Secret Identities #2 Review

For a series that’s only just launched, Secret Identities #2 still likes to keep things big. If you’re looking for a title that’s in-depth with plenty of world building, this offers all that with a nice twist at its core. Still, this large scope also comes with a few drawbacks along the way…

The official description from Image:

Image’s hit super-team book continues! As Crosswind further ingratiates himself with the team, Gaijin finds her own loyalties tested.

The main problem with this issue, as with the last, is that this large universe is simply thrust upon the reader. While it’s great to have lots to look into – and Secret Identities #2 certainly offers numeorus tangents and side plots – its a lot to take in. We don’t know this universe at all, so jumping into this character and that character is a lot to take in. The upside to this, of course, is that multiple read throughs can offer a little more, giving the issue more longevity on your shelf than other titles.

That being said, it is clear writers Jay Faerber and Brian Joines are doing their best to restrain themselves. Nobody has too large a backstory and the dialogue offers just enough to welcome new readers. Once you get past this, it’s clear the amount of work thats gone into it. Faerber and Joines, for now, manage just the right amount of balance between world building and focusing on the main narrative. In hindsight, Crosswind doesn’t get the most screen time, yet his presence as a central character isn’t questioned, either.

Visually, this title still looks great. The design work is still impressive, although there’s not really much new to see in this chapter. Still, Ilias Kyriazis offers some fantastic pencils, with a dynamic style that suits the action-packed nature of a superhero title. However, the coloring duties are split between Charlie Kirchoff and Ron Riley, with a transition that isn’t very noticable. Why does Kirchoff only color the first 7 pages if the difference is minute? Changes like this need to be felt, and this seems like a missed opportunity.

In the end, these are some small drawbacks for a title that’s still being ambitious and confident in its range. I certainly look forward to more.