A Review of Nature's Labyrinth #2
Discover more from Blake's Buzz
Nature’s Labyrinth #2
Zac Thompson words
Bayleigh Underwood art
Warnia Sahadewa colors
Rus Wooton letters
From Mad Cave Studios
Life feeling like a maze? You feeling like a rat in a cage? Baybee, do I have a comic for you. Peep the solicit:
After being dropped on a terrifying island with an ever-changing landscape and left to fight for their lives, it's all-out mayhem as the rules of the game have evolved to include specialized weapons for each of the felons. The island will show the contestants who they truly are. Will they accept the truth or will they devolve into the violent criminals they are?
With the introductions over with, the violence can begin, and the second issue of Nature’s Labyrinth doesn’t shy away from the bloodshed one bit! Zac Thompson is weaving quite the bloody web. The new issue keeps its focus on Nasir and J while still keeping us in the dark on their true selves.
This, alone, is worth the cost of future issues. I’m vibrating with anticipatory ecstasy to see how a podcaster turns into a terrorist and to find out who J really is and who she’s actually working for. The island, a character in itself, builds a significant amount of intrigue as well.
What is this game? Who are the players? Who’s behind it all? These questions have propelled me through two wonderful issues, and I damn sure won’t be stopping now.
The secrets being kept from us add to the razor wire tension, and the control Thompson has over these scripts is impressive. Every bit of information is expertly revealed as the audience greedily gobbles up these breadcrumbs while looking for the next. It’s maddening and addictive. I’m salivating while waiting for the next piece.
Speaking of drooling, I can’t get enough of this art. Bayleigh Underwood’s vibe is that of top-tier mangaka. The character work shines. Readers can see distrust and violent, boiling schemes in the eyes of the cast. Pain and paranoia shine bright on their faces thanks to some truly detailed linework. The island’s ever-changing layout and backdrops look sublime. Its curiosities and terrors hiding in the tall grass, from behind any corner, heighten the pace urging readers to burn through these pages faster and faster.
Warnia Sahadewa is a brilliant colorist, and the unity between her and Underwood is strong. They are both an unstoppable force making this island a determined, terrifying foe. The lush greens and bright landscapes trick us into feeling comfortable but, at any moment, a terror can leap from an unseen space. Watching these terrible people die in terrible ways is exhilarating.
Rus Wooton, as with his other books, is always on point and ready to keep the panels balanced and inviting. Sound effects are fierce and slick. The font, like the artwork, is exceptionally easy on the eyes.
Mad Cave has a banger here, but I don’t think any of us are surprised. When Zac’s name is on the cover, we’re usually in for a wild ride with delectable layers to peel back and peruse. Snag the two available issues and snuggle up by the fire while we wait for Nature’s Labyrinth to drop another sinister issue!
And now for some Buzzenings…
Blake’s Buzz episode 52 is out today! David Pepose returns to talk about the release of Savage Avengers Volume 1 and the brand-spankin new eighth issue, both of which are out today! You can download the episode anywhere you download your favorite podcasts, or you can watch the interview on YouTube here! A share/like/subscribe would be much appreciated!
If you’re feeling frisky (and generous) sign up for my Patreon!
For just $3/month you can become a Builder Bee and help support a dream!
For $4/month, you’ll gain access to The Hive Mind, a newsletter about all things Blake’s Buzz and all things just Blake! Food, dogs, comics, and buzzin’ behind the scenes action!
For $5/month you’ll be able to listen to the new podcast: The Honey Pot! It’s the sweet spot for nerd news! Click here to check it out!
I’d like to give a BIG, BUZZIN “THANK YOU” to all of those who have already subscribed. It means so much, and I’m excited to show you all the new content soon!
