Outcast, Vol.2: A Vast And Unending Ruin

Author: Robert Kirkman Illustrator: Paul Azaceta

Publisher: Image Comics

Genre: Graphic Novel, Sequential Art, Horror

Release Date: October 7th 2015

Page Count: 128

Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781632154484

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Author Website | Illustrator Website
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Book Depository | Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads

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I remember back when I picked up the first volume of Outcast. I was just starting to get in to reading comics and graphic novels and I picked it up on a whim based on its description alone. I didn’t even realize that it was written by Robert Kirkman, creator of the uber successful The Walking Dead series until the cashier brought it up.

I definitely had some high hopes going into this second volume as the first moved at a rather slow pace and felt like more of a set up or an introduction to a much larger story. I remember feeling like it definitely had potential after reading it and that volume two  would probably dive deeper into the story.

Unfortunately, the first half of volume two still moved at a rather slow pace. It felt repetitive as Kyle and Reverend Anderson continue to visit those who may be possessed and yet no answers are given as to what kind of power it is that Kyle has over these possessed humans. I know that it is likely that the intention of the story is to unravel the answers slowly and to have some sort of big reveal, but each of the scenarios in which Kyle and the Reverend meet with those who are possessed feels like a cookie cutter copy of one another.

However, as much as I was starting to feel deterred, things turned around for the better about half way through this second volume. The story finally started to pick up and I found myself interested again. I couldn’t help but feel for Kyle as he finally interacts with his wife and daughter again. And then of course, there’s the fantastic ending to this volume that has me wanting the next issue as soon as possible. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that ending at all!

Although the story definitely picked up towards the end, I’m still hoping for more from the next volume. This story has the potential to be great and I really do hope that we get some solid answers in the future and maybe a little more action. Outcast is still as dark as ever and I can see the story becoming even darker in the future.

What I love about the art within this series is the little hints of neon colouring. The front cover of this particular volume definitely demonstrates the kind of colouring that you can expect to find within.

Although I was a little skeptical while reading the first half of this volume, I’m still eager to find out where this story will go in the future. I’m also quite excited to see how they work this all in to the future television adaptation!