The Past Is Catching Up in Spencer & Locke 2 #2
Spencer & Locke is one series that hooks you in from the start. And the follow-up, Spencer & Locke 2, has been the same. This is the perfect read for anybody wanting a series with a seriously dark twist. Trust me, this series will never fail to surprise you with the twists and turns it takes.
Spencer & Locke 2 #2 has truly left me anxious for the next part of the series. It was fast-paced and heartbreaking at times. But that’s something I’ve come to expect from this team.
For a man who has constantly been haunted by his past, you’d think that Locke would be used to it by now. And maybe, in a sense, he is. This issue shows the past catching up, but not in the way you’d expect.
Writing
Spencer & Locke 2 has already shown us they can tell a story using unique methods. Combining flashbacks with a different art style was bold, but it left the series with a distinct style.
Spencer & Locke 2 #2 pushed that style to its limits. We needed to learn a lot and not much time to do it. Yet David Pepose managed to tell his tale with even pacing. Not once did it feel like we were being rushed through the plot.
But that’s not to say that the issue wasn’t fast-paced – because it absolutely was. Amazingly, Spencer and Locke can keep up with their surroundings. However, they’re not the only ones with that ability. Leave it to Locke to surround himself with people (and stuffed panthers) who can keep up with him.
The antagonist in this plot has been fascinating. He’s also brilliantly reflected everything we know of Locke thus far. I think that’s really what makes him so interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing where Pepose takes this rivalry.
Art
Two main art styles are shown in Spencer & Locke 2 #2. Both have probably become well-known at this point, though. So, I don’t think I’m surprising anyone by saying that. As always, the series used a more comical art style to show us flashbacks. Which is always surprising, given that these are sometimes the heaviest moments in the series.
Jorge Santiago Jr. and Jasen Smith were the artists behind this issue and did a brilliant job. I’ll never get over the transitions between art styles or how they draw Spencer at different points. But this issue had a lot of other great highlights as well. I just can’t talk too much about these points due to spoilers. But I will say that they’re worth looking for!
Conclusion
Spencer & Locke 2 #2 was an intense and emotionally compelling read. I still can’t get over how much emotion this series has managed to fit into it. Or how hard Locke has had it. All of the elements I’ve come to love about this series appeared here. So fans will be happy with what’s inside.
The new plot has held up to my expectations and then some. I love the mirror dynamics they’re introducing. It’ll make for a strong plot, especially in the long run. Not that I have any clue what is going to happen next. But I’m sure looking forward to finding out!
This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.
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