Black Hammer ‘45 #2 // Review

Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes together continue to build the ever-growing universe even more extensive with this new chapter. The series continues to shatter expectations and bring a brand new flavor to this young universe. With present day taking a back seat to the times at war, this series begins to finally to ramp up as the introductions are out of the way and the story can breathe a bit more.

In the present day, the two older gentlemen continue their drive around town as they pick up another old friend. Meanwhile, in the past, the war wages on as a God appears before the pilots. Having figured out the enemy’s trick, the group is able to thwart their adversaries and finally head back towards the base. Although a few hundred miles off, the two make it again as they are introduced to a very familiar face from the Black Hammer mythos before this issue closes out.

Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes prove to work as a single voice. This issue takes the focus off the present day, concentrating more on the events of the war and carrying that story forward. As the series still has yet to conclude, this seems to be the weakest of the bunch. The big moments come from having read other titles within the universe and having an affinity for those characters. While this issue is a step above the last, it has still yet to deliver that big moment of importance that justifies its existence.

Matt Kindt’s pencils continue to be an acquired taste although serviceable and fitting for this particular story. The color work of Sharlene Kindt carries the weight of the art and adds a much needed overall coherence. At times the panels can be confusing, especially when multiple members of the Black Hammer squadron are on the page at one time. The total disarray of the art heavily takes away from the retro motif it is attempting to invoke.

Albeit a complete and total swerve, the final page reveals of the previous issue was still used in a smart exciting way to change expectations and world build overall. Lemire and Fawkes continue to work together to further add on this universe of comic book pastiches. The vague familiarity lulls the reader into a false sense of comfort only to be taken in a completely unpredictable and fantastic direction.

Grade: B