Review: Canto II: The Hollow Men #2

Canto is the type of simple, earnest, heroic story that we all yearn for in these difficult times. The book by writer David Booher and artist Drew Zucker with colors by Vittorio Astone is at its heart about the need we all have for a heart.

In an age when too many of us value argument over caring and love, Canto II #3 reminds us that true strength lies in bravery and caring for others. It also reminds us that part of life“s value lies in the pain and suffering we work to overcome. This arc is about what happens when a people turn off their hearts to block out the pain.

The issue begins with Canto on a mission with three of his friends and their trusted Malorex as they search for the source of the Shrouded Man“s magic before it can stop their tribes“ internal clocks. Canto, Veratta, Rikta and Falco arrive at Aulaura“s village only to be faced by lifeless scarecrows and the bat-like creatures guarding them. After an epic battle with those creatures they meet up with the sole survivor of the town, Aulaura herself.

Much of the action of this issue follows the tale of Aulaura who relates how she was inspired by her last meeting with Canto and of the tragedy of her village. She returned to her people with a new appreciation for them and for life. But once famine and poverty hit, the town quickly begged the Shrouded Man to rescue them from hunger, fear and pain. He does this by leaving them as lifeless, heartless husks hanging as scarecrows through the village.

Aulaura fears the Shrouded Man but Canto doesn’t live in fear and promises to help her people just as the Furies arrive. Aulaura faces the Furies allowing Canto and his companions to make a quick escape to the river and awaiting waterfall.

This book is fantastic, not only because of the massive heroics of its pint-sized heroes but because of the larger themes it embraces in a simple, honest way. The idea that suffering and hardship should be faced with courage and kindness seem so obvious to Canto, but are extraordinary statements given the suffering in his world as well as our own.

There are few books where color serve such a key role, showcasing the bright hearts of our heroes in the small fires burning beneath their armor. The art is deceptively simple, with a basic mythical quality calling to mind the great epics of literature like The Wizard of Oz and Lord of the Rings.

This is a comic which goes beyond simple stories and is steadily creating a modern heroic myth.

Writing: 4.5 of 5 stars
Artwork: 4.4 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.4 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.5 of 5 stars

Writer: David M Booher
Artist: Drew Zucker
Colors: Vittorio Astone
Publisher: IDW Publishing

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.