Two Over Ten

Two Over Ten #s 1 & 2/$2.95 & 26 pgs. ea. from Second 2 Some Studios/ story: Myatt Murphy; pencils: Chris Rhoades/sold in comics shops.

Huh?

The reason underlying all forms of art is communication. Then why is it that after two issues of the new comic book Two Over Ten you will not know: 1) what is a "Given"; 2) why some folks posses a Given; 3) why it has special powers; 4) why it is bad that a Given has special powers; 5) why the comic's protagonist releases those Given; 6) who or what is "The Release"; and 7) who are the rightful owners of the Given. The potential length of this list was shortened due to the number of words allowed Suspended Animation.

The breadth of the befuddlement given by this list may be measured by the depth of the dandruff produced by scratching your head.

You will know that the young Irish girl chosen by who-knows-who to rid the Earth of Given doesn't really know either. That is not a relief to readers.

You will also know that the art is serviceable, but not outstanding, and does add a layer of visual under-standing missing from the plot, prose and characterizations.
Oddly enough, the backup feature in both issues, Far From Saints, is well written and well drawn.

For those tender readers who think this reviewer enjoys criticizing, let me make one thing perfectly clear. It is not pleasant to write a negative review because I have written comic books and know how difficult it is to even get one into print. It is agonizing for me to do so. But to do less would be less than honest and make questionable the honesty of opinions expressed about the hundreds of other titles reviewed in the past in Suspended Animation.

And, ultimately, you would not given a hoot about SA or Two Over Ten.
MV

Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.
E-Mail Suspended Animation at vance@digitalwebbing.com

Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.