TexArcanum #2 is written by Christopher Monfette and published by Dark Horse Comics. Artwork is by Miguel Martos, colours by Patricio Delpeche and letters by Michael Heisler.
TexArcanum #2 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
With the deaths of their sons, the feud between the Garrison and Reilly families ramps up, poisoning the heartland along with it. As mysterious deaths plague the Reilly solar farm, Avery will soon discover how one supernatural threat can stir up another.
Review
After a brilliant debut issue, Monfette and co have a lot to prove with the remainder of this thrilling mini-series. With its mash-up of Western and body horror elements, TexArcanum proved itself to be a familiar yet fresh take on the genres it looked to play with.
Right from the start of issue 2, we seem to pick up right where we left off tonally. We’re immediately introduced to conflict from page one, which this time focuses on two opposing family trees who have always been at odds with each other, both figuratively and literally. This initial setup highlights just why TexArcanum works as well as it does and reinforces why Monfette’s writing continues to be the star of the show, blending rich storytelling and extensive mythology with dry dialogue courtesy of Avery Belle.
Taking simple ideas such as family trees and pushing them in a literal direction with poisoned ground and actual trees is so straightforward, but greatly emphasises the otherworldly elements at play without the reader having to think twice about them; they just take it for granted because of the expert worldbuilding that is on display.
However, Avery’s narration hilariously juxtaposes this on multiple occasions, for instance, one minute going from explaining the grand heroism of his ancestors to the jarring reality we find him in currently. As he puts it, “farting alone in some bug-crusted pickup with a dog that’s either a cast-out Navajo trickster god or just a very convincing coyote.”
This issue leans a lot more heavily into the supernatural and body horror than the opener did, which really works in the story’s favour. From buglike creatures bursting from people’s faces to horrific ghosts, all of this is brought vividly to life by Martos’ artwork, which is once again a standout. There is a grittiness and brutality to the illustrations that is perfectly intensified during action set pieces in the final pages of the issue.
This second instalment of TexArcanum does everything you’d expect and more. It’s violent, atmospheric and, at times, quite humorous. Monfette once again nails the worldbuilding and storytelling here, bringing all of this to the page and gripping fashion.
Verdict
Monfette and co continue to work their magic on this brilliant series, all whilst doubling down on the graphic violence and horror to rather grim results.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
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