GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Comics ‘Show’s End: Second Coming’ Issue 3

Last Time

When we last left Show’s End, there were two special family reunions. Pavel had come face to face with his missing Father and Loralye met her aunt and her grandfather Leviticus Jones. Pavel’s dad was locked in a cage, so you pretty much knew that HE had been up to no good. As for Loralye, she was not sure what her aunt and grandfather’s stories were. But she was no doubt about to find out.

Preparing for the Apocalypse

In the world Leviticus Jones describes, the world is heading to its apocalypse. The only thing or one standing between the final reconning is Loralye. It is what she was created for. But she will need to decide to assume that responsibility. In the meantime, before they had found Loralye, her Aunt Andriel had been trying to create a replacement for her. Fusing the freaks into a creation that might put an end to the apocalypse. And surprisingly enough, at least according to her and her grandfather, the chosen ones had willingly accepted this transformation.

Like Father, Not Quite Like Son

As for Pavel, his father Gunther was not much different than what he remembered. In fact, the cage he was locked in was by his own request. Mainly because his anger and “appetites” made him a danger…for just about everyone. At least it had been for the man whose skull Gunther had tossed through the bars. As Pavel looked shocked, his father wondered why? It was not like Pavel had never wanted to kill those who mocked him and treated him poorly. He knew his boy had those tendencies. His problem was not following through with them. Just like at the last town they had been in.

Come to find out, the local townsfolk whose heads have been severed was not the work of Pavel as had been assumed. His father had somehow visited vengeance upon those who had mocked his son. It was this mayhem that have caused Loralye and the troop to escape and bring them back to Sanctuary Glade.

The Truth of Copper

Meanwhile, Bolty and Copper were looking for Loralye. It had been their responsibility to keep an eye on their young performer. As they searched, the conversation transitioned into why Copper hadn’t shared any of his war stories. Especially with those veterans whom they had befriended. Come to find out, it was because all of his tales were not true. He then went back in time to reveal his past and the tragedy’s that had befallen him…including the cutting of his mouth and resulting scars. All that was left were his scars and his guilt.

A Choice

Back with Pavel and his father, their conversation also transitioned. In this case, he was curious about Loralye. He knew that Loralye had unique abilities. Powerful unique abilities. Pavel conceded this. But he also revealed that, in his opinion, Loralye didn’t use her powers as often as she should. Not even if it would benefit the family. His father considered this and then asked Pavel if HE would have used those powers if it had been him? He followed that up by asking Pavel if it were INDEED possible for Pavel to have those abilities…would he agree to use them?

Thoughts

It is common in a five-issue series that the third issue brings events to a boiling point. Show’s End Second Coming is no different. But writer Anthony Cleveland took that principle and ratcheted it up to the Nth degree. Especially where it comes to the segment of the story concerning Pavel and his father and the heart wrenching past of Copper. Cleveland has set the stage for a powerful conclusion with more yet to be discovered. Show’s End: Second Coming has already proven to be a worthy follow up to the exceptional original.

Artwork

So, with Second Coming breaking new ground and raising the stakes, artist Jef Sadzinski’s work is also helping to bring the book to new heights. Again, with particular strong visuals in the aforementioned segments. His work in the Pavel and Gunther panels are particularly powerful. Nice work all around. Looking forward to seeing the final two issues. If the quality of work maintains its current level, it should be spectacular. But knowing these creators, look for even more.

Mad Cave Studios Show’s End: Second Coming, Issue 3 is available on September 14th. It can be found on their subscription page here.