As I expected, Morales's story of racism in the U.S. Armed Forces during wartime grows in intensity in this second issue, and the harsh plot developments not only foster the reader's interest, but a sense of outrage at history as well. Baker's cartoony style conveys the desperation and anger of the characters quite well, but there are a couple of rougher spots that aren't in keeping with his usually sleek, textured approach. Overall, though, this is a rich and emotionally engaging piece of historical fiction that can serve to show a non-comics reading audience of the versatility and expressive strengths of the medium.
An entire camp in the South is dedicated to the basic training of African American soldiers, and even the few white men above them continue to make their lives difficult. Some -- like Isaiah Bradley -- take refuge in messages and pictures of their loved ones back home, while Maurice Canfield turns to the ideals for which he believes he is fighting. Others, like Sgt. Lucas Evans, focuses on keeping his brethren alive, while other still, like a little man named Larsen, immerse themselves in their hatred of white men. Still, the oppression is something with which they are familiar, but life on the base takes a decidely unexpected and grave turn when 300 of the men are spirited away in secrecy.
Baker's cover for this issue -- and the first, come to think of it -- reminds me more than a little of Frank (The Dark Knight Strikes Again) Miller's style. Simple shapes merge to form silhouettes, and that ambiguity establishes a more mature tone.
As for the interiors, he does an excellent job of differentiating among a variety of characters all boasting similar skin tone, haircuts and clothing. The extreme conditions and the emotions they elicit are clear on the men's faces. Still, Baker's portrayal Evans is oddly sketchy and vague, and the backgrounds are sparse or non-existent at times. I'm used to seeing a greater depth and more polish in Baker's work, but it seems almost rushed at times here.
The callous methods of the white conspirators is shocking, but more importantly, it establishes a strong sense of suspense. The deadly nature of their actions points to the enormity and corruption of their plans for the main characters. That's impressive, as most readers will already know of the Super-Soldier program that awaits them.
The racism on display in this story stuns our modern sensibilities, but really, what's more disturbing is that little voice inside our heads that reminds us that such oppression is not a thing of the past. Perhaps it's not so blatant in the Western world anymore, but judging people by their differences as opposed to their actions remains modern society's biggest stumbling block. Morales and Baker, by reminding us of its more obvious forms, open our eyes to the subtler variations that still plague us today.
