Read the First 5 Pages of BRIAR #2 – For Free

Disclaimer: If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you.

A Fairy Tale Long Forgotten

Earlier today, BOOM! Studios released a first look at Briar – Issue 2. The second of a four issue mini series, Briar is created by writer Christopher Cantwell (Regarding the Matter of Oswald’s Body, Iron Man, Halt and Catch Fire) and artist Germán García (Ka-Zar: Lord of the Savage Land). With colorist Matheus Lopes (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) and letterer AndWorld Design (The Many Deaths of Laila Starr) rounding out this creative team.

In the world of Briar, the end of the world is nigh, now that the sleeper has become the sleepwalker! But what is Briar Rose to do about it, now that no one believes in magic, and the fairytale is long over? Her own fairy godmothers may be the key to setting things right. That is except for Grendrid, the tyrant of this wasteland, who sends a bounty hunter and a deadly group of assassins on Briar’s trail.

The only hope may lie in the marshes and their strange inhabitants, but their twisted faith in magic may not be what Briar expects.

In addition to García handling the main cover, fans of this series will be able to pick up variant covers by highly acclaimed illustrators Yanick Paquette (The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country) with colors by Matheus Lopes, Tiffany Turrill (Aquaman: Andromeda), Tula Lotay (American Vampire), and Frany (Grim). Me personally? I’m going to pick up the variant cover by Tiffany Turrill. It rips!

Scroll on down to check them out.

Briar #2 - Variant Cover Art by Tanick Paquette and coloring by Matheus Lopes — ***Variant Cover Art by Tanick Paquette and coloring by Matheus Lopes***

Briar #2 - Variant Cover Art by Tiffany Turrill — ***Briar #2 – Variant Cover Art by Tiffany Turrill***

Briar #2 - Variant Cover Art by Frany — ***Briar #2 – Variant Cover Art by Frany***

Briar #2 - Variant Cover Art by Tula Lotay — ***Briar #2 – Variant Cover Art by Tula Lotay***

Briar #2 - Variant Cover Art by Germán García — ***Variant Cover Art by Germán García***

First Impressions of Briar #2

Germán García’s artwork screams fantasy with just enough horror to make it a dark fantasy piece that almost crosses the line into gothic horror. Just look at the first page. The colors of Mathew Lopes evoke each mood in a way that almost suspends the belief that you’re consuming the comic book format.

Christopher Cantwell’s writing is, of course, exceptional but it’s brought to new heights. Thanks to the lettering virtuosity of AndWorld Design. A style which looks like it’s ripped straight from the glossary of a forgotten fantasy novel.