Damage #2 Review

Writers: Tony S. Daniel and Robert Venditti

Artist: Tony S. Daniel

Inker: Danny Miki

Colourist: Tomeu Morey

Letterer: Tom Napolitano

The first issue of this series intrigued me greatly. I love Tony S. Daniel and his art was incredibly strong. I was concerned as to whether or not this series had any legs, as in if it would have a long issue count. Upon finishing this issue, I'm still not entirely sure, but I think there's a decent amount of fun to be had despite some of the similarities to another famous large, hulking character in the comic book mythos.

These similarities are sort of quelled by taking the traditional 'military hunting down the monster' story and injecting some pretty well-known DC characters into the mix. As you can tell by the cover of this issue, the Suicide Squad are tasked, no pun intended, with taking down Ethan Avery before he turns into Damage.

I'm beginning to think this series is not much more than an artistic showcase. Daniel's artwork is impressive which explains why there's a very unnecessary opening action scene at the beginning of the issue. However, I want more out of this series in terms of story. I want to know more about Ethan, who has an air of tragedy about him that I really like. I feel the same way about the Colonel Jonas character. I simply need more out of the story. Given the ending of this issue, it seems like we're just going to get more action in the next issue.

The art is extremely strong but the story is more or less paper thin here. Ethan and Jonas have potential as characters and as rivals but the driving force may be the action.