“Sins of Sinister” has taken a different approach to events. Instead of more linear narrative told across a main title with tie-ins, we get an opening comic, three main comics, and then a finale. But, those individual series is where it gets intriguing. Instead of a story told across a few issues, each group of issues takes place in a time period. The first is 10 years after Sinister’s plan takes place, the second 100 years, and the third 1,000 years. So, instead of a flowing narrative, each issue has felt like a one-shot teasing the world. Nightcrawlers #2 takes place 100 years from the beginning of the event’s story focusing on the gene spliced holy thieves.
Written by Si Spurrier, Nightcrawlers #2 feels like continues the the overall concept of the event. The Nightkin were freed from Sinister’s control in the first issue, now serving Mother Righteous. 100 years have gone by and things have gotten out of control once again.
Mother Righteous is up to something having her Nightkin stealing artifacts from across the cosmos. It’s become a cosmic cult, following whatever Righteous’ plan is. But as she’s “a Sinister,” you can only trust what is said so much. Instead cracks are formed as lies begin to pile up and Righteous’ control isn’t as tight as expected. From the Nightkin’s perspective, things also spiral as it’s clear things aren’t as righteous as presented to them. It’s a solid concept but one issue is far too short to explore it.
The art by Andrea Di Vito is interesting. With color by Jim Charalampidis and lettering by Clayton Cowles, there’s a need for the visuals to tell a lot of the story, and they do. Small details add to let the readers know where things stand and where the world is at this point. The way someone is dressed, the look they give at a moment, it all comes together to add a little more depth to what’s going on. The chimera aspect of the characters too is key, with the visuals hinting as to what’s going on and who they are. It all comes together in an entertaining enough way.
Nightcrawlers #2 isn’t bad, but the format for “Sins of Sinister” doesn’t help the ambition. Each issue has teased the world and narrative and each could have easily expanded delivering more of a flowing story. Instead, the event feels like numerous one-shots taking place in a shared world where we need to piece together the details. It’s an interesting concept and idea but there’s a lot here and a lot thrown at readers that’s good and deserves to be fleshed out and expanded upon.
Story: Si Spurrier Art: Andrea Di Vito
Color: Jim Charalampidis Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
