GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘Hunt. Kill. Repeat.’ Issue 2

Issue 1 Recap

In the premier issue of Hunt. Kill. Repeat., the Greek Gods had taken control over the Earth. Zeus had come to the conclusion that the Gods were being supplanted by man’s dependance on technology. He decided to put an end to this by unleashing his children to attack and bring them under heel. All technology would be abolished, and anyone caught using it would be punished. At first, all of his children followed his directive and easily subdued the weak humans. Even their vaunted technology was not the equal of the gods.

Artemis and Julian

In the aftermath, the majority of humanity submitted to the Gods, and it was thanks in no small part to Zeus children.  But afterwards, not all of his children towed the line. In fact, despite Zeus iron fisted rule, one of his children had surprisingly found love amongst humanity. His daughter Artemis had met a mild-mannered human named Julian. He had impressed her with his love of art and music. While she knew it was wrong, she began to sneak away to spend more time with him. Eventually finding love and despite her vow of celibacy, becoming pregnant with his child. She had hoped if she and Julian avoided trouble and kept to themselves, they would be left alone. She was wrong.

Zeus and Family Reunion

Zeus had found out and requested Artemis to appear before him. Her pregnancy was revealed, and Zeus took it upon himself to kill Julian. Artemis flew into a vengeful rage and attempted to attack her father. He fended off her attack and one by one, her brothers and sisters took turns striking her. Although Hermes was reluctant to do so. Finally, Zeus put her down, taking her godly essence, saying that it was for her own good. At least he didn’t say “this hurts me more than it hurts you.” That is hardly EVER true.

Ten Years Later

Ten years later, Artemis awoke to find herself without child or husband. All that remained was her need for vengeance. She took this upon the Avatars who had been left to guard her and the Avatar production facility. She escaped but not without being gravely wounded. Fortunately, she was found by Tempus, a friend of Hephaestus. It was their hope, that with Artemis help, they could overthrow Zeus and Artemis could exact her revenge. But first, they needed to heal her.

Hunt. Kill. Repeat. Issue 2

Tempus had loaded the now unconscious Artemis in his wagon and took her back to Hephaestus. Their plan would be for nought if Artemis were to die. But Hephaestus had no intention of letting that happen. All of their machinations were centered around Artemis. She would survive and get her vengeance. Much to the chagrin of Zeus AND her brothers and sisters.

Receiving the News

Speaking of her family, Hermes and Aphrodite were enjoying the fruits of their rule … and each other. At least until an Avatar arrived to share the news of Artemis escape. Zeus had ordered his children to find her. But Hermes refused the assignment. As far as he was concerned, Artemis had suffered enough. He was happy she was free. Aphrodite didn’t understand why Hermes still defended Artemis. He explained that he understood her. She took a chance on happiness, and they made her pay for it. For him, happiness was an elusive goal that apparently none of them could have. Artemis most of all.

Hermes refuses BOTH sisters

Later, Athena arrived to see Hermes. She also expected him to armor up and join in the search for Artemis. Once again, he refused. Even after she threatened to speak to his wife. Athena told Hermes that she felt responsible for Artemis escape. She needed to make it right. Hermes told her then she had best get to it because he had no doubt that Aphrodite was already in pursuit.

A New Set of Armor

Back with Hephaestus, he had finished stitching up Artemis. She awoke, much to his relief, and he apologized for not getting to her sooner. Perhaps if he had, what happened to her family might have been prevented. But for now, he had made her a new set of armor. It would not be as formidable as her Olympian set, but it would protect her.

A Remembrance of What Was

Artemis assured him he had nothing to apologize for. It was not HIS fault what had happened. However, Hephaestus had one more surprise for Artemis.  He had found her and Julian’s cat Abraxas close to their old apartment. Along with what possessions he was able to recover. Which wasn’t much. A book, a record, a deck box and one of Julian’s scarfs. It was this that Artemis wrapped around her neck. A small remembrance of what was.

