Gun Honey Vol. 2: Blood For Blood by Charles Ardai and Ang Hor Kheng (graphic novel review).

In “Gun Honey Book 2: Blood for Blood,” Joanna Tan makes a return, though not at the beginning of the story. A lookalike thief adopts her modus operandi, and it’s up to Brook Barrow to locate Joanna and enlist her help in tracking down the culprit, using a fallen gun as their only clue.

Barrow suspects former agent Filippa Sterling to be the one responsible, and their mission becomes a race to catch up with her and uncover her motives. The rest of the plot contains spoilers, but the book can be enjoyed in about an uninterrupted hour of reading.

One critique is that the double-page spreads don’t always read smoothly across the pages, though this may be due to inexperience in the layout. It’s important to note that this story is not meant for younger readers, as it contains nudity, albeit minimal and artfully presented.

Joanna Tan is known for her body strip, which is necessary given the hidden weapons and lockpicks she carries. Her reputation as a skilled infiltrator precedes her, and the story effectively sets the stage for future adventures.

The included extras are a nice bonus, but the 64 covers for the original four comics may prove challenging for collectors to obtain. The first volume received numerous awards, and two American production companies are competing for the rights to create a TV series.

The action-packed storyline should translate well to the screen. Cosplay artist Tabitha Lyons has portrayed Joanna Tan, and photos of her work are featured in the book. It remains to be seen whether other cosplayers will follow suit in adopting the character.

GF Willmetts

April 2023

(pub: Titan Comics, 2023. 112 page graphic novel softcover. Price: £14.99 (UK), $17.99 (US), $23.99 (CAN). ISBN: 0978-1-787873-904-8)

check out website: www.titan-comics.com