From Vault Comics is the second issue of this excellent new series – The Rush #2.
1899, Yukon Territory. Nettie Bridger’s desperate journey to the goldfields of the frozen north has ended in tragedy. But Nettie won’t believe it. Can’t believe it. Her son is alive — somehow — somewhere — and she won’t stop hunting until she finds him. The valley has its monstrous guardians, and the miners have their secrets, and in this crucible of gore and gold the flickering flame of a mother’s love is barely enough to melt the ice.
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Nathan Gooden
Colorist: Addison Duke
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Designer: Tim Daniel
Cover A: Nathan Gooden
Cover B: Martin Simmonds
This issue really shows us the determination of a mother to find her son. Not giving up, there is a lot to learn for her (and us) about the ways of this frontier town. It’s well done, as Nettie learns more of the town and its ways, as do we. That, combined with her letters, make this a compelling narrative.
The realms of the fantastic continue in this, and there are a number of theories being bounced around. It works really well, building to a crescendo at the very end of this issue. Where this will lead to I don’t know, but that was an explosive ending.
I really enjoy the style of this story, there is only so much you can take on trust from the various characters, and you are not sure what to believe. Nevertheless, you cling on, gaining scraps from what they say and do, and what you may or may not see.
This is a compelling story, with some excellent art and colour choices, and including the lettering too. This is the whole package and is leading us somewhere.
