Falling in Love on the Path to Hell #2 features a story and art by Gerry Duggan and Garry Brown, and the colours are by Chris O’Halloran. The book is published by Image Comics.
Falling in Love on the Path to Hell #2 is available 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
The sun set on samurai and gunslingers at roughly the same time, but our two leads didn’t die off quietly. In the East, Asami, an Onna-musha warrior and female samurai, would rather die with her weapons than surrender them to a sword hunt. In the West, the gunslinger MacRaith follows his revenge to the bitter end and pays the ultimate price. The future lovers are mortally wounded a world apart and awake together in a purgatory ruled by a ruthless society of damned warriors. This one has it all—action, the dead, the dying, the undead, and of course…romance.
Review
In the latest chapter of Falling in Love on the Path to Hell, we see Asami and MacRaith caught in a complex situation. Rather than an instant romantic spark, they find themselves trapped by the undead on a creepy island filled with dangerous creatures. Here, they come across Mohan, who leads an army of lost souls. The big questions are: Is Mohan a friend or foe? And can our protagonists escape the island?
When picking up a new comic, what draws me the most are the story and the characters. Though, presently, the narrative hasn’t quite captivated me as a “must-read.” In fact, I found myself re-reading the first issue just to recall the events, which is not exactly promising. However, it’s the characters that left a lasting impression, compelling me to continue with the series. Despite the current lack of a gripping story, there’s an intriguing aspect to the series—the stark contrasts in the morals and beliefs of our heroes. This element keeps me intrigued about how they’ll navigate their differences. Will these characters form a strong alliance, hate each other, or perhaps develop into something more profound? This lingering question keeps me eagerly flipping pages.
As for the dynamics at play, Asami and MacRaith’s adaptation to their new, challenging environment has promise. As the audience, we’re learning the ropes of this peculiar world and its eclectic inhabitants right alongside them, which I find particularly engaging. This shared journey of discovery between the characters and the audience, marked by equal parts confusion and curiosity, adds an enjoyable layer to the experience. By maintaining this alignment between audience and characters, the comic crafts an engaging narrative that, despite my initial reservations about the storyline, keeps me invested in the unfolding tales of Asami and MacRaith. It’s this dynamic and the hope for a more compelling story on the horizon that keeps me coming back for more.
Verdict
The debut issue of Falling in Love on the Path to Hell left a lasting impression on me, thanks to its riveting plot, vibrant cultural setting, and captivating characters. Having eagerly delved into the second issue, I found that while it mostly retained its charm, the storyline didn’t quite hit the same high notes. That said, the plot’s slight dip didn’t dampen my enthusiasm, primarily because the characters continued to shine brightly. Their intricate moral quandaries and the evolving dynamics of their relationships are truly the series’ backbone. It’s this rich character development and the unravelling of their bonds that keep me eagerly looking forward to the next instalment.
⭐⭐⭐