The Fade Out #2 Review


How will Charlie handle the burden of knowing of this cover up? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

Was a murder covered up? Or did the movie starlet commit suicide? And how does the show go on with a dead leading lady and an unfinished film? BRUBAKER & PHILLIPS’ new crime noir masterpiece is just getting started! Remember, every month THE FADE OUT has exclusive back pages articles that are only available in the single issues.

The Fade Out #2The Fade Out got off to a fabulous start, with this tale of a covered up murder in 1940’s Hollywood being extremely enticing. Though this issue isn’t as shocking as the first, having less captivating moments, it somehow managed to be more engaging, with the character depth being a real winner. The mystery itself also grows more, with the fact that both Charlie and Gil’s known of the cover up only adding to the drama and tension.

Ed Brubaker manages to excel in any situation, as though we don’t really get much progress to the story in this issue, the character focus really proves intriguing. Giving wonderful narration throughout, the flow of this tale feels as smooth as expected, with the tension and atmosphere throughout making things very gripping. The developments that we do get in this issue also intrigue, as though nothing huge, it does add an extra layer to this tale, giving a realistic follow on from the tragic events of the opening issue.

The team of Brubaker and Sean Phillips have been thrilling for fifteenth years now, and if Brubaker’s scripts weren’t enough to prove this, then you just need to look as the amazing art of Phillips. Wonderful scenery, and perfect character positioning allow for a very dramatic flow to this tale, with the layouts as a whole having a cinematic vibe to it. The character emotion is also shown well throughout, with the facial expressions that Phillips produce being both intense and dramatic. Elizabeth Breitweiser also continues to produce amazing colours, with her soft, toned palette giving the perfect 1940’s Hollywood vibe to this.

The Fade Out continues to be a must read with the creative team of Brubaker and Phillips once again producing a fabulous concept. Between the mysterious tale and character depth this issue proves more gripping than the first, coming highly recommended.

OUR RATING
9
  • + The character focus allows for an enticing tale.
  • + Brubaker and Phillips continue to be the #1 creative team.
  • + Charlie is becoming a more intriguing character, with Gil also entertaining.
  • - Doesn't give any real progression to the events at hand.

S#!T Talking Central