By: John C. Mayberry
In any story I’ve read in, well, ever, the main thing that’s always kept me engaged was seeing what happens next, what the characters go through, what they experience. In reading issue two of Snelson: Comedy Is Dying, you get both a great continuation of the story and a deeper look into the mind and life of Melville Snelson. Still in keeping with the tone of humor and seriousness established in the first issue, I’m glad as hell for having the privilege of reviewing such a great miniseries and will be sure to read the remaining issues as soon as I can so I can give you, the readers, the skinny on what makes this such an amazing title.
After a passage of time, we now see Snelson taking the route that many comedians and other famous personalities have in the modern age of entertainment…podcasts. From working with limited space and to plugging sponsors (which I’m sure is to some ironic displeasure of Snelson’s) you get to see how he adapts to changes in his career, and the new set of challenges that come with them that are, as in the first issue, presented in an excellently clever form. And with artwork and writing that continue to be on point, how could you not want to read this?
Delving deeper into the topic of cancel culture is also something that continues to bring a new air of relevance that can possibly be a great way to provoke thought and spark meaningful conversation. It just also has the plus of being presented in comic book form which, let’s face it, you love them. Now I’m sure for some of you, you can’t really make a fair judgement on any particular miniseries or story arc until you’ve had a chance to read all parts to the story, but if there is one thing I can say being just two issues into Snelson: Comedy Is Dying, I can see that it’s going to get better as it goes further and end in a way that will make this comic memorable.
PROS:
Writing/Story Advancement – The writing of issue two maintains consistency by keeping the same great tone set forth in the first one. Dialogue and humor are still on point, and although it begins after some time has passed, no amount of quality in the story’s pacing and advancement is lost, and moves you along at a steady pace, ensuring you get the full scope of this story.
Consistency with artwork and writing – As I would with any multiple issue series I review, I find that consistency with how the story carries on, especially with writing and art, is key to pulling you in and keeping you glued to the story. Paul Constant has penned a fantastic script for issue two and the art of Fred Harper continues to accentuate the story perfectly. No exaggeration, you can feel the awkwardness and humiliation of difficult, uncomfortable situations just reading the story, but with the artwork…just read it, you’ll see. And you’ll laugh.
OVERALL SCORE – 10 out of 10
I read, re-read, and re-read again, and there wasn’t one, not a single solitary thing, I found wrong with this issue. Seriously, nothing wrong I see with it. I was thoroughly entertained and once again left with wanting to see where the rest of it goes. A very good collaborative effort put forth by Paul Constant and Fred Harper, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this, but I really need to see more collaborations with these two. Now…on to issue three kids!
