ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Crone,’ Issue #2

Crone #2 is published by Dark Horse Comics, written by Dennis Culver, art by Justin Greenwood, colors by Brad Simpson, and letters by Pat Brosseau. Gaspar Rogue continues his effort to convince Bliss that the world needs her again. Through these efforts, he learns how Bliss came to be alone on her mountain. And why her love is no longer with her.

Picking up immediately after the last issue, Crone #2 continues to build out both the past and present of Bliss and company. This issue takes its time as it fills the reader in on key moments in Bliss’s past. This history is written excellently by Culver. Between the quality of the writing itself, and the weight the story lends to the moments being talked about, it never feels like you are just wading through backstory. It never feels like a necessary thing you simply need to get through. And even though the moral of Bliss’s story is certainly one we have all heard before, it is one that is certainly worth repeating from time to time.

Once the present-day story of Crone #2 begins moving forward, I appreciated the care given to Bliss’s reasoning and motives. She is certainly still the woman struggling with her life as seen in the last issue. And yet, whether her reasoning for doing what she does is wholly true or self-delusional remains to be seen. This feeling of uncertainty where Bliss is concerned has produced an unexpected element to Crone #2. With only so much being given away about Bliss I find myself filling in the blanks with my own life experiences. This continues to make Bliss an extremely relatable character for me, even if I’ve never waded through an enemy horde dressed in a bikini and brandishing a sword.

The art in Crone #2 continues to reinforce its narrative splendidly. Greenwood keeps the visuals always in check with the story, even as it bounces between the saddened present and the war-torn past. Bliss’s cheer, and fatigue, are both handled very well. Further building on the art is the ongoing excellence of Simpson’s colors. They provide that final piece to the emotional emphasis the book focuses on. The harsh contrasts continue to relay the tone of each scene, and by the end it heralds something new. Like the rising of the dawn.

Crone #2 is a worthy follow up to the first issue that completely captivated me. While it’s emotional power isn’t quite at that same level, it is still a wonderfully delivered issue. It finds a way to bring Bliss to where the story clearly needs her to be without feeling forced. There is no sudden rejuvenation of spirit at the behest of an old friend. Bliss is Bliss. While this may make her come off as a bit of a sullen lead, the book isn’t titled Crone for nothing. Plus, it will make her final destination all the more rewarding if it feels truly earned by the character and not just gifted by the writer.

Crone #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.