Melba is assigned to her first case, investigating a series of child disappearances in rural Georgia. As Melba and Agent Crockett uncover clues about the horror gripping the residents, Melba must resist both the temptation to escape into the real world after spending seven years locked up and the terrible appetite of the newly unleashed Polly Peachpit, Melba’s own personal psychic parasite—a massive spider-human only Melba can see, but is far from imaginary.

Rookie agent Melba has a lot to learn about solving child disappearances in Imaginary Fiends #2. By focusing on her bond with Polly Peachpit writer Tim Seely shows that Melba has a lot to offer the investigation. The series does well to emphasize that Melba gets another taste of freedom in exchange for that insight. That creates an interesting dynamic between her, Polly, and Agent Crockett. In this issue we also get the hint that Agent Crockett appears to have more knowledge about the imaginary beings then initially hinted at. We also get a bit more about Melba and her past.

The art by Stephen Molnar merges reality and imaginary as the investigation unfolds. The art gives us a nice view of a frightened small-town in Kentucky and the every day life in the process. The art does an excellent job of blending the fantastical and the grounded.

In two issues the series has given us a nice twist on the police procedural in a world that feels both realistic and a bit scary.

Story: Tim Seeley Art: Stephen Molnar
Color: Quinton Winter Cover: Richard Pace
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review