Creed: The Next Round #2 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by LaToya Morgan and Jai Jameson and illustrated by Alitha Martinez and Wilton Santos.
Issue #2 is available 26th July 2023 either directly from BOOM! Studios online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
Amara will fight by any means necessary, even if it means going to someone forbidden-someone who lived in the shadow of her grandfather, Apollo Creed.Will she have what it takes to pass the rigorous test of her new trainer, and navigate the wounds of her family’s past?
Review
In this issue we see Amara continue on her path to become one of the boxing greats, if not the greatest much like her grandfather, Apollo Creed. There is one stumbling block and that is her father, Adonis Creed who doesn’t think she is ready for that big jump into the limelight, it’s not her talent that’s under question here there’s no mistaking that she definitely has the talent to make it Adonis is scared of what is waiting for her there.
Amara see’s this as he is holding her back and wants to prove him wrong whichever way she needs to and show him he is ready, even if it means bringing someone back into the family frame that her father definitely won’t approve of, but what choice does she have?
As this series moves on the story is definitely catching pace and the emotionally driven timeline creates a story that hits home with every panel. LaToya Morgan and Jai Jameson join forces creating a story that shows the journey of a young girl’s transition into a young woman as she begins to empower herself and step into the big wild boxing world. Each written word comes from the soul and is helping build this story into a strong series that will (hopefully) continue even after this arc.
The artwork of this book is a masterpiece, encapsulating the raw emotion of the story and giving it more power using the darkened tones to give the art the dramatic effect. Alitha Martinez and Wilton Santos have a style that perfectly matches the story allowing the pages to come alive with deep colour and making the reader almost feel the raw emotion within. This book is definitely a powerful read.
Verdict
A grea second issue, allowing the story to step up a gear and the characters to grow in strength carrying the story forward and empowering the reader. This story is a strong read and definitely worth it in every way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
