“Verity has explosively ended the multi-gang war but mysteries remain: Why are the Americans after her? Why was her friend Fincham killed? What was he investigating? She needs to get justice for Fincham & use the information to keep her enemies at bay. Meanwhile, Jeb is risking his double identity by breaking into the shadowy Blue Zone on the island.”
Death Sentence, originally conceived by Monty Nero and Mike Dowling, has released the second issue of its “Liberty” series, with Nero at the helm and art by Martin Simmonds. The title refers to the death sentence provided by contracting the G-Plus virus, a sexually transmitted disease that carries both a super-powered boon, and a six-month life expectancy. Infected with this virus, Verity must work together with other super-humans to unravel a deep government conspiracy and win a blossoming war before G-Plus or G-Men can catch up to her.
Issue two picks up on the heels of a big, climactic finish, but never really reaches that level of action again. Instead, time is taken to build relationships through dialogue, and explore some of the mysteries of the world. Nero handles this well, with unique voices for his characters and (mostly) natural feeling exchanges between them. Scenes occasionally transition in a choppy manner, but the pacing is nice and the issue ends on a solid hook that made me want to continue reading.
The art for Death Sentence is fantastic, mostly due to the incredible color work. Simmonds brings details out through shading and highlights in ways that can’t help but remind me of Sejic. The backgrounds are gorgeous, and touches like Verity’s artistic “aura” really help bring Death Sentence to the next level. If there is a weakness in the art, it is in the posing and perspective on humans, which felt shaky at times.
All in all, I found Death Sentence enjoyable, but wished for a little more action. If you liked issue #1, you won’t regret picking up #2
-Aaron
Writing ”“ Monty Nero
Art ”“ Martin Simmonds
Lettering ”“ Monty Nero
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