Gung-Ho: Sexy Beast #2

Gung-Ho: Sexy Beast #2

Ablaze Publishing 2021

Written by Benjamin Von Eckartsberg

Illustrated by Thomas Von Kummant

Translated by Ivanka Hahnenberger

Archer accuses Bagster of raping Celine, and goes to Kingsten, demanding a public trial. But the trial does not go as planned. Instead of Bagster, it's Archer who is accused, betrayed and condemned by false evidence. Archer finds himself in very bad predicament, with the real possibility of permanent exile from the colony looming…

There are many things I have been anticipating but nothing, absolutely nothing could have prepared me for the events of this issue. I mean seriously and kudos by the way for being able to thrill, shock and amaze me all at the same time. I am so thankful that Ablaze sees the value of European Comics and is bringing them to the western audience because this is what the standard for storytelling should be. There is this amazing sensibility to the story where it could literally be anywhere on earth and it showcases human nature, unapologetically so. Sometimes it is harsh and other times we’re reminded that we have a softer side it’s just a matter of who will stand up to whom and do what’s right. In a world ravaged as this is it is so much harder to do what’s right rather than succumb to those in power who will do anything to retain it.

I love the way that this is being told. The story & plot development that we see through how the sequence of events unfold as well as how the reader learns information is presented exquisitely well. I mean picking up where we left off and then seeing how everything that’s been building up plays out is großartig! We all know there are consequences for our actions but this, this is something else entirely. The character development continues to impress me and as they change, evolve and grow it’s been a pleasure to watch them. The pacing is superb and as it takes us through the pages revealing the twists & turns along the way we get this amazing journey.

With the way we see this being structured and how the layers within the story continue to grow like vines throughout the story itself is utterly amazing to see. Of course with how everything works together to create the story’s ebb & flow making it so incredibly delightful.

I am a fan of the interiors here. It always impresses and amazes to see what computer artwork can be and with more and more use or practice it seems that it just gets that much more intense. From seeing the smoke come out of Archer’s nose to Bagster’s semi-erect penis or the light streaming through the windows everything here creates this atmosphere stupendas! As a huge proponent of utilising backgrounds and to see the way they are utilised within the composition of the panels brengt mir freyd. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show such a masterful eye for storytelling. The colour work is shen as well. How we see the various hues and tones within the colours being utilised to create the shading, highlights and shadow work shows some mad skill. I mean how the sunlight streaming through can create additional light sources as well as the glow that comes with streaming through a wood structure with dust and all well it’s literally prekhtik!

​

Yes this has indeed brought my jewish upbringing with the yiddish and german ancestry and that this can do that to me, take me to my roots and my family’s past in a way that is warm, comforting and make it come alive again is a true testament to the power of the storytelling these gentlemen have. Trust me you need to be reading not only this but EVERYTHING Ablaze is putting out.