Rapture #2 Discussion

[grendeljd]

If anyone would like to hear our OTV:VCR podcast discussing/reviewing this issue [and Britainnia: WWAATD #3], please follow the link;

http://onlythevaliant.com/episodes/vcr121/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks to any who listen in

[jmatt]

As I was doing a quick reread of last issue, I again noticed that at the pinnacle of the Babel Tower is the Ouroubourus symbol we've seen before, most notably in AA: the story of the origin of The Boon. Not sure if it means anything.

[agent_graves]

I really like the way Jack is being written here, I'm seeing some progression...

[Brapbrap]

is he trying to get to lyceum?

[Dallow Spicer1]

A decent mini series so far, enjoyable story and solid art. I actually think the Magpie re-design of Shadowman should be the permanent costume, it's so much better than the previous one.

[agent_graves]

A decent mini series so far, enjoyable story and solid art. I actually think the Magpie re-design of Shadowman should be the permanent costume, it's so much better than the previous one.

+1

[jmatt]

A decent mini series so far, enjoyable story and solid art. I actually think the Magpie re-design of Shadowman should be the permanent costume, it's so much better than the previous one.

I agree.

[Sunlight on Snow]

Great issue but....

For a moment I thought what's Ninjak doing with Jack's bindings!?!

Based on the narrative (Ninjak) at the end of the Operation Deadside arc I was expecting the bindings to re-appear once Jack aka the Magpie is entering the Deadside again but now they're still gone... except for the covers. I know his main trouble is controlling or being overwhelmed by his loa but I still find it weird that the bindings aren't there anymore at all. Am I missing something?

[grendeljd]

A decent mini series so far, enjoyable story and solid art. I actually think the Magpie re-design of Shadowman should be the permanent costume, it's so much better than the previous one.

I agree.

Me too. Even without the binding ropes, I think it looks really cool. Shadowman is a supernatural character, he doesn't need to look like a superhero in tights.

[Sunlight on Snow]

A decent mini series so far, enjoyable story and solid art. I actually think the Magpie re-design of Shadowman should be the permanent costume, it's so much better than the previous one.

I agree.

Me too. Even without the binding ropes, I think it looks really cool. Shadowman is a supernatural character, he doesn't need to look like a superhero in tights.

He looks scary cool in the bindings-less Magpie outfit.

Question is why are the binding already gone?

[jmatt]

Question is why are the binding already gone?

If memory serves, I believe at the end of the Ninjak in Deadside arc, it was explained that the bindings were psychosomatic: The existed because he believed he was bound. Or something like that.

Yes, it was a super disappointing cop-out.

Thread about it here.

[agent_graves]

Yup, the end of Operation Deadside wrapped up that plot thread. He's free from the bindings, but I think they should have kept the ropes anyway. In darkness, if all you seen coming was the glowing ropes, that'd be pretty frightening. But overall, ropes or not, I still like the Magpie look much better...

[Sunlight on Snow]

I thought it was because of being a psychosomatic thing the bindings and ropes would re-occur when going back to the Deadside and that this was the reason for his initial reaction and denial. All the more confusing the ropes are still there on each and every single cover with Jack in it. Makes no sense! As if the cover artists didn't get the memo. It is really weird to read the final pages of Rapture #1 with the group returning to the Deadside and see Jack rope-less. Then turn the page and the ropes are still there on the teaser page and regular cover for the next issue.

The difference between status quo and cover art aside I think either way -bindings/ropes re-occurring or gone for good- there's a missed opportunity! With them gone (for good?) Jack should have said something about being relieved, confused, or surprised.

Well, at least Jack breaks his silence when telling Babel to stop messing with him while ripping out one of the Bereaver's tongue. Based on the low level of "glow" in Babel's eyes he seemed to be pretty impressed (and scared) too.

[DirtbagSailor]

"Rapture #2 is very well conceived and executed. It signifies a noticeable center-stage return for Shadowman, and also a significant expansion of the Deadside and spiritual world of the Valiant Universe. Visually stunning and thought-provoking. Not to be missed."

http://all-comic.com/2017/rapture-2/

[ShadowTuga]

This continues to deliver great comic book fun. Maybe it can turn out to be one of the best VEI events, I certainly am hyped for the rest.
Loved Rex, again, and his backstory; all the characters had something cool to say, even Mambo; the best moment, though, was seeing Jack kicking *SQUEE*. Long time, man! I hope that the mini will put Shadowman in a place where I want to read his book.
Great fun, and the promise of a Tolkienesque event has been kept- this feels epic, indeed.