The Cape: 1969 #2 Review


Dots. In my review for The Cape: 1969 #1, I mentioned that Nelson Daniel‘s use of Ben-Day dots didn’t bother me. That’s changed with issue #2, but I’ll talk about that in a second. First, here’s the official description of the second issue from IDW:

Shot down, imprisoned, beaten, tortured, his crew murdered—none of these things will compare to what Captain Chase will experience next. Watch as his sanity it tested and he struggles to keep his grip on reality. 

As with the first issue, Jason Ciaramella does a great job with the war elements of the book. The setting and behavior are both well done, and Chase’s brief conversation with an English-speaking Vietnamese boy perfectly captures his longing for his own family without being too on the nose. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the little flying boom man is back this issue, and Ciaramella plays him as the archetypal nutty, nonsensical native whose madness belies his hidden talents. While the supernatural elements are inserted in such a way that they don’t destroy the setting Ciaramella has built, everyone takes them a bit too in stride.

The cape itself is once again absent (except in a small dream sequence) which is making me question whether the cape is actually the source of the power or not.

I still love Nelson Daniel’s art, with the exception of those damn Ben-Day dots. Not only are they distracting, but they don’t fit the tone of the book. The only books where those dots would be suitable are sleek, modern-looking books, or books trying to invoke a retro feel. Cape is neither.

Other than the dots, however, Daniel’s work is stellar. Backgrounds and setting are fully realized. Everything is simple and cartoon-esque without robbing the book of it’s fairly serious tone. One layout for a midair fist fight is incredible. It’s innovative and dynamic without breaking the flow of the story.

The little boom man was a fairly passive character, in spite of his important role in the story. Chase needs to get some answers next issue, and really put his new talents to the test.

 

4/5

 

S#!T Talking Central