It isn’t often that I feel the second issue of a comic is better than the first. Sometimes, a first issue can be fantastic, and the second can go either way, especially when a writer is trying to build something that sometimes requires your patience. I will say that without a doubt, that not only is God Country #2 even better than the first issue of the new series from Image Comics, which was still good, it gave some answers to what is appearing to be a story of epic proportions much quicker than I expected.

In the first issue, we saw Roy Quinlan taking after his father, Emmett, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Well that is until he holds a giant badass sword that seemed to fall from the sky, then he remembers everything. It is a clever plot device that is similar to the classic story of Thor, the god of thunder we all know, but it tells it with a twist. Without the sword, Emmett will return to his days of forgetfulness, fits of anger, and lose everything that makes him who he is. There are some truly touching moments in this book that I loved. From seeing him holding his granddaughter in a tight embrace, to remembering Roy, his son, and perhaps the most powerful scene of all, remembering the loss and memories of his wife. As he explains to a god who comes for the sword, these memories belong to him, even the painful ones. As Emmet says, he should be able to remember the girl he loved.

This issue explains where the sword, or Valofax as it has been named, came from. The son of its creator, who goes by the name of Artistus arrives to take the sword back home to his father and gives us a lot of backstory of the weapon, as well as some foreshadowing of what may come if Emmet does not give it up. I really enjoyed the dialogue between a giant space knight and an old man from Texas. Donny Cates keeps the conversations strangely believable considering the context of who is talking. Emmet is charming, and I am already rooting for him. I can empathize why he would want to keep the sword, no matter who will come for him. He is a man near the final years of his life, and has just regained his ability to remember his children, his grandchildren, his wife, and so much more. I believe that most of us may take on a god to risk keeping the things that matter most when you are near the end of your days, your memories. Especially when they are of those that you love so dearly.

Geoff Shaw has a really cool sketch pencil style that Jason Wordie adds a colored pencil look on top of. It works well for the story, in the same way, I said about the first issue, and all of the characters come to life off of the page. The bright sun and plains of Texas are done with justice, and the scene where Emmett rebuilds his house within seconds is as biblical as it is awesome. Even the subtle tears strolling down Emmett’s face works to push the narrative forward of not only a story of epic fantasy, but of an old man who is being gifted his memories again. It is a great balance the creators walk, and the art is a big part of it.

This is a story about a man with a sword who will face gods and demons alike. It is also a story about a man who is reconnecting with his family again. Those two things work well together because it is apparent that they will come to a head at some point. Emmett is the only one with these powers that Valofax gives, so will these gods and demons come for his kin? What sacrifices will he have to do to keep Valofax, and how far is he willing to go before he gives it up? I cannot wait to find out those answers. Grab this comic now while it is early in the series. God Country #2 is fresh, and original, and Emmett is simply awesome.

Story: Donny Cates Art: Geoff Shaw Color: Jason Wordie
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Image provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review