The Hunger and the Dusk #2 works as a paradigm of the alchemy that is comics, fusing text and image to create a compelling narrative. Wilsons script is bustling with the energy generated by the elevation of emotion into action, playing up the romance and lingering tensions. When paired with Wildgooses cinematic layouts and expressive linework, that progression is propelled into spellbinding territory. Adding Msassyks palettes on top works to reinforce the core themes of the work, and create distinct visual flavors for the two central plotlines. The Hunger and the Dusk does everything right, and with only two issues under its belts, has proven to be an instant classic. Read Full Review

‘The Hunger And The Dusk' gains even more depth as the second issue throws the characters and the readers into the fire once more, continuing what surely will be a fantasy epic for the ages. Bold dynamic art full of vivid colors brings life to everything on the page creating a world one surely wants to visit. If you haven't picked this book up yet, nows the time to get on board. Read Full Review

Issue #2 hits the ground running with our new unlikely pair: Callum the human, and Tara the orc. Callum quickly tries to make his new friend feel comfortable while being surrounded by a species that she has only ever known as an enemy. Read Full Review

Wildgoose delivers some beautifully detailed art throughout the issue. I love the visual style and how the art brilliantly channels and expands the world of these characters. Every page has something visually stunning to see. Read Full Review

The Hunger and the Dusk #2 continues to flesh out its characters in a fantasy world well worth exploring. Fans of fantasy and Dungeons and Dragons will love this series as it leans into fantasy tropes while fleshing out meaningful and complex characters. Read Full Review

Hunger and the Dusk continues to be a standout high fantasy epic that commands your attention on all fronts: top-level story development, characterisation, and jaw-dropping artwork. Read Full Review

Back in July I gave the debut issue of G. Willow Wilson’s new series a perfect rating and THE HUNGER AND THE DUSK #2 shows no signs of slowing down. Wilson is flexing her ability to build a new world rich in lore that would make any fan of Dungeons and Dragons squeal with glee. Paired with Chris Wildgoose’s art and Msassyk’s colors, this series is offering a delightful and easily accessible entry into the high-fantasy genre.

Where the first issue established the current state of affairs in the series’ world, this issue starts to focus on building up characters and introducing more interpersonal dynamics between our two main couples — Tara Icemaen & Callum Battlechild and Troth Icemane & Faran Stoneback. The issue is split into two storylines as we follow each couple on their own journeys together and witness them learning about each other along with the readers. Wilson allows each of these four characters room to blossom and we learn more about them and their worldviews.

Both couples aren’t just learning about each other as individuals, they’re also learning the customs of their respective people in two different ways. Coming from two different species, Tara and Callum appear to have the biggest gap between them. Tara, an orc healer, learns more about the customs of the Last Men Standing, while Callum realizes they’ve both been cast out by people meant to protect them. Troth and Faran may both be orcs, but their people have wildly different customs and they deal with the open acknowledgement that their marriage isn’t what either of them wanted. It’s impressive to see how quickly Wilson was able to make readers invested in these characters and create such complex and dynamic relationships that feel entirely real and valid.

Msassyk’s colors creates two distinct environments for the dual storyIines. Tara and Callum’s story is soaked in bright, warm colors contrasted against darker, cooler colors that permeate Troth and Faran’s story. Wildgoose employs gorgeous clean lines throughout both stories, but plays with spacings, angles, and gutters to differentiate between dramatic dialogue and action-heavy scenes. This is wonderfully realized when Troth and Faran battle giant white wolves during their wedding hunt. Here, Wildgoose mixes in a variety of panel sizes and angles, without gutters, to create a sense of tension and chaos that fit the scene well.

THE HUNGER AND THE DUSK #2 is another perfect blend of rich storytelling with eye-catching visuals from a top-notch creative team that transports readers directly into a new world and allows them to feel fully immersed in the book’s surroundings. Whether it’s Wilson’s deeply personal writing that makes you think you’re overhearing a conversation between two characters or Wildgoose and Msassyk’s vibrant artistry that brings every scene to life, you don’t feel like you’re reading a story, you feel like you’re smack dab in it.

Rating: 10/10 more

Glad to say that I liked this even more than the first issue. Wildgoose's art continues to be great here and I think he only adds to this already immersive world. As for Wilson's story, I enjoyed this a lot. She was able to expand upon the characters introduced in previously and make the reader more invested in them. This is most clearly seen with Callum, as we learn more about his backstory and upbringing. Plus, I also thought the wolf hunt with Troth and Faran was nicely-written and very intriguing. While the ending didn't connect with me emotionally, I thought it was an unexpected way to close out the issue and I think it will give way to more great content in Issue 3 and beyond.

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