GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘String’ Issue #2 By Paul Tobin And Carlos Javier Oliveres

Last Time

When last we left the Stings narrative, Police consultant Namgung Yoon-Sook had just witnessed the explosive suicide of what appeared to be a troubled young man. This was after tracking the victim by the way of the visible strings that she alone is able to see. Blue strings that represented personal relationships, and black strings that revealed either victim or murderer. These connections, this talent was the basis of her appeal as a consultant to the police.

Which now includes Detective Luke Mayfield, who enlisted Yoon to resolve some unsolved cases. However, after returning home from the explosive result of her last pursuit, she found that she could see a multitude of black lines, linked to her. Either she was going to be killed, or she was going to kill someone else. Neither prospect was appealing.

Hoping for Assistance

So, what do you do when you are made aware that death is imminent? Either your own or someone else’s and that in either case, you will be involved. In Yoon’s case, she went back to see Detective Mayfield. While they just met less than 24 hours earlier, they both witnessed the poor man’s self-immolation. That HAS to mean they have a connection. Besides, at least the lines don’t connect to him so HE’S not responsible for killing her or likely to be killed BY her. At least in theory. That’s a start.

Which was not to say he wasn’t startled upon waking when he found Yoon inside his apartment. Apparently, her skills don’t merely rest in seeing connections between people. She is also an accomplished lock-pick. He’d arrest her if not for her current circumstances. That and the fact he was exhausted. But nothing that a gallon of coffee couldn’t fix.

Road Rage

As Yoon and Luke strolled about, they deliberated over the potential connections Yoon might have, considering former lovers or clients who might have a reason to pursue her or provide a motive for retaliation. The list was not devoid of suspects, particularly those she had previously worked for or was currently associated with. However, as they neared the street, discussing the possible culprits, a car suddenly veered over the curb in Yoon’s direction, driven by an evidently agitated young woman targeting Yoon.

“Everyone was Cheating with Her Husband”

As the female driver careened away, Yoon was more ticked off than frightened and immediately commandeered a man’s scooter to go in pursuit. This left Luke chasing on foot, cursing that it was the civilian who purloined transportation while the police detective was left to his own devices. While Luke huffed along, the driver failed to watch where she was going and hit a lamp pole. Yoon caught up and grabbed her, one to get her away from the wrecked car and two, to find out exactly why the crazed woman tried to kill her.

Apparently, the woman thought that Yoon had been cheating with her husband. Which might have been reasonable except for two things. One, Yoon explained that she had no idea what the woman was talking about, and two, once Luke caught up to the scene, she claimed that he, TOO had cheated with her husband. Apparently, everyone was cheating with her husband.

Other Suspects

After the uniformed police came to retrieve the disturbed woman, Yoon and Luke continued their walk and discussing other possible threats that might explain the strings Yoon saw connected to her. This time, she remembered a recent police retirement party she had attended. There was a man present at the festivities that Yoon detected 6 different black strings attached to. 6 different murders. She had left the party before ascertaining who the man was, but she hadn’t forgotten him. In fact, she wondered if he had any connection to the death of her parents who were killed in what was an apparent hit. An event that made her check over her shoulders for the years that followed.

Hidden

Soon, their journey led them close to Yoon’s apartment. She needed to check on her pets and they both could use a stop at the facilities. Once inside, Yoon offered Luke first crack at her bathroom. She told him where the towels were kept and offered to make some pancakes while he was indisposed. Not realizing that she was not the only one who was good and breaking and entering into an apartment. As the man who hid behind her bathroom door would prove.

Thoughts

Invisible String by Taylor Swift

Time, curious time
Gave me no compasses, gave me no signs
Were there clues I didn’t, see?
And isn’t it just so pretty to think
All along there was some
Invisible string
Tying you to me?

If only some of the “strings” that Namgung Yoon-Sook could visualize were as hopeful as Taylor Swift’s lyrics might perceive. To be fair, some of them were. The blue strings that signified relationships could be interpreted that way. Unfortunately, it is the black strings that symbolize death that more often consume her time. Especially when those strings connect to her. This is the mystery that Paul Tobin and Carlos Javier Oliveres explores in Issue 2 of Mad Cave’s newest hit String.

Getting to know, Yoon

Along the way, we learn more about the kind of people Yoon works with and the danger she seems to court. We also discover that Yoon is quite fearless and can be rather formidable when the situation calls for it. Not only does she chase down her would-be car assailant, but she also delivers a serious punch to the gut to “calm her down.” This is a strong indicator that she brings more than just her ability to make “connections” to her consulting work. Which proves useful, because in String, trouble seems to be “tied” to her for reasons that have yet to be revealed. A solid second issue that continues to “string” the reader along and demands they learn more. When combined with the excellent artistic storytelling of Carlos Javier Oliveres, String has proven to be a page-turner that cannot be put down.

Mad Cave Studios String, Issue 2 by Paul Tobin, Carlos Javier Oliveres, Sara Colella, and Taylor Esposito is available now where all great comics are sold.