Nolan, Kyle – Brain Dead Phylum #2

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Brain Dead Phylum #2

I mentioned something in my review for the first issue of this series about how the next issue could go either way. Well, the next issue is here and the way that it went is fantastic. Things start off with our heroes (two robots named Parker Lewis and Quasar) talking about “religgen” and how you don’t actually learn about the ‘bibble” by eating it, but rather that you’re supposed to pretend to read it. It’s not often that I’m 100%  behind a comic after the first page, but Kyle managed it with that bit of dialogue. Then we get to see the people behind the religion in this strange land while our two heroes try to find their way to the city. After a slight detour they make it to town but are shocked and horrified to discover that caffeine is no longer sold. Their reaction is a thing of beauty and if I had the technology to easily change the sample image below I would do it in a second. I have to stop myself before I ruin any more of this, but I do have to say a few more things: Pabst Blue Rocket and the incredulous reaction of the religious guy when he saw that he might actually be getting his message across. If I was undecided on the last issue, I’m totally decided on this one. Visually inventive as can be (while still depicting everything as dirty, seedy and run-down), dialogue that got at least a few honest chuckles out of me, and a story that’s more than engaging enough to hold your interest. Sure, there may have been a cheap plot point or two, but who cares? Here’s hoping Kyle keeps going in this vein for a long time to come. $2