REVIEW: Zawa + The Belly of the Beast #2

The maybe-goddess Zawa has escaped the belly of the beast and is on the prowl. Starving, she comes across some of the town’s struggling citizens. Will they become friend or food?

Finally able to escape from the clutches of the town’s corrupt mayor, Zawa is tired, confused, and most importantly, hungry. Meanwhile Thatch and Bandit are thinking of a masterplan to stick it to the mayor and save their family eatery. Zawa and the Blackbird sibling’s paths cross and something unexpected happens. The lore really begins to expand in this issue as Zawa’s origin and role in the world is discussed and Thatch and Bandit’s motivations and family background is introduced. Writer Michael Dialynas keeps the dialogue warm despite the dystopian type setting. Thatch and Bandit are quite likeable and their family dynamic and mission will seemingly be the catalyst for the series alongside the quite intriguing mystery that is Zawa herself.

Dialynas is pulling triple duty, not only doing the writing but all of the illustrations and coloring. The style is a mix of classic manga and modern western art that comes together beautifully. But it’s also a bit twisted. Zawa looks like a girl, minus a nose (hilariously pointed out by Thatch) and the green skin. The coolest art in the comic comes as Zawa’s hair reacts to her emotions. It’s a cool piece of subtle storytelling that brings the character to life. The mayor is giving off major Krang from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vibes. Oh and there are also anamorphs and foodamorphs (if that’s a thing). Overall, the art is just the right amount of crazy, funky, and cool.

Zawa + The Belly of the Beast #2 builds off the momentum of the series’ introductory outing and kicks things up a notch. It’s less action and more exposition (and food!) but things are far from boring. The new revelations explored in this issue set the table for the story to go in any number of ways. The ability to singlehandedly create and express his vision comes in handy for Dialynas as the art and writing fit perfectly together. He even does the lettering! It has been a fun and interesting journey to start and as the mystery and conflicts deepen, things should get even spicier.

Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 4 Stars
Coloring – 4 Stars

Overall – 4 Stars

Written by; Michael Dialynas
Art by; Michael Dialynas
Colors by; Michael Dialynas
Letters by; Michael Dialynas
Published by; Boom! Studios

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.