Pariah # 2 by Philip Gelatt (Writer) and Brett Weldele (Artist) (comic review).
The cover of issue two of ‘Pariah’ makes me giggle. It’s so very teen-age. Inside, we have skipped forward forty-three days since the Vitros (genetically modified humans – intelligent and precocious) have been launched into orbit on a derelict space station. Between looking for more booby traps, the Vitros are scavenging local space junk. Brandon, our narrator for this issue calls his group ‘orbital dumpster divers’, which he thinks makes a great band name. I agree.
Samantha has become the lead ‘science person’ or as Brandon prefers, their science officer. I love this observation. It feels very human and age appropriate, though I’d likely make the same comment and I’m a lot older than the Vitros. Also, he has a crush on her, which is adorable. His girlfriend, Lila, probably wouldn’t agree. His observations regarding Lila are bittersweet. She’s obsessed with returning to Earth and has been spending a lot of time with Hyde. The pair are, quote: Thick as thieves.
Marks discovers a data feed coming from the station. The content seems like an attempt to unsettle Earth. Lila blames Brandon for not keeping tabs on such things. They have the sort of fight that plagues degrading relationships. Regardless, Brandon sets out to find the source of the data feed.
Sam suggests he poke around the underdecks. She also suggests next time they visit they talk about something more interesting. She’s obviously flirting and it’s obviously geeky. The rest of his search confirms only one thing, Lila is probably right about the group needing strong leadership.
Along with Robert Maudsley, Brandon tracks down the culprit and one of Samantha’s ‘fixes’ helps disable the kid. The problem is solved, but Brandon and Lila’s relationship is not resolved. She has a secret she won’t share and even youngsters in love know that’s just not a good thing.
I really enjoyed Brandon’s headspace. His point of view is so young male and the perfect tone for this chapter. He feels despondent, which matches the passage of time and the undercurrent of the entire group. They’re alive, but they’re not going anywhere. The group is fracturing into small cliques, some of which are doing useful things, some of which are not, unless you call a working still useful. I would.
The reveal at the end of the issue feels somewhat hopeful and sinister at the same time. I also think that catching up with Maudsley is about more than the authors remembering he’s there. I’ve been wondering what he’s up to and hoping for another issue from his creepy point of view.
As always, the art continues to compliment the tale of stranded teenagers perfectly. The washed-out colours in this issue also reflected Brandon’s despondency. I really like the way each issue encapsulates a slice of time for these kids while advancing the overall story. The comic feels truly episodic, rather than a book that’s been broken up into parts.
As always, I’m looking forward to the next issue.
Kelly Jensen
March 2014
(pub: Dark Horse Comics. 32 page comic. Price: $ 3.99 (US))
check out website: www.darkhorse.com/Comics/24-210/Pariah-2
