The first issue of Marvel‘s Secret Wars read like a quick paced gigantic battle throwing the reader directly in the center of it all. If “shock and awe” were a comic, that would have been it. Even with an oversized issue, it’s clear after reading the second issue, the first was just the scene before the credits role for the blockbuster film. The second issue slows things down, just a bit, throwing us into this new world and giving us a better idea of what we can expect in this epic series.

Written by Jonathan Hickman with art by Esad Ribic, Secret Wars #2 is more of a tour and general explanation of what’s going on. A new Marvel world has been formed, molded by one of the most powerful villains out there. So what is Secret Wars? It’s less Convergence, and more House of M meets Flash Gordon.

A lot of the issue is set up of the various kingdoms and rulers of this new world. Now Barons rule their people with lots of hinted at gamesmanship and warring factions. I fully expect Arboria and Frigia to show up at some point the way this issue reads. While the concept is a mash-up of familiar stories of the past, hell even retreading some of what Marvel has done, it’s still beyond entertaining.

What helps is the seeds being set, including lots of dissension, and the appearance of a group that should shake things up. For folks who have been reading Hickman’s Avengers lead up, you might think you know who it is…. but it’s an awesome bait and switch.

Hickmans writing is enhanced by Ribic’s beautiful art which matches the fantasy like setting. Ribic is a talent we’ve seen come through again and again, and the art is almost worth the read and purchase.

The first issue was interesting and had me entertained, this second issue has me really interested to see what happens next. Unlike recent events from Marvel, this one is actually living up to the build up and hype so far. But, we have a long way to go before it’s over. If you missed the first issue, you can skip it, the second is where things really begin.

Story: Jonathan Hickman Art: Esad Ribic
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy