The Bloody Dozen #2 is published by Image Comics, written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Alberto Jiménez Albuquerque, coloured by Rachelle Rosenberg and lettered by Chris Crank.
Issue #2 is available 17th January 2024 either directly from Image Comics online or from your local comic book store, digital copies will be available to download from the usual content providers.
Synopsis
The offer has been made; the offer has been accepted. In return for youth, freedom and magical power granted to them by the Shrouded College, three washed-up former astronauts will undertake a deadly mission to free nine vampire lords locked away in a prison orbiting the sun. Yesterday, the trio didn’t believe vampires existed. Today…the countdown has begun.
Review
Having basically sold their souls to the Shrouded College in exchange for youth, freedom and powers the three once washed up astronauts (Greta, George and Glory) now with some intense training and the magic serum they will be primed and ready to face what’s coming. The stakes are raised as if they succeed they can remain in their new youthful state however fail their mission and their new found powers will be taken away. The Shrouded College is a very secret operation all cloak and daggers but for very good reason but this doesn’t stop the likes of George who is a bit more old school who does have his reservations but now is not the time for reservations now is the time to put up or shut up as preparations need to be put in place ready for the launch.
What was at first a straight forward mission is fast becoming a mission that looks more and more perilous, going to a strange atmosphere going up against an enemy they know little about apart from the fact that they are vampires that have been imprisoned on this special ship. They will need to use all their new found powers and talents to make this mission work with a handy training session beforehand from a rather retired looking Major Hill, who may well look past his sell by date but his knowledge may well prove priceless against the vampires. The race to get to the prison ship is on but what would happen if someone got there before them? Could someone get there before them?
This series is fast becoming one of my favourite story arcs and that’s down to the writing of Charles Soule as he builds the story in a natural way that introduces each character and their back story which in turn adds a personal depth to the story. As the story progresses the add level of intrigue and mystery adds multi levels to the story that keeps the reader gripped to each page.
The artwork of the book is next level, the darkness comes through each panel and the mysterious intrigue is perfectly captured by Alberto Jiménez Albuquerque and Rachelle Rosenberg as they combine their talents to create the energetic visual experience that elevates the story.
Verdict
An intriguing series that is beginning to take a dramatic twist. Definitely one of the series to watch in 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
