As the Ironclad protector and child continue their travels across the various lands through the changing tides and seasons, civil society is unavoidable to encounter.

What comes with all other forms of society is advancement and territory, and with that comes war. Much like change, conflict is unavoidable. Can the two travelers avoid trouble long enough to make it to their desired destination safely? And how does one tackle puberty in such a world that is out to get them?

It took a few re-reads to get a grasp on some of the sections of the story. The first read-through was good, but with each re-read, the story gets better. Because Si Spurrier allows for the writing to rely heavily on the visuals of the story, it allows for the reader to formulate the dialogue in their own head, creating a unique experience and connection with characters that is unique to the reader and their narrative sensibilities. Witnessing the armored protagonist and the child grow and change throughout the passage of time between pages is beautifully executed throughout the entirety of this issue.

For a book that is written to be a silent comic, the majority of the narrative duties is carried out by the art, and Matias Bergara continues to display his graphic narrative abilities gracefully. Whether it’s detailing the passage of time on a micro or grand scale, Bergara is able to weave the story together effectively for readers to grasp what is occurring throughout the book, letting the layouts guide the reader to shore. Matheus Lopes contributes elegant colorwork that enhances the overall visual experience of this book, adding another layer of depth to Bergara’s linework, providing a lived-in experience that the reader could be a part of.

The glyphology, though brief, is wonderfully designed by Jim Campbell who adds a sprinkle of Moebius-like wonder, and with the design work by Emma Price, readers are awarded a visual experience that is worth the price of admission. Step by Bloody Step issue 2 is another solid entry into this series and everyone on the creative team is delivering a quality story that comic fans and lovers of various mediums of storytelling will appreciate for years to come.

By Anthony Andujar Jr.

Anthony Andujar Jr. is an NYC cartoonist and lover of comics and music. So much so that it led him to writing comic book reviews in between it all.