THE SACRIFICERS #2, from Image Comics on 9/6/23, adds the last group of Sacrificers to the chain gang, but this time, the group acquires true believers.
The Details
- Written by: Rick Remender
- Art by: Max Fiumara
- Colors by: Dave McCaig
- Letters by: Rus Wooton
- Cover art by: Max Fiumara
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $3.99
- Release date: September 6, 2023
Is THE SACRIFICERS #2 Good?
THE SACRIFICERS #2 continues Rick Remender’s impressively layered fantasy about a world where firstborns, called Sacrificers, are taken away for an unknown purpose, in service to Rokos the Sun god. Where Remender’s first issue excelled in blending multiple themes about family, tradition, belief, faith, sacrifice, and separation, THE SACRIFICERS #2 takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of dread and anticipation as the Sacrificers’ journey nears its destination.
When last we left Rokos and the Sacrificers, Rokos made ready to prepare for the annual Harvest ceremony, which his young daughter defiantly hoped to attend. Meanwhile, the Pigeon family grappled with the grief of giving up their son when the collectors arrived at the family farm. Now, the Sacrificers chain gang makes its last step to collect Noom and her Holy Wardens, true believers in their role as sacrificers who believe their journey will be a divine privilege for which the others should be grateful.
What makes Remender’s tale so impressive is the relatability of each character as they react to their lot as Sacrificers through the lens of completely different backgrounds. Pigeon takes it all in with a spirit of sadness and uncertainty. The humans, kept half-starved and isolated since infancy, sneer at Noom’s devout confidence. Noom, for her part, holds fast to the ideals her religious upbringing instilled in her. Combined, you get an overarching sense of fear born of uncertainty since nobody truly knows what’s going to happen, but each Sacrificer reacts differently to that uncertainty with an impressively wide array of emotions.
What’s great about THE SACRIFICERS #2? Remender creates an emotionally charged atmosphere of dread as the Sacrificers trudge through their journey to meet an unknown fate. Up to the very last page, you could imagine anything and everything could happen, so Remender plays on the fear of the unknown right until the last panel when the Sacrificers’ eyes are opened (literally and metaphorically).
What’s not so great about THE SACRIFICERS #2? Practically nothing. This issue is a delicately balanced work of art in both the writing and the visuals. We can’t find fault with any of it.
How’s the art? Fiumara and McCaig do a darn fine job of communicating the symbolic progression of the Sacrificers’ journey through subtle hints and changes in a demeanor that’s hard to top. Specifically, Noom’s radiant assurance that her sacrifice is for a higher purpose takes a beating as the long walk dishevels her clothes, wearies her eyes, and puts wear on her body. It’s easy to be pious when you’re comfortable, as one of the humans points out, so Fiumara’s art shows how Noom’s faith is tested as her pristine appearance slowly slips away.
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What’s THE SACRIFICERS #2 About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our THE SACRIFICERS #1 review to find out how Pigeon handled his last day of freedom.
We begin with Pigeon and his fellow sacrificers entering the last town where the final Sacrificers are waiting before the group moves on to their fate. Noom and the Holy Wardens aren’t mourned but cheered as she accepts what she believes is a great honor to ensure a bountiful harvest.
As the group marches into the wilderness, the bright happiness of Noom’s town fades into the darkness of the woods and deserted countryside. Sitting around the campfire, nervousness over what’s to come sets in. Each Sacrificer offers the rumors they’ve heard about their potentially horrible end.
Noom’s faith is tested when the march becomes difficult. Without warning, the Sacrificers reach the end of the trail. We conclude the issue with darkness, encouragement, and opened eyes.
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 SACRIFICERS #2 is an emotional rollercoaster exploring how different people from different walks of life perceive an unavoidable fate. Reminder’s writing is the best it’s ever been, and Fiumara’s art delivers one gut punch after another.
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