From another strong Kickstarter and hot on the heels of Plainer Jane #1, Plainer Jane #2 is out soon from Broken Face Comics.
Plainer Jane. The darkly comic story of Jane Pearson, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl who becomes a brutally efficient killer for hire.
David Wilburn, Ralph Singh, Nestor Celario Jr, Wayne Lowden, Tim West, Robert Last & Fiona Oakley
With no training, no special skills, just her own cunning, brutality, and fearlessness, Jane leaves a trail of bodies behind her, ultimately going head to head with the feared and secretive criminal gang, The Nexus, in a war that could ultimately cost not only her life but the lives of everyone she loves.
A real world comic book set in modern day Manchester.
Mixing the mundane of everyday life with that of a newly started contract killer is an interesting hook. And issue #1 did indeed get me hooked. Broken Face Comics have an excellent story on their hands and it takes you deeper into the world in this issue.
The results from the previous issue’s ‘job’ are still there. Jane has learnt some lessons, and is learning some here. The crack about the ratings made me smile – it does seem like a yes/no option – how can you give a star rating to a contract killer?
Nevertheless, Jane’s school and home life add to the tension she is feeling about both the previous job and the next one. The learning from the previous job was well done, and left a physical mark that she has to explain away.
The next job is a human though, and she has her own ways of dealing with it. The planning and preparation was well done. I like the hunt as Jane, not only scopes out her next victim, but also her Client too. It’s well done and her commentary is well thought out. There is a nice part when the Client starts to get a bit shirty with her about the time it is taking.
The art continues to be excellent in this, some brilliant scenes and facial expressions. Combining the school days with the stakeout works really well and there is a sense of tension throughout. The red splashes and shading clash well with the style of the comic. Plus the cover is amazing.
This is a series worth jumping on, taking some brilliant ideas and a well thought out story. The art is excellent and gritty too.