Analog #2 Review

NSA OK

Written by: Gerry Duggan
Art by: David O'Sullivan
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: Joe Sabino
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy


The first issue in this series gave us an interesting story, a great concept, and although set in the near future I was impressed with the tough-guy gumshoe feel about it. The central character Jack McGinnis impressed me and he carried with him a real 1940s Noir, slick dialogue wit that added a really fun element to the book.

The roster of fun characters expands considerably in this issue. Firstly we get a hint at where McGinnis gets his hard-ass qualities from as we get a better introduction to his father. There is a particularly wonderful piece of writing from Duggan where McGinnis senior seemingly shows some mercy to one of the attackers. "Don't shoot Jack" he implores as one of his would-be assailants leans against the stove in his kitchen, wounded and at gunpoint. "He'd kill you without a second thought, old man," says Jack. Then, Duggan has the father deliver the following gem of black humor, "He's right near the meatballs--it'll ruin dinner!".

Elsewhere we get the deliciously sinister Aunt Sam, who is secretly in charge of US Government surveillance and struggling to cope in the new analog world. McGinnis comes onto her radar as a specialist in the smuggling of secrets in analog form and Aunt Sam wants a sneak peek at the goods, now that she can't rely on electronic surveillance. Aunt Sam tries all sorts of techniques to gain McGinnis' co-operation, but let's just say she isn't shy when it comes to some tough love as a handler.

Yet again the artwork in this book is pretty well suited to the topic. It may not be to everyone's taste, and sometimes the depictions can lean towards the caricature in style. Nonetheless, Jordie Bellaire's colors are impressive  - lots of shades of brown and tan, suggesting a coffee and whiskey stained world full of wet trenchcoats and worn shoe leather. O'Sullivan's art style matches the Private Eye, gumshoe vibe of Duggan's writing.

Bits and Pieces:

This issue is a pretty good continuation and development of what was set up in the first installment. The story is intriguing, and I do like the way there are all the clever reminders of what it used to be like before digital culture subsumed our world, plus the contrast between the privacy of analog versus the public nature of digital engagement. A pretty solid second issue.

7.7/10