Wire Hangers #2 Review

You're punched in the gut so hard you double over. Two hands grab your collar and toss you to the ground. You're helplessly dragged along by the hair legs flailing, heels forcing dust to plume in your wake. That's the feeling I got reading the first issue of Wire Hangers, it just wouldn't let you go until that last page was turned. Could Alan Robert repeat the feat with his second published comic?

Detective Barillo has the car, but he hasn't got the results. His hunt for the Suicide King Killer is only leading him to more bodies and straight into the path of some shadowy federal Agents, lead by the imposing figure that is Agent Neary. Barillo doesn't know Neary, but Neary has a handle on Barillo, he full well knows ofBarillo's habits and failings and how he got hold of that car. He also knows how belittled Barillo will feel when shows him the face of the Killer. "We're on the case for one night and we've already ID'd the Killer".

The procedural part of the story is all well and good but when we're back to the flesh and bones (and metal) of the story we're really rolling. Cypra's origin is revealed, and the tragedy of how a person can be so spindled and mutilated by hangers is revealed. As with the previous issue, the juxtaposition of the humanized words coming from such a monstrous sight is really challenges the fact that he could possibly be the killer.

This series has it all engaging characters, mystery that winds just as the wire winds through and around Cypra's body, and truly incredible, unique artwork. The art is difficult to put into words, but Alan Robert creates an excellent hybrid artwork of photo visual melded with strong character work and scenery enhancements, all gelled together with some incredibly atmospheric colors that would be at home in a Ben Templesmith series

Issue #1 wasn't a fluke. Alan Robert's exceptional work is repeated here, and here's hoping Alan Robert's belated arrival onto the comic shop shelves is the start of a long stay.