HAVEN: THE BROKEN CITY #2
"Earth to Haven!"
Neutral (4/10)
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DC Comics
Writers: Ashley-Jane Nicolaus & Matthew P. Schuster
Artist: Ariel Olivetti
Colors: Rob Ro & Alex Bleyaert
Letters: Bill Oakley
Editor: Mike Carlin
Price: $2.50 US/$4.25 CAN |
Though the art and the general concept behind the book continues to impress, the pacing and characterization of Haven: The Broken City just isn't sustaining my interest. Surprisingly little happens in this second issue. A key new chaarcter is in the spotlight, but we don't learn all that much about her. It's starting to look as though this 12-part series might be a little padded.
Katalia and the Martian Manhunter to take the various malevolent aliens that threaten the members of the JLA and the Alliance out of the picture. With the immediate threat averted, the citizens of Haven set to the task of the rescue effort and post-crash clean-up. The U.S. military turns up and extends an offer of assistance, and the remaining members of the heroic Alliance realize they need to rebuild their ranks in order to serve Haven better in light of recent events.
Olivetti's art is stunning; it almost looks as though it's been painted. Ro and Bleyaert are working quite well with his unique style. His character designs are equally unusual and eye-catching, notably that of the villain featured prominently on the cover. The detail in Olivetti's art is so convincing that it's easy for the reader to tell that his mask consists of two different pelts, and one is led to believe that they're not merely animal hides.
It's a shame that the same can't be said about the script. Almost nothing new happens in this second issue. The people of Haven and the United States are no further along in diplomatic relations, and we learn nothing new about any of the main characters, save one new figure. The identities, personalities and abilities of many of the new Haven characters remain unclear as well. There's plenty of potential in this book that's just not being realized. I'm hoping that changes with future issues.
The new character who enjoys a brief time in the spotlight is Nia, a one-time supporter of the woman who oppressed the people of Haven. Now she finds herself among their numbers, and her thirst for a higher position and the fact that the others distrust her promise to make the overall story more interesting in future chapters.
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