Writer: Steve Fox
Artist: Piotr Kowalski
Colorist: Brad Simpson
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Cover Artists: Piotr Kowalski and Brad Simpson; Trevor
Henderson
Publisher: Dark Horse
Price: $3.99
Release Date: May 24, 2023
Ten years ago, Reynolds saw something that radically
changed his life. Recently, Vin joined his crusade battling New York’s giant
spiders. What have their efforts cost both men? Let's brave a look inside All
Eight Eyes #2 and find out!
Story
Reynolds lets others believe that's his name rather
than just a name sewn on the jacket he now wears. While he's let relationships
outside the homeless community lapse, Vin tries to maintain his. The young
man’s efforts to alert others to the giant spider population prove no more
successful than his mentor's. Saddened, he accompanies the man on another
spider hunt. In the process, their lives will intersect with an official eyeing
the greasy pole of politics and an openminded Parks & Recreation officer
who's also discovered a giant spider.
I like how Steve Foxe plays against character types in All
Eight Eyes #2. I also like how he uses this familiar science fiction premise to
muse on homelessness, blindness to all we choose to ignore, and the cost of
obsession. Set in the Alphabet City region of New York City in 2003--rather
than today--we can assume that neighborhood and period call to him.
Perhaps—like Reynolds--he’s even obsessed about it.
Art
Piotr Kowalski’s pencil goes crazy as he draws people and
settings. Clothing and foliage receive additional attention as he inks in
fabric creases and defines bushes and trees. Offices, shops, and the fading
grandeur of a derelict school convey reality. Glimpses of the New York City
skyline—often from Tompkins Square Park—invoke the romance of the megapolis.
In All Eight Eyes #2, Reynolds’ appearance makes a
comparison with the Green Arrow unavoidable. Even without a red circle
surrounding his eye, the English Bull Terrier named Possom seems as adorable as
his corporate cousin. Vin's character may not align as closely with Butt-Head
as that of Reynolds and Oliver Queen, but it might as well for all the respect
others pay him. The trio may be unlikely heroes, but Parks & Rec. officer
Dani Dominguez—a far more reputable character--could join their ranks in future
issues.
Given Kowalski's attention to detail, All Eight Eyes #2
would enthrall readers as a Black & White comic. Thankfully, Brad Simpson
pays equal attention to his coloring. Reynolds' green Army jacket never blends
in with nearby foliage. Vin's red hair and boots reveal he's not ready to fade
into obscurity. The cheering evening sky can't hide the haze hanging over the
skyscrapers. I love how the blue and purple interiors of the abandoned,
unillumined school never give way to gray.
Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou uses uppercase letters in spherical
white dialogue balloons. Inflection makes words grow bold. Lowered voices and
guttural sounds receive lowercase letters. Rectangular narrative boxes overlay
scenes showing what Reynolds talks about. Sound effects are as rough as
homeless life. While Kowalski and Simpson make Foxe’s story compelling,
Otsmane-Elhaou ensures it’s easy on the eye.
Final Thoughts
Movies like Mimic, Cloverfield, and Spiders 3D testify to
New York City's constant battle with monsters. While All Eight Eyes #2 covers
Reynolds, Vin, and Possom’s efforts to protect the Alphabet City neighborhood
in 2003, the real monsters in this lavishly illustrated comic--greed and a lack
of concern for others--remain constant threats to people everywhere.
Rating 9.8/10
To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
