THE MADNESS #2, from AWA Studios on 9/13/23, begins Raven’s rampage of revenge when she seeks out everyone connected to the bombing that killed her boyfriend and his children.
The Details
- Written by: J. Michael Straczynski
- Art by: ACO, David Lorenzo
- Colors by: Marcelo Maiolo
- Letters by: Sal Cipriano
- Cover art by: ACO
- Comic Rating: Mature
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: September 13, 2023
Is THE MADNESS #2 Good?
If you were to sum up THE MADNESS #2 from J. Michael Straczynski in one word, it would be RAGE! Seething, pulsating, unrelenting RAGE! In issue #1, readers were introduced to Sarah, aka Raven, after one of her heists inadvertently led to an International incident that made her the center of a government’s powerplay. That’s the wind-up, and in issue #2, Straczynski delivers one Hell of a fastball.
When last we left Sarah, the U.S. government enlisted America’s super team to deliver a bomb strike on her location to appease the ruler of a foreign government. The bomb only succeeded in killing Sarah’s lover and his children. Now, we learn about the beginnings of Sarah’s unique power, embodied in Raven, as Raven takes complete control to mete out brutal revenge.
Be forewarned. This issue is listed as ‘Mature’ with good reason. You get bloody gory violence. We’re talking intestines getting ripped out, beheadings, etc.. If you’re squeamish, look away now. If you’re not, revel in it.
What’s great about THE MADNESS #2? In short, Straczynski doesn’t hold back. Raven viciously works her way from one link in the chain of command to the next to kill everyone responsible for her lover’s death. She can’t be bargained with. She can’t be reasoned with. And you get the impression she absolutely will not stop. Pardon The Terminator reference, but it works here.
What’s not so great about THE MADNESS #2? Admittedly, the plot is a little light, focusing only on Raven’s rampage of death and destruction. Therefore, if you were looking for more meat in the plot, you may have to wait until the next issue.
How’s the art? ACO understood the homework assignment with a killer (no pun intended) set of visuals. We call it out repeatedly – readers will forgive a lot of gaps in technique if you can project the right emotions, especially in facial expressions. Raven practically stares into your soul, and ACO’s art makes for a memorable experience.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s THE MADNESS #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our THE MADNESS #1 review to find out how Sarah’s life got turned upside down.
We begin with a flashback to Sarah’s childhood. The power she possesses first manifested externally in the form of an imaginary friend whom Sarah named Raven. As Sarah grew older, and ran afoul of bullies and pushy men, Raven would act through Sarah with surprising power. Sarah eventually had to ask Raven to hide to avoid unwanted attention.
In college, Sarah all but forgot Raven. When Sarah attended a frat party for Halloween, a party no woman would be safe attending, Sarah’s danger forced Raven out of hiding to destroy the frat boys intent on harming Sarah.
Now, Raven is in full control, and may Heaven help anyone who stands in her way. We conclude the issue with painful interrogations, rooftop meetings, and a bird’s eye view.
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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THE MADNESS #2 does exactly what every comic should do – make you feel something. In this case, Raven’s emotions practically vibrate off the page with an overwhelming feeling of rage. Straczynski gives you an emotionally charged issue as Raven lays waste to her enemies, and ACO’s art is unforgettable.
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