Keep it all in the family: Rayne comes home to a family reunion worth remembering.
Descendant #2
Publisher: Image
Writers: Michael Dolce and Marcus Perry
Artist: Mariano Navarro
Cover: Tyler Kirkham
Summary: Finally embracing the pyrotechnic powers she spurned all her life, Rayne sets out to rescue her captured brothers. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers her siblings have been genetically altered… and are out to kill her!
Review: The second issue of Descendant finds Rayne back in her hometown and ready to find and release her imprisoned brothers from Bane. Bane, a mad scientist who we know now is working for a higher man, longs to capture Rayne and harbor her powers for scientific use. Bane claims that it is necessary to ’speed up’ the natural evolution of humans, but I suspect our little mad hatter has another trick up her sleeve: use the powers for her own good.
We then find out that Rayne’s brothers have already undergone scientific experimentation, and are now willing and able fighting machines under the command of Bane, equipped with powers magnified from their dormant state and memory loss. Will Rayne be able to reach them in time to save them all?
Hip deep in alligators, Rayne finally sucks up her pride and reaches out to Priest for some back-up. However, things go awry for our heroine when the line between good versus evil blurs and people aren’t exactly what they seem to be.
Dolce creates plenty of build-up to the dramatic action scenes taking place towards the end of the issue. Navarro constructs an elaborate battle scene which erupts in a plethora of rich colors and and resplendent detail, and the effect is dizzying. The panels are successful in depicting Rayne’s rush of anger and vehement retaliation.
Overall, Descendant twists the idea of superheroes and concocts a different genre with this interesting take on a female character and her back story. Rayne’s agenda and quest for revenge is nothing new to note of; however, her prophesied future paired with her x-men like powers chalk up a mix worth checking out. Sprinkle a little ancient mythology, and you have yourself a fast-paced story built on original ideas.
The ending cliffhanger in Descendant #2 will prove to change the story’s dynamic quite a bit and sets up exciting anticipation for the third installment. What’s the Priest’s real agenda?
August 25th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Great review Melissa!