The Moon is Following Us brings together the talents of Daniel Warren Johnson and Riley Rossmo to construct a uniquely trippy sci-fi universe (including my new favorite character of 2024, Brio the Toad) It was a genuine success in every sense of the word. ) But it was the last few pages that grabbed my attention, and it became clear that this sci-fi adventure was some kind of finely constructed fantasy. The Moon Is Following Us #2 winds back the clock to explain exactly how Sam and Duncan went on a journey to save their daughter Penny.
It also means reversing the work of the artwork. Johnson handles the “real world” part, while Rossmo draws the fantasy, with the former accounting for most of the book. Johnson’s unique style can be seen in all of his creator-owned works, including Do a Powerbomb! and Murder Falcon to the opening arc of Transformers. What makes The Moon is Following Us #2 stand out among those projects is how realistic it is. There are no giant robots or wrestling moves here. A beautiful moment of a family enjoying the day together.
Johnson also opens the book without dialogue, which is a bold choice. But it works, as viewers get to see the love that Sam and Duncan have for Penny and each other. The revelation about Penny’s coma also becomes more difficult as Duncan tries to remain calm while Sam spirals into despair. Johnson’s script is grounded in human emotions, with even more fantastical elements.
Rossmo’s depiction of the fantasy world continues to be eye-catching, especially in the sequence where Duncan and Sam are first transported there. The transitions between art styles are undeniably smooth, but also seamless. It seems that the reader is literally drawn into a completely different world along with the main characters. Mike Spicer’s coloring was similar, going from dark tones in Johnson’s work to lighter tones in Rossmo’s work. The images detailing how this fantasy world works are downright bizarre and another reason why this manga should be added to your pull list.
The Moon is Following Us #2 is a second issue that maintains momentum and emotional investment after its stellar debut issue, boding well for future issues. I’ve always found issue #2 to be the hardest in comics because you have to keep the reader coming back, but Johnson and Rossmo have more success than that.
“The Moon Is Following Us” #2 delivers a great sophomore issue
The moon is chasing me #2
The Moon is Following Us #2 is a second issue that maintains momentum and emotional investment after its stellar debut issue, boding well for future issues. I’ve always found issue #2 to be the hardest in comics because you have to keep the reader coming back, but Johnson and Rossmo have more success than that.
Johnson’s artwork and writing provide an emotional anchor for the audience and keep them focused.
Rossmo’s depiction of the fantasy world is still very trippy.
The second issue lives up to the promise of the debut issue.
The creative team gave me a sci-fi story full of human emotions and I was hooked.
