GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘Show’s End The Second Coming Issue 1 – “The stage is once more set for supernatural events and carnival mayhem”

The Show Must Go On

Sometimes the adage “the show must go on” doesn’t mean as much when there isn’t anyone to see it. That was the delimma that Loralye and her carnival troop faced as they continue to move from town to town. As per usual, the troupe met with fear and derision more than anything else. But on their last stop, the towns folk were particulary mean to Pavel, the pig faced boy. More than anything Loralye wanted to unleash the beast within her. But she could not.

Pavel’s Complaint

As they made camp outside the town, Pavel was upset. As much by their willingness to accept unfair treatment as by the treatment itself. He particularly blamed Loralye. She could have put a stop to it with her abilities if she would have just done it. Pavel complained that she was wasting her gifts. If HE had her abilities, he would use them to put a stop to it. Everyone else KNEW why she couldn’t do that. It would just make matters worse for the carnival.

Grisly Justice

But Pavel didn’t agree. If Loralye wouldn’t deal with the towns people…he would. The results were horrendous and forced the carnival to leave in a hurry. They decided to travel to Sanctuary Glade. A place in Florida well known for being a safe haven for freak shows. They would be safe there, at least they hoped.

Pavel’s History

During the trip, Loralye refused to believe that Pavel could have done what he apparently had. But Madame Vadoma told her there was precedence. She talked of Pavel’s history and what his father had done. After that incident, Pavel was left alone. No one would take him. Only their former Ringmaster Daxton took pity on the boy and took him in. But the results were his Carnival was blacklisted by many of the surrounding towns. No one wanted anything to do with a Carny that gave shelter to the son of a “killer.”

Sanctuary Glade

They soon arrived at Sanctuary Glade. But it was not as they expected it to be. But surely it was better than what they left. Meanwhile, Vadoma sensed impending danger was coming…

Thoughts

For fans of volume 1 of Show’s End, writer Anthony Cleveland’s narrative takes off right from where the previous one ended. Loralye is given a cryptic clue to solve the mystery of her origins. While the performers are still met with scorn and very little money to be had. The fact that grisly deaths still seemed to follow the troupe didn’t help.  Despite the fact, that at least in this circumstance, Loralye was not responsible. However, the stage is once more set for supernatural events and carnival mayhem. Which Cleveland has shown a real talent for. Just what one would hope from Show’s End.

Artwork

If one followed the fantastic job turned in by artist Jef Sadinzski on Volume 1 of Show’s End, you will not be surprised that it continues in this next volume. With a firm mastery of the characters involved and capturing the mayhem that Show’s End established so well in the first go around. Bringing it all together with the returning team of colorist Fabi Marques and Mad Cave lettering guru, Justin Birch. Get ready for another trip to Show’s End that will no doubt, bring the house and possibly everything else, DOWN!

Mad Cave Studios Shows End: The Second Coming begins July 27th and can be found on Mad Cave’s Subscription Service here. Five digital releases and a print TPB version upon its conclusion. Be sure to take in the show.