Advanced Review: Broken Pieces #2

Usually when a story relies on three different time lines it shows a major weakness in what is the “present” timeline of the story. The problem comes into play when the series will inevitably switch into only the “present” timeline, but the part of the story in which you became invested in is no longer there. In the case of Broken Pieces we have the “past”, the “recent past” and the “present” story-lines and frankly I’m heavily invested in the “recent past” which is more than likely one or two issues away from being completed. Even with this fact it doesn't change that this issue is emotionally moving and compelling to read.

If you’re unfamiliar with Broken Pieces it’s really a modern Frankenstein, but not in the mad scientist trying to play God sort of way rather just the reanimated dead and misunderstood monster. Our second issue opens with Richard and Gabriella having dinner with her mother. Richard is extremely nervous about it and gets water or possibly urine all over the front of his pants. After explaining it in the worst possible way Gabriella takes him outside to the enormous balcony overlooking the city from the restaurant to ease his mind. This scene in particular really highlights Richard’s personality and shows the connection between the two of them as being something deeper than physical attraction. This is reminiscent of the opening scene in the first issue as well.

In our “recent past” storyline, we have Gabriella discovering a file that indicates the company she and Richard are working for may have in fact caused the virus they’re trying to cure. Richard has exciting news as he discovers that Gabriella’s formula to restore tissue works when exposed to the brain, but they need to hide it until they know if they can trust the company or not. Unfortunately, they have a corporate visitor that is somewhat aware of their results. From there things escalate and push our story into its bleak looking future.

I’m really torn when I say this, but I think this may just be the best book that Aspen Comics has produced. As much as I loved Dead Man’s Run this book is just on a different level. There’s so much potential to where this story can go and even if it takes the typical path that it’s alluding to, it will still be a great story. It’s not often that I really find myself believing and caring about comic characters, especially in serialized form but I really care about Richard and Gabriella. They talk like actual people, they make decision like actual people and more importantly they love each other like real people. They’re interactions are the best thing about this book for me and the rest of it is really good as well.

The art is phenomenal and I could stare at it all day long. The characters faces have real emotions and features. That may sound stupid, but often times artist have a style and within that style the only thing that differentiates between people is the clothing or hair color. Kaneshiro’s style has people looking very different from each other to the point that you can tell who is who without someone even having to say their name. A perfect example is the fact that each of the guards looks differently even though their wearing the same suit. There are even subtle differences from the way the uniforms fit the guards. Of course a major part of the art is the coloring. The coloring of the book plays a major part in telling the story and conveying the emotion of the art. Other artists and colorist’s should take note of this book as a possible example for their own pieces it’s really that fantastic.

I honestly didn’t think I was going to gush this much about this book, but in the end I couldn’t help myself. It’s one of the best comics I’ve read this month and I can’t wait to read the third issue. I just hope that I don’t have to wait as long for it. If you missed the zero issue and the first issue I have to be honest and say that you don’t necessarily need them to read this issue. Its gives you a lot of the details and recaps through the dialog and events unfolding. The issue doesn’t release for a few more days so you do still have time to pick up the back issues if you so choose. Is everyone going to like this book as much as me, I fucking hope so but if not it’s your loss.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Mark Roslan
Artist: Micah Kaneshiro
Additional Colors: Beth Sotelo
Publisher: Aspen Comics
Price: $3.50
Release Date: 2/22/2012