Eleanor & The Egret #2

• Writer: John Layman Artist: Sam Keith Colorist: Ronda Pattison
• Published by: Aftershock Comics Publish Date: May 17, 2017
• Notes: Monthly comic series

Synopsis:

“What kind of thief leaves a single feather at the scene of the crime? Perhaps one that has a talking, painting-eating, oversized Egret as a pet—a pet that gets more oversized the more paintings he eats! Sounds fun, right? Except for some of the people now determined to stop this thief, who is anything but!”

Personal Thoughts (minor spoilers):

This is the most long-awaited second issue of a new series in recent memory. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the first issue of Eleanor and the Egret for its awesome writing and introductions from John Layman (best known for Chew). And, I also enjoyed the return of the magnificent art stylings of the creator of Sam Keith (best known for The Maxx).  So here I am, with the second issue at last. Does it carry on the momentum?

From the first few pages, there is a bit of prologue setting up of a possible foil to Eleanor and her giant white avian partner; Detective Belanger. A distinguished style is carried in his stature and composure with the hat, trench coat, curvy thin mustache, and a cat (!). Such exhibits confidence in his investigations but there some odd placement and attention to the surrounding zoo settings, which challenges the thinking of Detective Belanger. The zoo animals present are large, with more detail than the humans. There leads to the idea to me, that perhaps there is more than meets the human eye.

In the next story sequence, Eleanor and the Egret meanwhile steal another painting. Such the act takes time over many pages of beautiful exposition. The artist and colorist do an amazing job of displaying the large panel sequences and happenings of the action and reaction. Each shot with the position of the truck, bird, and figures are perfectly done. The result, exhibits the cleverness of Eleanor and her Egret, as the best-shared asset for their painting stealing goals.

The following pages set-up the players of this curious drama, with bits of back story and droppings of interesting developments. This leads to further revelations (and new questions) of the identities of this brilliant duo. Both and Eleanor are partners in a plan more complex than simple theft, for personal reasons against a particular painter. I am quite anxious on the deeper story of this, and what crazy original reason that I think only the writer John Layman can tell.

Then we meet the painter of the stolen paintings, Anastasia Rue. Her introduction is classy, yet sinister and devious. There is great buildup within the last few pages, of her ruthlessness in seeking out the culprit with a probably personal connection, and perhaps there is more to her than her art. The last page heightens the suspicion, with something that is terrifying and exciting at her request.

Overall, a treat that fans of the first issue will also consume and enjoy. John Layman does a wonderful job with his playful exposition, while Sam Keith’s unique style remains awesome. No pages are wasted in either talent, with great results leading me to impatiently wait for the third issue.