ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘The Orville: Heroes,’ Issue #2

The Orville: Heroes #2 is published by Dark Horse Comics, written by David A. Goodman, art by David Cabeza, colors by Michael Atiyeh, with lettering by Richard Starkings and Jimmy Betancourt. With Talla having taken on the identity of the Okudum folk hero Xandia, she sets out to drive the Nazh off the planet. But how much good can she do without compromising her beliefs? And how will the Nazh respond to this challenge of their authority?

Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that for every action there is an equal, and opposite, reaction. This concept seems to often be as true when dealing with sociological issues as it is with physics. If an oppressed people push up, those who oppress them invariably push down. It frequently seems to be hardwired into human nature to be difficult and to push back against anything not started in an individual’s own best interest. And as one side starts pushing, the push back can come in ways not foreseen.

The Orville: Heroes #2 opens right where the last issue leaves off. Talla has revealed herself as Xandia as she attacks some of the Nazh harassing her young native friend. Thanks to the equipment designed by her fellow crewmates, she is able to easily dispatch her opponents before leaping away. Feeling the rush of accomplishment, Talla is quick to begin planning her next moves. But as the situation escalates, things begin to quickly slip out of her control.

Rather than simply pursue her, as Talla seems to want, the Nazh begin to lash out at members of the Okudum population. This inevitably leads to innocent people getting hurt and Talla questioning if she truly played the part of a hero, or if she just helped make more monsters.

I genuinely appreciate the honest approach The Orville: Heroes #2 takes to its situation. Talla sets out to help a group of people who are being mistreated. This is certainly a good thing. But, without full knowledge of the situation, she might unintentionally cause harm through her actions. Whether that harm is greater than the continuing suffering the Okudum would have endured if no intervention at all had occurred, is, as always, up to the reader to decide. Unintended consequences will always follow even the most well-intended actions.

The art of The Orville: Heroes #2 delivers its narrative in a clean, visually appealing way. While some of the action moments feel a bit wooden, the overall presentation is good. Artist Cabeza captures the various emotional moments well and, as those are far closer to the heart of this story, it is the more important area to deliver on.

The colorwork here also delivers a high quality of work. This is especially true for the introductory confrontation. Atiyeh colors this opening fight exquisitely. As the Nazh’s blasters fire at Talla, she is lit up with the harsh light from the beams. Rarely does it seem like energy weapons are treated like the light sources they should be. But here, Atiyeh does it with an excellent effect.

Lastly, we have Starkings and Betancourt’s lettering. The letter work here fluidly brings the story to its readers. It is always clear, easy to follow, and never detracts from the art’s presence.

When all is said and done, The Orville: Heroes #2 wraps up its story with a strong finish. It delivers both heroism, as well as the consequences of that heroism.

The Orville: Heroes #2 is available on December 2nd wherever comics are sold.