THE WEST MOON CHRONICLE #2, from Scout Comics on December 28th, 2022, recounts how Maddy disappeared and what became of Jae-Sun’s daughter. Now, the reunited lovers must fight to get their daughter back.
The Details
- Written by: Frank Jun Kim
- Art by: Joe Bocardo
- Colors by: Manoli Martinez
- Letters by: El Torres
- Cover art by: Joe Bocardo
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: December 28, 2022
Is It Good?
THE WEST MOON CHRONICLE #2 continues the awe-inspiring urban fantasy mixing Eastern mysticism with a family drama set in a quiet Texas town. Readers who follow this site know we rarely give a perfect score for a comic, but issue #1 earned that top spot. Issue #2 didn’t knock us over with the same wow factor, but it’s still an excellent issue filled with magic, monsters, and genuine human conflict.
File issue #2 under the “backstory and world-building” category. We learn where how and why Maddy disappeared. Her return stirs up a boatload of emotions for Jae-Sun and gives him an opportunity to right an old wrong. In one fell swoop, Frank Jun Kim adds history to the main character, builds a second world with its own rules and legacy, establishes the motivation for the lead characters going forward, and delivers it all in an entertaining package. The level of story craft in this issue is, by any modern measure, impressive.
That said, there are two down points to this issue. They’re minor down points but enough to temper the score.
First, there is a lot of exposition and backstory going on in a very small space. You don’t need a scorecard to keep track of who’s who and what’s what, but it might help.
Second, it’s not quite clear who the villains are and what they want. Yes, the story needs to unfold in its own time, and the journey is so entertaining that you can’t complain about a lack of enjoyment. However, not knowing who the villain is or what they want gives the astounding action a hint of chaotic confusion. In other words, the main characters are acting and reacting and, in some cases, you don’t exactly know why.
Bocardo’s art is a surprising mix of grounded realism and esoteric whimsy. The art represents the mundane world just outside your window (sorry, Marvel fans), but the surreal addition of mythical creatures looks like they belong in the same world if you stepped into the wrong town. Kudos to Bocardo for doing Urban Fantasy art the right way.
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 THE WEST MOON CHRONICLE #1 review to find out why it earned our top score.
We begin with Maddy explaining how and why she disappeared for 18 years. Dor, one of the woodland goblins, kidnapped her daughter, believing the child was somehow his. Maddy chased Dor through the woods and through a portal that led to the Sky Wyld. Over the years, Maddy tracked her daughter, Autumn Dawn, to a fortress where she remained safe but out of reach.
Now, Jae-Sun has a chance to help Maddy get their daughter back and undo the regret he’s felt ever since abandoning them years ago.
We conclude the issue with a battle between a dragon, a nine-tailed fox, and goblins.
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 WEST MOON CHRONICLE #2 is another winner in the surreal series that mixes Eastern mysticism and urban fantasy in a Texas setting. The character- and world-building are brilliant, and the art seamlessly blends the real with the unreal.
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