Aphrodite Returns

Artemis then asked Hephaestus what the plan was that he and Tempus had come up with to take out her father. He started to explain about the device they had created called the Chronograph, and what it could do, when they were interrupted. Aphrodite had found them. She explained to Artemis that their father had wanted her brought in alive. But accidents happen. She could just kill Artemis and claim self-defense.

Hephaestus Mistake

But while she was doing the classic villain’s monologue, Hephaestus had an opening. His mistake was announcing his presence. Aphrodite parried his blow and used her weapon to not only sever his hand, but slice deep into his abdomen. Artemis raged at this but could not match Aphrodite’s power. Especially with her own so diminished. But Tempus reminded her of the Chronograph. If she used it properly, it would give her an advantage.

Time Stands Still

The battle raged and Artemis hoped the device would do what Tempus and Heph had designed it to do. As she pushed the activation switch, time stood still, for the briefest of moments. But not for her. Her first attempt yielded no real results. Mainly because she was still learning what it could do. But her second attempt, she was able to get in close enough with one of her arrow tips and cut Aphrodite’s throat. Much to the surprise of the Goddess of Love. She clutched her throat and reiterated how much she hated Artemis. In this case, the feeling was mutual.

A Visit with Family

After the battle, Artemis went to the side of Hephaestus, who was a mess. If she were to bring him back, she would need to act quickly. Tempus asked her what she could possibly do at this point. She reminded him that she was a god. She had powerful friends, and even MORE powerful relatives. She would need to pay a visit to her uncle. The God known as Hades.

Thoughts

Writer Mark London and artist Francesco Archidiacono opened this story with a double tragic beginning. Not only with the fall of humanity to the Gods but then piling on with the tragic story of Artemis and Julian. A lesson that Hermes reiterates in this 2nd issue. Happiness is not something that Zeus encourages for his children. Not when it interferes with their reverence for him. At least Zeus is consistent. The need for obedience and subservience applied to the human race, and it also applied to his children.

Godly Shortcomings

Because of this, in just these first two chapters, London makes it apparent that the gods deal with some of the same shortcomings that humanity does. Especially when it comes to family. Jealousy, favoritism, and high expectations are all shown to be prevalent when it comes to Zeus and how he deals with his children. This would explain why both Aphrodite, Athena and possibly Apollo are bitter toward Artemis. Mainly because, in their eyes, Artemis was clearly Zeus favorite between them. This instilled, especially in both her sisters, an undisguised hostility towards her. While they should have directed their ire towards their father, they instead focused on Artemis.  Which on reflection, probably seemed like the safest and healthiest route to go.

A Higher Expectation

However, with that perceived favoritism came a higher expectation for Artemis. Thus, when she failed to live up to that standard, (as far as her father was concerned), the punishment was severe. It remains to be seen whether Artemis will make Zeus regret that decision. Hephaestus certainly believed that Zeus would rue the day. Of course, Hephaestus has his OWN issues at the moment. And Aphrodite certainly suffered for it. Jealousy and resentment will do that to you. That and a sharp blade to the neck.

Exemplary Artwork Continues

As I mentioned in the preview for this title, the artwork by Francesco Archidiacono is exemplary. This continues in the 2nd issue as every panel explodes with energy, especially in the battle scenes. If there is such a thing as a project tailor made for an artist, Hunt. Kill. Repeat. is that book for Archidiacono. Even the fashions created for the gods are eye-catching, which includes the armor renditions. I do look forward to what else is on the horizon for not only this book but also Francesco’s future projects. If this title is any indication, I foresee a great career in the making.

Mad Cave Studios Hunt. Kill. Repeat., Issue 2 by Mark London, Francesco Archidiacono, Marc Deering, and Lee Loughridge drops on April 19th from the Mad Cave Subscription site. To not check this one out would be a mistake of godlike proportions.