Rogues #2 Review

Writer: Joshua Williamson

Art: Leomacs, Matheus Lopes, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and Sam Wolfe Connelly

Publisher: DC Comics

Price:$6.99

Release Date: April 26th, 2022

Just when you thought you knew Gorilla City, Joshua Williamson lays out this take that showcases just how wrong you really were. Nevertheless, remember that no one who has gone searching for the hidden nation has ever been found again. Some would suggest that the ROGUES would have known this prior to searching. But alas, they either don’t know or simply don’t care. Let’s dive into ROGUES #2 by Joshua Williamson as the great Gorilla City heist begins to take shape. However, does the ever-popular Captain Cold truly have everything figured out, or is it just going to be another failed caper for this ROGUES gallery? Let’s dive into ROGUES #2 and find out!

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Rogues #2 Review.

THE DISPATCH

How believable can a superhero comic actually be? Granted, it’s a fictional comic book centered around the spectacular. Yet, readers still want a sense of realism. It’s that authenticity that’s driving recent movies such as THE BATMAN for example. Well, Williamson does a fantastic job opening ROGUES #2 with a very real take on the characters as well as setting up how they were able to get to Gorilla City… and I absolutely loved it! It’s these minor, background characteristics to a story that provides ROGUES #2 with substance causing fans to immediately be thrown deep into the narrative.

Furthermore, the relationship-building between the characters was incredibly strong. Williamson uses a good portion of ROGUES #2 to craft the personality of these ROGUES together beautifully. Within only two issues, readers can already see how each character is evolving while simultaneously feeling the connections emerge. At times, Williamson crafts together such intense conversation making fans feel like they’re right alongside these ROGUES as they venture closer towards Gorilla City.

Once our ROGUES arrive at Gorilla City, Williamson continues to layer on the charm as each member contributes with some important dialogue used to explain their entry into the city. And can I tell you, it makes sense. Again, the premise spirals back towards realism and logic as he crafts this neo-noir take with some of the DCU’s most extraordinary villains. Williamson is doing his best to make this story seem as believable as possible, especially as the narrative gets closer and closer towards talking Apes!

Yet that’s still not even the cherry. Williamson puts a rather unique twist on Gorilla City that provides fans with another layer that’s rather unexpected while once again offering up some remarkable charm to the issue. The biggest downfall of ROGUES #2 is that there is very little action within the comics it’s centered around loads of setup. Fans just need to be prepared for a different type of story this week with Willaimson providing all the background information needed to see this story through.

ART

Leomacs continues to do an outstanding job with the design and layout of this series. The realness mentioned throughout this review is directly related to the style and technique used by Leomac and this creative team again referring to the neo-noir style. Moreover, the aging of the ROGUES, the atmosphere surrounding Gorilla City, and the events leading up to the reveal set the tone masterfully for this tale. Readers, ROGUES #2 is dark and edgy fitting the DC Black Label perfectly thanks in particular to Leomac and this entire creative team.

FINAL THOUGHTS

ROGUES #2 by Joshua Williamson is real, raw, and develops each member of the team incredibly well. Moreover, the juxtaposition of Gorilla City and what it represents along with the character development and evolution of the cast is what makes ROGUES #2 so dynamic and encapsulating. There is this darkness that hovers over the issue that just comes across as so relatable and authentic like nothing else DC COMICS is spitting out today. I highly recommend picking up ROGUES #2 and adding it to your pull list. You won’t be disappointed. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!