Ain’t No Grave #2 is written by Skottie Young and published by Image Comics. Artwork is by Jorge Corona, Colouring by Jean-Francois Beaulieu and letters by Nate Piekos.
Ain’t No Grave #2 is available now, in print and on digital, where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
From the creative powerhouse duo Scottie Young and Jorge Corona, the imaginative forces behind enthralling series like “Middlewest” and “The Me You Love In The Dark“, emerges their latest masterpiece, “AIN’T NO GRAVE.” This limited comic series masterfully blends macabre, western, and fantasy elements into a mature, engaging narrative that feels innovative and oddly familiar. Ryder put her violent past behind her when she fell in love and became a mother. But that was before she learned it was all going to be taken away. Now, she’ll have to pick up her guns once again and ride to kill the one who’s behind the threat.
Review
The thrilling new series, Ain’t No Grave written by Skottie Young and art by Jorge Corona, returns for another exciting instalment full of drama, bloody violence, excitement and mystery. The story follows the exceptionally charismatic protagonist, Revolver Ridge Ryder, a determined mother on a relentless pursuit of death…literally. The first issue of this series left on a gripping cliffhanger, and the second issue wastes little time, diving headfirst into a world of mystery, blood, violence, and intrigue.
The story kicks off with an intense, blood-soaked showdown that thrusts the narrative into full throttle right from the start, establishing high stakes and tangible tension. This gripping opening marks the beginning of Ryder’s relentless pursuit to achieve her goals, regardless of the cost. Ryder is a person of depth and complexity, and her unpredictable nature, more specifically, her refusal to play by the rules, is what makes her a captivating character. Ryder’s blend of fierce determination and inherent danger is thrilling to witness as a reader, as each decision she makes and word she speaks has weight to it. She is tactical with each movement she makes, further solidifying her character as an unpredictable badass.
One aspect that particularly surprised me about this issue was the artwork, notably the design of blood throughout this series, which I found very intriguing. To be honest, the artistry overall is ridiculously impressive; every detail, right down to the colour choices, is captivating (and unexpected). Given that it’s a Western-inspired story, the predominant use of red was to be expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of neon colours. At one point in this issue, neon yellow/green is used in the background, and it creates a striking contrast in the palette. This extremely cool creative choice works well in creating some mesmerising shadow and silhouette shots, which are hands-down some of my favourite panels of any comic I have read. Truly distinct and beautiful.
Verdict
Once again, the issue wraps up with a cliffhanger. While it doesn’t pack quite the same punch as the jaw-dropping twist at the end of the first issue, there’s no denying a lot unfolds in this instalment to push the story forward. This issue races through its narrative at speed, masterfully blending backstory, key plot points, and character development effortlessly. It channels the frantic pace of a classic Western, with each panel propelling the story forward at lightning speed, perfectly echoing the intensity of this Western-inspired saga. So, make sure you check out Ain’t No Grave.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
