REVIEW: ‘The Picture of Everything Else,’ Issue #2

The Picture of Everything Else #2 is published by Vault Comics. It comes from the creative team of writer Dan Watters, artist Kishore Mohan, and letterer Aditya Bidikar. It is months after the terrifying events of the night Alphonse left. Marcel has left painting behind and become an art critic. He spends his time with Madame Verniere and his lover Antonio. At an art show, Marcel and Verniere are accosted by an artist. He claims Marcel ruined his life with a negative review and draws a gun on him.

Madame Verniere is able to defuse the situation and the artist leaves. When Marcel asks her about him she reveals his name is Picasso. Later, Marcel awakens with Antonio and the two discuss his career as a critic and a potential return to art. Marcel is unconvinced and leaves to head to the Moulin Rouge. While he is there a stranger approaches him, only to be revealed as Alphonse. The two talk and Alphonse proposes that Marcel join he and Basil in changing the world with paintings. Marcel seems uninterested, but when the time comes the call of the unknown may prove too strong for him.

The Picture of Everything Else #2 is an interesting continuation of a strange and fascinating story. Despite being a horror series, much of the events of the story are largely period drama. This is no slight by any means, as it reads beautifully and has excellent characters. But the horror throughline is somewhat less visible than it is in many other series. That is, except for the inclusion of Basil. The painter who painted the famous picture of Dorian Gray appears as a character in this series and the panels with him are delightfully eerie. The mystery behind his survival from the original novel and his plans for his powers remains a compelling side plot.

Meanwhile, the art for this book is absolutely gorgeous. The characters are emotive and expressive and each panel feels alive. From the dingy side streets to the courtyard beneath the Eiffel Tower, the artwork is exceedingly detailed. But the real star of the show is the colors. The watercolor style used to color everything gives the feeling that every page is living and breathing. The dull glow of the street lights, the sun coming through the windows, even the green hues of Alphonse’s absinthe. The depth of beauty on the page feels less like something that leaps out at you and more like something that you could be sucked into. The letters are strong and help maintain the ambiance while being clean and easy to read.

I’m fascinated with The Picture of Everything Else #2. The plot seems primed to kick off something huge, but even if it doesn’t I love this intimate period horror story. The realness of the relationships between the characters mixed with the stunning artwork makes this a difficult book to put down. I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is one you shouldn’t be sleeping on.

The Picture of Everything Else #2 is available wherever comics are sold.