Origins #2 is published by BOOM! Studios, written by Clay McLeod Chapman, with art by Jakub Rebelka, colors by Patricio Delpeche, and letters by Jim Campbell. The time has come. David prepares to experience the upload referenced in the last issue. But what knowledge will he gain through this experience? And why do the possibilities terrify Chloe so?
What does it truly mean to be a parent? Is the right to claim the title intrinsically connected to DNA? Must there be that biological connection for a bond to be powerful enough to be called parenthood? Or does a person need to love and care for someone they are charged with raising and protecting that they would do whatever it takes to see them safe? For me, I believe too much emphasis is put on genetics. Blood makes you related; love makes you family.
Origins #2 opens with David and Chloe having a heart to heart about the upload and what awaits David once it is complete. I won’t spoil what this information is, but it isn’t the sort of thing one takes in stride. David is shaken by much of what he learns but never falters from doing what he has been told must be done. As he endures the upload, he learns about a great many things. Many questions about this world presented in the last issue are answered, as well as new questions brought to light. Needless to say, David will never be the same.
Once the upload is complete, our protagonists come under attack from the network. Apparently, the upload has altered the network of David’s existence, and the group must go on the run. But David now knows where they must go. And maybe, just maybe, a sliver of hope remains.
The epicenter of Origins #2 is its emotion. As David undergoes his transformation, Chloe can do little but stand back, watch, and hope he comes through okay. Everything about her demeanor throughout this book rings of such a parental tone. Like when a child goes off on their first date or job, the parent knows they cannot protect them from the dangers that life may bring anymore. All they can do is be there to catch them if they fall.
The art in this issue does a great job of enhancing the plot’s emotional focus. Artist Rebelka delivers the hard moments throughout this tale with a solid bit of visual punch, which only aids the experience. Along with the emotional delivery, I also really liked Rebelka’s visual presentation of the upload. It captures the chaos and jarring impact of the moment on David nicely.
The colors in Origins #2 also help push the focus of the narrative. Delpeche drapes the panels in cold, somber colors that only enhance the struggles that the story conveys. Rounding out the visuals, we have Campbell’s fine letter work. Every moment of the writing is delivered in a clear and easy-to-follow manner, allowing the reader to focus on what they are experiencing.
When all is said and done, Origins #2 continues the interesting tale that readers were introduced to. The more I learn, the more I have questions. So far, I’ve been satisfied with the answers that have been provided, and I hope the creative team can keep up this level of quality for the remainder of the series.
Origins #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.
Origins #2
TL;DR
When all is said and done, Origins #2 continues the interesting tale that readers were introduced to. The more I learn, the more I have questions. So far, I’ve been satisfied with the answers that have been provided, and I hope the creative team can keep up this level of quality for the remainder of the series.
