Oliver #2 from Image Comics continues the story of a new, futuristic Oliver (originally made famous by writer Charles Dickens). But it’s not England of the past; rather another grim surrounding: the dystopian future. A very ‘Grimm” fairy tale indeed!
We are in the time of the newer Industrial Age, where Oliver, a young man with strange powers, journeys to the factory for the first time. What he sees there is a startling view into the existence of his comrades; inhuman working conditions, inhumanly sadistic guards and enforcers. It all gets to Oliver.
Issue two, written by Gary Whitta, with art by Darick Robertson and coloured by Diego Rodriguez, delves deeper into Oliver’s surroundings, his past, and his growing intolerance of the mistreatment he sees his fellow workers enduring. It’s the stuff of anger and conflict. And of great potential for storytelling.
The artwork is capably handled, the mood dark and ‘Dickensian’. There are literally no punches being pulled in the violent visuals of this story; the artwork and colouring match the intensity of the script.
Image Comics, Oliver #2, $3.99 for 26 pages of content. Rated Teen +
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