In my review of the first issue of this book, I complained that the creators weren't really explaining the concept or characters to the reader, but that the book was written and drawn so well that it was compelling anyway. That's pretty much exactly my reaction to the second issue as well. We've been given little reason as to why we should care about either Eddie or David, and yet I do. The pacing of the book is such that we're being slowly introduced to the characters and situations, and although I would have preferred a clearer setup of who David is and what he does, I can't deny that I'm intrigued.
One of the obvious strengths that keeps me interested in Shaffer's dialogue. His characters ring true, especially the relationship between Eddie and Celeste. Eddie isn't quite overtly abusive, but he's so closed-off and self-centered in everything he does that you can't help but feel sorry for Celeste. A big part of that is the body language that Krall gives both of them; little things like Celeste looking wistfully off-panel while Eddie kisses her good morning or the melancholy expressions when she tells him about the pregnancy speak volumes about the relationship, and about Celeste's character.
In fact, the visuals do a lot of the work in defining Eddie and David as well. Eddie's sloppy appearance is a direct contrast to David's dapper style of dressing, and Shaffer makes it clear in the writing that their style of playing poker is much the same. Eddie gets by on arrogance and flash, David on conservative play and observation of the other player. The interactions of David and Eddie with Walt also have a lot to say about the differences between the two characters.
However, while I know an impressive bit about the characters, given how little the creators are overtly saying, we're now two issues in without much of a plot having developed. Thanks to advance press, I know what David's agenda is, and so I'm reading this story with an eye towards what he actually gets out of his new arrangement with Eddie, but for the average reader, the plot hasn't really gone anywhere yet. The leisurely pace of the story is part of the style, and I'd hate to lose it, but at the same time it seems like a little more insight into what the story is really about would help considerably.
In the end, I am drawn to this book and interested in seeing what comes next, but I'm not sure how much I actually like it. It's got a lot of style but a strange structure. On the other hand, being different is hardly something bad in an entertainment medium, and whatever else is true of One Plus One, it shows that Shaffer and Krall are talented creators worth keeping an eye on.
