GVN Talking Comics Review – Mad Cave Studios ‘Shows End: The Second Coming, Issue 2’

Last Time

When we last left Shows End, young Pavel had himself a confrontation with the local town folk. Being young, and headstrong, Pavel took revenge on those that ridiculed him. One might say he came by that reaction naturally. His father was not one to take ill-treatment passively. Which was probably an understatement. Regardless, the results were that some of the locals lost their heads in the conflict. And that meant that the troupe needed to pack up and leave as fast as they could. Fortunately, they knew just the place to go: Sanctuary Glade.

A Haven No More

Sanctuary Glade. It used to be a safe haven where “freaks” could feel at home. While the outside world scorned them and were repelled by them, Sanctuary Glade made them feel wanted. At least, that is the way it used to be. It was the reason Loralye and her “family” came to the Glade. But what they found looked nothing like Copper, who had suggested it, remembered.

The Lord’s Chosen

Things had definitely changed. Now there was a strict division between those who were freaks, and those who were not. Under the religious beliefs of Miss Coralynn, those who are considered freaks by the outside world are instead, those chosen by the Lord to be anointed with his power. They could be called Monsters by the unbelievers. But as Miss Coralynn says, “Only Man creates Monsters. God forges Freaks.”

Next Service

Miss Coralynn’s next “service” was getting ready to start. Just as Loralye and her family arrived at the Glade. They were met by a group of men who were not by definition, “freaks.” Instead, they were soldiers that had been scarred or maimed during their service in the military. Despite this, they were not considered to be a part of the “chosen.” They did, however, stand up to those in the camp who desired to help themselves to what Loralye and her family brought with them.

“Hope was Very Potent”

Copper thanked them for their assistance. Upon looking at Copper’s facial scars, they inquired if he too had served in the military. Once he acknowledged this, he asked what had happened to the “Glade” he remembered. They explained how Miss Coralynn had arrived and won the populace over with her lessons of the “chosen” ones. She then sealed the deal by performing a miracle. With the depression in full effect, “a little bit of hope was very potent.” Thus began the separation of those who were chosen and those who were not.

However, to really understand what was going on, he suggested that Loralye and her troop attend the service. That would explain things better than they ever could. Seeing as how Copper was a fellow vet, they would watch their campsite to keep unscrupulous folks from coming a calling. However, they suggested that Pavel cover his face. Not that they cared what Pavel looked like, but those in the tent would. Just a suggestion.

The Service

As everyone filed into the tent, the service started with the traditional hymn “Power in the Blood.” It is that power that Miss Coralynn speaks of. It is the “freaks” blood that contains the Lord’s power. Making them among the Lord’s blessed. As she talks, Pavel becomes enraptured by what he is hearing. So much so that he lifts his hood and is noticed by the congregation. They immediately bring him to Coralynn’s attention. She considers Pavel beautiful and invites him to stay with them.

Pavel’s Decision

Naturally, Loralye and her friends object to this. Almost to the point of Loralye releasing the beast within her. But Pavel tells her not to interfere. He WANTS to stay. He liked these people and the way they treat him. Vaddy, however requests that if Pavel stays, she will stay as well. Initially, they refuse her request, seeing as she appears quite normal. At least until she removes her scarf and reveals her third eye in her forehead. (Vaddy might want to talk to Dr. Strange about his copyright infringement) [See the end of Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness].

What’s in a Name?

After her reveal, Coralynn allows Vaddy to stay with Pavel, but the rest of them must leave the tent. Loralye objects to this but her friend and mentor tells her it will be okay. She will watch over Pavel to keep him safe. In the meantime, Coralynn tells them that they can come to services every Sunday. They no doubt will see much of each other…Loralye. Coralynn knows Loralye’s name…somehow.

Back at their camp, they discuss what happened to Pavel when those same men that approached when they arrived reappear. It is their intention to take Lorelye but Miss Coralynn and two of her men arrive to stop them. She casts them out of the Glade. Exiling them from their chosen path.

Family Reunion

After the exiled members leave, Coralynn once again addresses Loralye by name. She then reveals that she is in actuality, Loralye’s aunt. Her Mother’s sister, Andriel. But before Loralye can absorb this information, Andriel wants her to meet someone else. Another relative. Her Grandfather, Leviticus Jones.

At the same time, Pavel and Vaddy are also being escorted. Vaddy to where she will sleep and Pavel to another part of the camp. He is lead to a barn-like structure with cages inside. Inside one of them is Pavel’s father. Yes, it is indeed a real “family reunion.”

Thoughts

The one thing that writer Anthony Cleveland brings to the table in his follow up to Show’s End is the ability to bring new ideas to the table while still expanding what he has already established. This concept is beautifully realized in this issue with his introduction of new members of Loralye’s family while at the same time, bringing back Pavel’s father. Although, with what has happened in volume 1 of Show’s End, and the history of Pavel’s father, there is no doubt some foreboding events are in store for both Loralye AND Pavel. With Copper and the rest of their troupe caught in the middle. I look forward to seeing how Cleveland intertwines it all. Somehow, I figure that eventually being a member of the “Chosen” won’t necessarily be a blessing.

Artwork

It is being repetitive but by now, my feelings of artist Jef Sadzinski’s work is well known. He continues to impress with a total command of the characters and the page. Both supporting Cleveland’s prose while at the same time, elevating it. Not sure you can ask more from your artist than that.

Mad Cave Studios Show’s End: The Second Coming Issue, 2 by Anthony Cleveland and Jef Sadzinski comes to digital only release August 24th. You can find the subscription page here.