire arrives to explain Lady Rose sent him to guard Tara after the werewolf attack. Michael insists Tara follow him to meet a witch who might shed light on Tara’s resurrection and the werewolf attack.
We conclude the issue with shameless flirting, visions of the past, and death.
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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SIRENS GATE #2 expands Tara’s journey into the supernatural with magically-powered assassins, witches, and vampires. The plot maintains a steady, albeit low-energy, pace, and the art style is certainly unique.
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