Primer: Clashing Colors #2 – Thomas Krajewski/Jennifer Muro, Writers; Nicoletta Baldari, Artist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: This continuation of one of the best original DC graphic novels in recent years kicked off with a bang last issue, expanding the world of Primer by introducing the Teen Titans (heavily based off the original cartoon incarnation) as well as Slade – and his protege, Ravager, who quickly became a thorn in Primer’s side. At the same time, Primer’s desperation to be accepted as a hero by the Teen Titans started putting her in danger, causing rifts in her friendship with Luke – just in time for her to bond with Violette, a new girl at school with a mysterious past and an intense personality. As Ashley and Violette warmed up to each other, it became clear that not all was as it appeared with the new girl – but Ashley was too thrilled with her new friend to notice. After one disastrous mission after another, Ashley was left doubting if she had what it takes to be a hero – something her villains were more than willing to take advantage of.
This series has a lot of antagonists, including Slade and the return of Ashley’s first villain Strack – the ruthless soldier who tried to steal the paints for himself. But looming large over the series is Ashley’s toxic father as well, calling from prison to manipulate her. While there are some truly positive moments in this issue – such as Ashley bonding more with her adoptive mother Yuka and talking through some of her hangups about seeing her as a mother – it’s clear that Ashley is going down the wrong path and headed for a crash. She alienates Luke, puts too much trust in Violette – and when the betrayal happens, it happens hard. We all knew what the big reveal would be, but it goes a bit harder than I was expecting. There’s a new artist on this issue as well, and while the shift midway through the story is a bit jarring, Baldari does a very good job of staying on model and keeping the fast-paced, kinetic story flowing smoothly.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
