My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stunning visuals lead the way with this dystopian graphic novel of a sci-fi off-planet society of sheltered “citizens” and starved “fringers” rumored to be barely human cannibals. The State-controlled media keeps a tight rein on its image, its heroes and its enemies of the State. It’s all propaganda with the biggest “hero” being nothing more than a glorified soap opera actor. That is, until his popularity makes him an extinguishable threat, too.
This second volume to the L:D world continues to expand the scope of the world as it extends the story. The band of misfits gains some members and side missions while also exposing themselves to other fringer groups in the perpetual turf war beyond the city-state, Atrius. Beyond disenfranchisement, new groups reveal a world of sexual slavery not previously seen.
Interspersed with the “present” timeline, are microscenes from centuries past focused on a female protagonist-hero. Who still lives. And is none other than the present-day autocrat of Atrius. It is this story [akin to watching Anakin Skywalker become Darth Vader] that elevates this 2nd installment. It deliciously complicates the good and the bad, the hero and the villain.
The second volume is available from comixology.com. I received my copy from the author.
Jaffalogue 