It’s been a while, five months to be exact, since the first issue of John Wick hit the shelves. For some, like myself, the memory of John Wick #1 might have faded slightly. While the anticipation was high, the debut issue, focusing heavily on John Wick’s origin story, didn’t quite capture the essence that fans adore about the character. The mystery surrounding John Wick is a significant part of his appeal, and delving deep into his beginnings felt a little premature. However, John Wick #2 is here to reignite that spark and hopefully steer the narrative in a more engaging direction.
A Shift in Focus: Story Takes Center Stage
Thankfully, John Wick #2 delivers a more compelling experience. The issue opens with Charon escorting Wick to the Continental El Paso, a crucial location within the John Wick universe. This isn’t just any hotel; it’s a sanctuary for professional killers, a neutral ground where they can socialize and conduct business without fear of betrayal – as long as they adhere to the strict rules enforced within its walls. The Continental setting immediately immerses readers in the familiar and fascinating underworld of John Wick.
The plot thickens with the introduction of Maria, a composed and enigmatic young woman. She appears to smooth things over for Pecos’s earlier offenses against Charon, offering generous compensation. Intriguingly, she also proposes further work to Wick. However, Wick, emphasizing his freelance nature and the personal vendetta against Pecos, politely declines. He reveals a clever scheme: to deceive the remaining two Bills into believing Pecos is still alive, thereby luring them into a carefully laid trap. This issue quickly moves away from extensive origin exposition and dives into a more immediate and engaging storyline.
Improved Narrative and Familiar Wick Vibes
While flashbacks to John Wick’s past are still present in John Wick #2, they are far less intrusive than in the first issue. The introduction of the “three Bills” and a glimpse into a younger John Wick serves a purpose without overwhelming the present narrative. Writer Greg Pak’s scripting, which was commendable in the first issue, shines even brighter here. The somewhat forced, cheesy dialogue from the debut issue is thankfully absent, replaced by a Wick who feels much closer to the cool, calculated assassin we know from the movies. This issue captures the essence of John Wick’s character more effectively.
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Giovanni Valletta’s artwork continues to impress, lending a distinct cinematic quality to the comic. Wick’s portrayal is unmistakably Keanu Reeves, and Valletta’s attention to detail is evident in all character designs. The Continental El Paso is depicted with a grand and imposing atmosphere, and the action sequences are dynamic and impactful. David Curiel’s color palette further enhances the cinematic feel, employing darker tones that contribute to the overall mood and intensity of the story. The visual aspects of John Wick #2 are undoubtedly a strong point.
Still Room for Growth
John Wick #2 marks a noticeable improvement over its predecessor, yet it still doesn’t quite reach exceptional status. The core narrative of revenge against old enemies, while classic, feels somewhat familiar. Inserting John Wick into this well-trodden trope is entertaining, but the story could benefit from a unique element to elevate the excitement and sense of danger. The ending of John Wick #1 hinted at a potentially intriguing development, leaving readers wondering about the blonde woman introduced in that issue. Her absence in John Wick #2 is notable, and her reappearance in future issues could be the injection of novelty the series needs. Despite its improvements, John Wick #2 treads familiar ground.
Final Verdict
John Wick #2 is a step in the right direction for the comic series. It successfully shifts focus from a less desired origin story to a more engaging present-day narrative. The artwork and cinematic style visuals are definite highlights, and the portrayal of John Wick feels more authentic to the movie character. However, the story still relies on a somewhat generic revenge plot and could benefit from more unique elements to truly stand out. Hopefully, future issues will continue to build upon this improvement and introduce fresh, exciting dimensions to the John Wick comic universe.
Rating: 7/10 – Good
Pros:
- Less focus on John Wick’s origin story, more on present action.
- Excellent artwork with a cinematic feel and Keanu Reeves likeness.
- Storyline feels more aligned with the John Wick movie universe.
Cons:
- Revenge-driven plot feels somewhat generic and predictable.
- Lacks a unique element to elevate it beyond a standard action story.
- The five-month gap between issues is lengthy for maintaining reader engagement.
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