American Dreams #2
Daniel Kalban words
Dody Eka art
Tebe Andry inks
Warnia K. Sahadewa colors
Matt Bowers letters
From Band of Bards
Are all those current super hero entries feeling a little lackluster? I’ve got the sauce your dish is lacking. Peep the solicit:
In 1900 New York, a Jewish immigrant, Jake Gold, works in a sweatshop by day and fights in a gang at night. One night Thomas Edison performs a strange experiment in Central Park, unleashing strange energy across NYC and Jake is suddenly gifted with amazing powers. His path soon crosses with that of luminaries such as Harry Houdini, anarchist Emma Goldman, and crusading journalist Nellie Bly. Standing against the neophyte hero are Edison, JP Morgan, and, worst of all, the occultist leader Aleister Crowley. Can Jake rise to the occasion and protect everyone's American Dreams?
Get ready for a dazzling journey into heroism and history, folks, because the second issue of Daniel Kalban’s American Dreams slaps harder than an angry grandmother in a grocery store when her grandson refuses to behave (is that too niche? I’m not the only one, right?)!
American Dreams continues to seamlessly blend history and super-powered antics. This issue builds upon its predecessor, delivering a breakneck-paced narrative filled with tension, remarkable art, and a promising future for our protagonist.
Kalban's storytelling prowess shines through in American Dreams #2. The tension escalates from the previous issue, as Jake grapples with the weight of his powers and his growing role as a hero. We’re witnessing the beginning of his journey of self-discovery and his struggle to balance his newfound dual life. The highlight of the issue comes in a gripping scene where Jake valiantly saves his coworkers from a raging fire, showcasing both his powers and his unwavering determination. Kalban skillfully weaves historical figures into the narrative, enriching the story's backdrop with authenticity and providing readers with a fascinating blend of fiction and reality.
The artwork in American Dreams #2 is absolutely top-tier. Dody Eka's illustrations bring the characters and settings to life with incredible detail. The way Eka portrays the eruption of superpowers in-panel is a visual treat, immersing readers in the awe-inspiring world of heroes. Tebe Andry's inks add depth and texture to Eka's art, further enhancing the visuals. Warnia K. Sahadewa's vibrant colors elevate the entire comic, evoking the vibrancy of early 20th century New York and injecting each panel with energy. Matt Bowers' lettering seamlessly guides readers through the story, complementing the artwork and dialogue with precision.
It's evident that Daniel Kalban possesses a deep affection for the superhero genre. His love for this world shines through in every page. He masterfully captures the essence of heroism and the transformative impact superheroes can have on the lives of those around them. The intricate blend of history, superpowers, and larger-than-life characters creates a unique and engaging reading experience. It really sets American Dreams apart from the other superhero entries on the shelves at comic shops.
As American Dreams #2 comes to a close, readers are left eagerly anticipating its future conflicts, as a band of villains emerges to set up some hippopotamus-sized roadblocks against Jake Gold's heroic journey. Kalban has laid a strong foundation for the series, and the promise of what lies ahead is beyond exciting.
As usual, when I get excited for a comic, I can’t say enough great things about it, but to wrap this up, American Dreams #2 is a dazzling installment that propels readers deeper into a world where history and superpowers intertwine. With its compelling narrative, stunning artwork, and a deeply passionate understanding of the superhero genre, this comic is gearing up to be something truly special. Unforgettable, even. I’m not sure how they did it, but this comic really captures the essence of THE American Dream in all its awe-inspiring glory.
American Dreams #2 is in comics shop today (5/31/23)! If you’re having trouble finding them, you can order them from the Band of Bards shop here.
Daniel is also gearing up for a new Kickstarter campaign towards the end of June for Rook & Knight #1, which is expanding upon this world he calls the Libertyverse! I’ve read it, and it’s another banger. Make sure you’re signed up so you don’t miss its launch. You can follow the campaign here.
Tonight, 5/31/2023, Invader Comics’ Kevin Miller and Mike Perkins will be on the show to talk about UNKNOWN CALLER. Click here to set a reminder and watch the show!
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