REVIEW: ‘We Only Find Them When They’re Dead,’ Issue #2

We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2 is published by BOOM! Studios. It comes from the creative team of writer Al Ewing, artist Simone Di Meo, coloring assists from Mariasara Miotti, and lettering by AndWorld Design. Issue #2 begins with a flashback. Georges, noticing that a guard with whom he shares a vendetta, is absent. He commands the crew to illegally shut down communications. Once the comms are down, he shares his idea about finding a living god.

Back to the present Jason, one of Georges’ crewmembers with whom he shared a romantic relationship, mentions the guard is absent again. Georges becomes pensive and remembers back to when Jason agreed to go on this hunt for a living god with him. Though he attempted to dissuade him, Jason was undeterred. Now, with the moment right, Georges and the crew of the Vihaan II must decide if they are willing to risk it all in search of answers.

In the first issue, Ewing focused a lot on world building and setting the stage. With We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2 he provides more information on the characters. Though much of his past is a mystery, the tortured Georges is a truly fascinating character so far. After a so-far undisclosed tragedy, he seeks answers in the form of the dead gods. But this issue also focuses on the other characters as well.

Jason, Georges’ lover and crewmember, who wants to live for himself, and Elsa, his protective sister who fears for his life when he accepts Georges’ plan. The family dynamic between these two provides a welcome tension within the ship that seems to be boiling under the surface as if in a pot made by Chekhov himself. The elegance with which Ewing writes these more dramatic aspects keeps the plot moving quickly. Despite relatively little action in this issue, the character development is more than compelling enough.

Di Meo’s art continues to be gorgeous, with warm golden palettes to offset the cold darkness of the blacks and blues of space. The art itself has an almost anime-like feel to it which works very much in the book’s favor. Combining an anime-esque aesthetic with high sci-fi hearkens back to series like Gundam and Macross. These comparisons serve to keep the story rooted in the recognizable, despite it’s wild premise. In addition to this, Di Meo show’s a great aptitude for drawing action. I particularly love the dogfight and pursuit scenes. The use of motion blur gives a sense of action and tension to the images. The letters from Andworld design are solid, doing a great job of maintaining readability while simultaneously drawing the eyes across the gorgeous artwork.

I knew this series was special after reading the first issue, and We Only Find Them When They’re Dead #2 cemented that as fact. Ewing’s talent for storytelling is second to none. The art, colors, and letters all work beautifully in tandem to bring the story to life, vividly so. I only wish I didn’t have to wait a month to find out what happens next. Despite the fact that issue #1 went through three printings, I still don’t feel like enough people have read this series. It should be on everyone’s list.