Friday, June 12, 2009

The Unwritten #2

The second issue of The Unwritten takes us further into the world of the real-life Tom Taylor, who was the basis for a Harry Potter-like character created by his father.

Now his life is in turmoil as rumors begin to circulate. Some say he is actually the storybook character who has magically been brought into the real world; and others say he was not his father's son, but instead a child his father kidnapped.

This comic is all about Tom's efforts to uncover the truth about his past. Along the way he gets hints and a few more mysteries, all while mysterious forces are gathering around him.

The comic is quite good in its execution - the writing by Mike Carey is crisp, pulls you in and leaves you eager for the next chapter. The art by Peter Gross is also quite good, whether depicting quiet discussions, realistic scenes of violence or elements of the fantastic.

It's clever, there are some fun literary references, and I would be a big fan - except that I still can't overlook the painfully obvious Harry Potter swipes.

If it was based on a more original concept, I'd rave about this book. As is, I recommend it - but with reservations.

Grade: B+

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