“A deed not done…”

Welcome back, when we last left our hunters Marius and Tessa they were stuck between a rock and a hard place in the domain of the powerful Archon Radonis. At this moment they have two choices, complete the mission for Archon Radonis or perish.

Marius, every defiant seems to like these odds but his partner talks some sense in to him quickly. Realizing they were tricked, but don’t really have a choice they decide to hear him out. Archon Radonis names the targets he wishes dealt with and gives them a quick background on each. The targets are part of a secret society called the Venatori and they covet vast power.

Once Marius agreed, he knew this would be no easy task. For each one of these targets are very skilled in the magic arts. Even though they are Magekillers, this would be their most difficult challenge to see through.

Over the course of the next six weeks, Marius and Tessa took their respective targets out one by one, each one presenting an increasing level of challenge. Finally they brought themselves to the fourth and final target. The final one was a woman who lay on a massage table completely unarmed and vulnerable. Marius figured this ought not be too hard to complete, but as he got closer he was taken aback by what he saw: the face of a dear old friend. Not just a friend, but a lover.

The woman, Calpernia is both elated and saddened by Marius. She knows what his presence at this moment means. “Are you going to do it?” she asks Marius. Not even a moment to think, he declines. He cannot take the life of a woman he loved. Calpernia is relieved.

At this moment Tessa walks in while Calpernia and Marius are in strong embrace and she is not so keen on the decision. Though Marius feels he made the right one, he is reminded he may have now doomed them all…

Overall: This issue moved a lot faster than the first, that being said I enjoyed it more. I really love the duo of Marius and Tessa. They seem to have a sibling rivalry like quality to their relationship. I hope no romantic entanglements are in their future as I really enjoy their banter and dialogue. There is even a funny piece of internal dialogue where Tessa thinks to herself “I didn’t even think he knew how to kiss.” Also the artwork by Carmen Carnero seems even better than last time. She appears to have strayed from the ultra video game style displayed in the the inaugural issue to a more balanced style, which I feel works just as well. She is definitely a talent on the rise to lookout for. I am certainly still enjoying the story too, but being written by scribe extraordinaire: Greg Rucka, I shouldn’t be the least bit surprised. I’m very curious to see where this all leads and wondering if there is a big twist waiting in the wings, such as Marius or Tessa are mages themselves. Guess I will have to wait another month and see. So great issue and “If you’re looking for a comic to tickle your fantasy bone, this is it.” I’m unplugging for now and keep those consoles warm till next time folks!

Story: Greg Rucka Art: Carmen Carnero
Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Score: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review