Review: Samsara Vol 2: A Crisis Of Faith
How about a comic that continues to explore the depths of faith, identity, and the human spirit? If that's what you're after, then Samsara Vol 2: A Crisis of Faith by Shriram Swaminathan, John Henry Esteban, and Mariam Yasser Farouck is precisely what you need in your life. It continues on from Samsara Vol 1: A War Within, which kicked off the Markosia published series.
Lakshman is back, and this time, his journey is even more difficult as he battles a corrupted serpent spirit, whilst Nirvan seems to reshape their war-torn realm. The Gurkhan Empire's grip tightens, and rebellions in the south grow fiercer. Amidst this chaos, Lakshman must navigate his own crisis of faith while trying to bring peace to a world on the brink of collapse.
Starting with the art, John Henry Esteban continues to impress with his vivid and expressive style. The detailed panels capture the characters' intense emotions, bringing each scene to life. Esteban's skill in alternating between detailed and rough styles creates a lovely, dynamic visual experience that enhances the storytelling. I liked this in volume one, and I still like it here. And the Gods, when shown, look incredible with great care taken to make them look powerful and awe-inspiring.
Mariam Yasser Farouck's colouring once again brings the magic and mysticism of the world to life, perfectly matching the story's mood and adding some beautiful splashes of colour to brighten up the book where needed.
In terms of the story, Shriram Swaminathan crafts a captivating narrative that explores Lakshman's spiritual and existential dilemmas. The themes of redemption, belief, and the search for meaning are thoroughly explored whilst pushing the story forward. The internal struggles and conflicts within each faction contribute to the complexity of the world-building, making the story even more engaging as you immerse yourself into the world of Samsara.
The character development in this volume is exceptional. Lakshman's journey is depicted with nuance and sensitivity, making his struggles and triumphs feel authentic and impactful. The supporting characters are also well-developed, each bringing a unique perspective that, when the story is complete, will be further elevated on a re-read. The interactions between characters are natural and engaging, helping to push the plot forward and exposing new layers of their personalities.
Swaminathan also handles the lettering and makes use of multiple fonts depending on who's talking. It can add some lovely visuals and change how the voices sound in your head more than using the same font, but it's not always the easiest to read, especially digitally, where the screen isn't as big as the comic. I found it all to be legible, which is great. But I'm all for accessibility, so I hope no one struggles with the odd page where a new font is introduced. For the most part, it is the same very easy-to-read text, though, so that's good.
Overall, Samsara Vol. 2: A Crisis of Faith is a powerful continuation of the series, providing a rich, immersive experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating volume three. The combination of compelling storytelling, stunning artwork, and deep character development makes you want more, like any good comic should. If you're looking for a comic that challenges your perceptions and engages your emotions, Samsara Vol. 2 should not be missed.
Rating: 4.5/5
If you fancy picking up a copy, head over to the Markosia website, where there's a load of links to wherever you feel like purchasing from.
