Elementals #2
Published and © by Comico, 1984
Title: “Angel of Life”
Synopsis: The Elementals escape confinement for a rematch with the Destroyers – a confrontation with seemingly deadly results.
Writer: Bill Willingham
Penciler: Willingham
Inker: Rick Rankin
Review: Two issues in and its already clear Elementals is primed to be one of the top superhero books on the market. Again drawing clear inspiration from the X-Men – for example, how many times did Marvel’s mutants escape from blown-up aircraft during the Bronze Age? – creator Bill Willingham takes over full writing duties with this outing. His story is well paced with strong characterization, discernible stakes and a clear sense of a larger story unfolding. Willingham is just as adept as a penciler, and the use of a single inker (the previous issue used five!) improves consistency. Good stuff.
Grade: A-
Cool factor: A good read that’s also well drawn? When isn’t that cool.
Character quotable: “There was a rift in the natural order ….” – Aier, OG Elemental
Editor’s note: This review was written Jan. 7, 2025.
