Start Again #2, Reviewed. A Slightly NSFW Review for a NSFW Comic.

Were you blown away by Start Again issue one, or somehow still on the fence? Well, issue two will have you quoting that Rick and Morty meme right at Jamie Me - "You son of a bitch, I’m in".

If Start Again's first issue was like dipping your toe into the pond of a "real" lives of a superhero's love story. Then issue two makes you lift your head up and realise you’ve actually dipped your toe in the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Jamie Me, Toni Doya, Sean Callahan and Archie Dait don’t just build on issue one, they pull you into a story so deep it could rival the Mariana Trench. Well, this is the first time I'm reviewing issues separately, as it is a fairer representation of how I’ve consumed these two issues. Honestly, this very easily could be a very short review. I could just say, see issue one review because issue two is all that plus, IT'S FUCKING SUBLIME. Mic drop, explosions, walk away without looking back.

Although if your still not quite sold let’s break a bit more of this issue down while trying to avoid spoilers. Which in fairness should be pretty easy, as this one throws up even more questions than the first, managing somehow to build on its earlier musings without concluding a single one. It’s a story that had me, hours after reading it, suddenly exclaiming “Wait! what if……..”.

So let’s start with the art as usual. I would first direct you back to the review of Start Again issue one. As Toni Doya's elegant art has devilish continuity. I didn’t quite realise just how well Toni's art creates a defining tone and character to this story. Not until I opened issue two could I fully appreciate it, as from the very first page it is unmistakable that we are back in this universe. The very first image threw that switch in my brain that meant, without re-reading the first issue I knew exactly where we left off. It’s a testament to how powerful and excellent Toni's art is. Sean Callahan's colours are equally accomplished at this, along with Jamie's consistent lettering which ultimately recentres the exquisite foundations laid out in the first issue.

So far so definitely good, but can the story continue to meet such high expectations? If issue one could be said to be a much more human than a superhuman story. Then issue two punches a few holes in that concept reminding us never to assume anything in great comics and reveals dynamic new branches which tease out new paths while hinting just how little of this iceberg you’ve actually observed. For a rough plot account, I once again refer you to my review of issue one as here we’re mulling over issue two.

The narrator James reignites the story with ominous commentary before Ajay and Natalie try to comprehend the impact of issue one's climax. Once again Jamie offers very real, very human interaction. It’s an endearing opening scene that perfectly creates an atmosphere which in turn dramatises the explosive second scene. This is where the story notches up a gear as we are introduced to A.S.H or the Anti Superhero unit which in turn allows the story to tap into what can best be described as an infinity gearbox for the way this story develops. The story just reaches lofty heights at every panel and narrative point. The questions this issue leaves you with is what truly defines this story as extraordinary. I think as well that these questions offer the best review without too much spoiling so let’s try this.

WHAT IN THE ACTUAL FUCK IS GOING ON WITH THE RED-HEAD?!? What is the extent of Ajay's abilities? How do his powers work? Is it something he really has control of? What's the government and media's problem anyway? Where's the gratitude? Ok, who is James really? And who is Jordan? Wait what’s Icarus? Seriously why would you say that and leave it you big tease? Oh and that final page, What the shittingly fuckery fuck? First the red-head and now this. Maybe I’m overthinking that end but there could well be a hint at something like a multiverse or alternate timelines or maybe… no rabbit hole. This is a wizardly interesting example of storytelling.

In conclusion Jamie "you son of a bitch I’m in". This comic is not just NSFW but NSFYM, or not safe for your mind as I feel both of these opening issues, particularly the second, are the most engrossing mind invading introductions to a story that one possibly can be. It’s a story that leaves you desperate and zealous for more. This epic work is for fans of comic books full stop. I mean that, if you like comics you will enjoy this. There is so much to this comic it’s intimidating to observe. The way it manages to be just so many different things yet still remain unwaveringly clear and unmuddled. Just awe-inspiring in its majesty. Be glued to all of Jamie Mes social media (links below) and do not miss that opportunity in February to collect all current issues.

Review 5+/5