Then: Simon takes control of the underground homeless “kingdom,” and the Ax’s thumbless victims start a phalanges-deficient support group. Now: Son, the young outsider caught up in the local drama, discovers another clue about his father only to have his search derailed when demons from the past come back to threaten the kingdom.

Continuing the series, Kingdom Bum #2, is bold and undaunted in its approach to comedy, politics and cults. The plotline thickens when cultists, The Thumbless, continue along the path of revolution they are so determined to establish. Meanwhile, the reader is taken on a tour, along with new comer Son, to see the extent to which the homeless have organized after the recent political shift. Also, homeless savior Simon is aware of the cult situation but with little in the way of a structured plan, how can he prevent escalation?

This issue is a strong follow-up from the first and as the reader becomes emerged further in the world of Kingdom Bum, the storyline reveals hints and clues to future developments. In this respect the writing, by Adam Wollet and Rick Marshall, is really well delivered. But it doesn’t stop there; the characters are becoming well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and well established within the plotline making them connect further with the reader.

The artwork by Jon Reed is again bold, nostalgic and original. The additional pages included as part of this issue are a valuable and fascinating insight into how the team pull together and how the artwork emerges from the shared team aims.

Overall, Kingdom Bum #2 is a firm issue in what promises to be a great series.

Story: Adam Wollet and Rick Marshall
Art: Jon Reed Color: Jen Hickman Letters: Adam Wollet
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Action Lab Entertainment Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

An organized democracy of homeless people, somebody call Donald Trump…on second thoughts…

Kingdom Bum #1 is a rare blend of fun, fantasy and politics.

Starting strongly with a violent leader, who happens to be a collector of human thumbs, the comic quickly introduces the issues of democracy, fairness and revolution. Thankfully our downtrodden homeless ensemble have a savior in Simon, a character with a firm belief in empowering those around him and valuing non violent approaches to life and leadership. Despite this, as with all political regimes, Simon’s society isn’t without its challengers…and it looks like the newest resident in First Coast City, Son, may become embroiled in a more complicated scenario than he was expecting.

The writing, by Adam Wollet and Rick Marshall, really accentuates the characters throughout this issue and as a result makes them more believable and relatable. I really enjoyed the way that the writers used humor throughout the dialogue; at times this comic is laugh out loud funny.

The artwork throughout this issue definitely has a retro feel to it and as a result pulled on the strings of nostalgia for me, drawing me further into this plot line. The characterization is really supported by the design and coloring of the characters throughout and the backdrop sets the perfect tone.

Overall, this issue is the perfect combination of fun and serious, amusing and political and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking out for the next issues…I need to know what happens!

Story: Adam Wollet and Rick Marshall
Art: Jon Reed Color: Jen Hickman Letters: Adam Wollet
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Action Lab Entertainment Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.