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Giga #2 Review
Giga is set on a futuristic alternative earth where the human race has an entire religion based around gigantic robots, or mechs. It is written by Alex Paknadel, art by John Le, coloring by Rosh and lettering by Aditya Bidikar. It is published by Vault Comics.
About Giga #2
Giga features an alternate future earth in which the human populace has subscribed themselves to an entire religion based on the worship of gargantuan robots, or Mechs, as we knew them in the 80s and 90s. Much of the look and feel of Giga is an homage to the Marvel Comics’ licensed series Shogun Warriors. Who some of you might remember as a short lived anime released in Comic Book format back in 1979. Writer Doug Moench (Moon Knight) and artist Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk) manned the short-lived series of 20 issues, which concluded in December 1980.
Giga #2 picks up immediately where the first issue left off. Focusing primarily on protagonist Evan and the confrontation he and cybernetic companion Laurel have with the same group of Dusters we saw in the last panel of Issue 1. Issue 2 begins to explore the murky depths of the Mech based religion, The Order, in its fanaticism as much as its fascism. Even drawing parallels to Catholicism with the introduction of a bloated Pope-esque character, Father Crowquill, or His Accuracy as he’s often referred to.
While continuing to capitalise on the expanding lore and verses, the second half of Giga #2 explores the control The Order has over the general population. When the same group of ground pounding Dusters are accused of killing the dormant Giga (or, God) for scavenging for a mysterious “part.” In typical post-apocalyptic standards they’re found guilty by way of religious zealotism, setting us up for an ending which will leave your jaw hanging on the floor.
The Giga #2 Story
Giga #2 continues the bold exploration of a fascinating post-apocalyptic world while further expanding on the richness of Issue 1’s established world building and lore. The ending of the first issue set us up for an impressive salvo of antagonism involving Evan and the Dusters, Evan and lawmaker Mason, Evan and his relationship with Laurell and Evan and The Order. Forcing out a multi-arc storyline that is ridiculously impressive as the story continues to unfold.
Co-creator and Writer Alex Paknadel expertly demonstrates his management and balance of his comic script with the turn of each page. New characters are introduced as swiftly as shocking moments are unveiled. Step-by-step Alex Paknadel is revealing a world as blindly motivated by its religion and ideals as it is by the violence the Giga’s have laid bare.
Giga #2 is a remarkable follow-up to the first issue. It’s often the struggle of the second issue to carry the flag of the first issue’s achievements but Alex Paknadel absolutely crushes it. My interest in this series hasn’t wavered. If anything there’s a need to re-read this issue again and again. I’m absolutely obsessed with this series!
Giga Art
As the world of Giga expands, so do the challenges for artist John Le. By now you’ve read my thoughts on the first issue so it’s fair to sum up that with the breath-taking art we saw in Issue #1 I didn’t think there was a world where we would see more improvements on the Giga environment.
John Le’s art is truly cinematic in its approach to how his drawing conveys the massive presence of the Giga robots. At the same time, there isn’t a feeling of over-indulgence or polluting the environment. John Le’s art is appropriate, compelling and creates intense story-telling with the interactions of the main characters to the decadent tech-heavy environment.
Giga #2 Conclusion
An intense storyline with a truly shocking and borderline barbaric ending, Giga #2 is walking the line into the territory of post-apocalyptic stories that we all know and love. I’m seeing shades of Judge Dredd, Escape from New York, Pacific Rim and even Mortal Engines in every nook and cranny of this magnificent Mech comic book. While the human condition continues to be the hallmark of this series, it’s the art and a truly gripping storyline that keep me coming back.
Giga #1 is available through Vault Comics or your local comic book store.
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