REVIEW: ‘Rogues’ Gallery’, Issue #2

Rogues’ Gallery #2 is written by Hannah Rose May from a story by May and Declan Shalvey, illustrated by Justin Mason, colored by Triona Farrell, and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. It’s published by Image Comics. Maisie Wade is the star of the Red Rogue series, which happens to be based on a highly popular comic. Yet Maisie is starting to feel pressure on all sides: from the demands of the job to the abuse that’s slung at her online. It leads her to make a decision that has some unexpected ramifications.

While the debut issue focused on Red Rogue’s fans and their perceived slights, this issue looks at the other side of the coin — namely, the human being behind the crimson mask. And this is a perfect way to flesh out the story as May delves into the human side of Maisie. Despite what we might assume, playing a superhero is a tough gig for actors. Not only are there the physical requirements, but the fans: the ones who scrutinize the product for faithfulness to the source material and those who feel threatened by any character that isn’t a blandly handsome white man. May slowly works through all of these challenges in her script, showing how Maisie is suffocating under the pressure despite the support of her husband Ben and makeup artist/BFF Joey. And she also reveals that Maisie herself is a fan — she grows excited when receiving a Red Rogue comic and calls out a massively skimpy redesign of her costume.

Those challenges are also reflected in Mason’s art. When the issue opens, it’s in the middle of a fight scene in a Red Rogue episode as Red Rogue (or Maisie as the Red Rogue) battles her archnemesis Jackdaw. This scene feels, in a word, cinematic. Mason puts some power into all the punches and kicks, to the point where the reader feels it. And then he shifts into the real world; the shadows fade away to reveal a blue screen and mats, and a voice yelling “CUT!” replaces the ‘epic’ dialogue that usually accompanies these shows. Mason, with the help of Otsmane-Elhaou, also depicts the voices of fans closing in on Masie in a stream of tweets and news articles that constantly surround her. Radiant Black took a similar approach, and it’s a creative — and outright disturbing way to portray the double-edged sword of social media.

Topping it all off is Farrell on colors. Farrell switches between darker, more foreboding colors for the opening sequence and then shifts to lighter colors to represent the ‘real world.’ Her best work, however, comes from a moment where Maisie is standing in a room in her house that’s packed with Red Rogue memorabilia. The bright red hue of the room feels extremely sinister, especially since Maisie later confesses to Ben that she feels like she’s “drowning” under the weight of the world. And yet, there’s a smile on her face despite all the hurdles. She still has a love for this character.

Rogues’ Gallery #2 offers a sobering look at the creatives behind a superhero television show, reminding readers that the people behind the capes and cowls are just as human as they are. If you haven’t picked up this comic, I highly suggest you do so. Not only is it a thought-provoking read, but it happens to be a well-made comic in nearly every aspect.

Rogues’ Gallery #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.