REVIEW: ‘Inferno Girl Red,’ Issue #2

Inferno Girl Red #2 is written by Mathew Groom, illustrated by Erica D’Urso, colored by Igor Monti (with assistance from Sabrina Del Grosso and Lorenzo Tammetta), and lettered by Becca Carey. It’s published by Image Comics. Cassia Costa just inherited the fiery power of Inferno Girl Red, but it’s not a power she wants. Even with the urging of her mother, Cassia just wants to live a normal life. But that’s gone out the window thanks to the mysterious cult that’s teleported Apex City into another dimension. With the help of her mother, Cassia tracks down the cult and its leader and ends up in over her head.

Keeping in line with the theme of “real world superheroics” that the Massiveverse has been playing with since its inception, Inferno Girl Red #2 offers a surprisingly realistic look at what the life of a teenage superhero might be like. Unlike Kamala Khan or Tim Drake, Cassia isn’t interested in being a hero at first. When her mother brings up the idea of spying on the cult that’s holding Apex City hostage, Cassia immediately shouts, “But that’s dangerous!” Groom’s script is loaded with moments both funny and emotional that serve to flesh Cassia out as a character. She has no problem trying to make friends but struggles with the immense power that comes with being Inferno Girl Red.

And her world continues to be brought to life thanks to stellar artwork from D’Urso. That includes the fight scenes, with whole pages featuring Cassia punching through their shadowy bodies and leaving a trail of flames in her wake. Keeping in line with other Massiveverse books, these scenes feel like they’re ripped from a Tokusatsu show, particularly the world of Kamen Rider. And that extends to the cult’s leader, who can only be described as a literal “dark knight” with their suit of purplish-black armor and long flowing cape. Batman eat your heart out!

The coloring team, led by Monti, brings its A-game as well. Since Apex is located in another dimension and overrun by shadowy beasts, the colorists run with this. A number of panels feature muted colors or are covered in pitch blackness. The only source of light comes from the blazing red flames that Cassia generates as Inferno Girl Red, making her a literal “blazing hope in the dark”. Similarly, Carey gives her fiery red letters that make her sound more superheroic. Colorists are just as much storytellers as writers and artists in the comic world, as their work can often provide a visual statement. Monti and his team back that up with these color choices.

As befitting the previous issue, the entirety of Inferno Girl Red #2 is double-sized, allowing for a richer and more engaging story than most comics. It also provides a peek into the creative process, showcasing how a page goes from script to art to finished product. Those looking to become comic book creators will definitely want to check this out, as it’s a great breakdown of how the medium works.

Inferno Girl Red #2 brings a realistic spin on the teenage superhero trope and continues to raise the storytelling bar for the Massiveverse. I can’t wait to see how the third and final issue wraps things up, as well as what the creators have planned for Cassia Costa’s future.

Inferno Girl Red #2 is available wherever comics are sold.