Luke Owen reviews the second issue of The Hollows…
“When living above the chaos and soul-stealing “hollows” is no longer an option, can Kobayashi manage to rise above the impending doom that surrounds he and his loved ones…?”
I was highly praising of Chris Ryall and Sam Keith’s first issue of The Hollows as it was by far one of the best comics I had read all month. So it was with great anticipation that I got my copy of The Hollows #2 to see if it could maintain its brilliance.
While certainly not as good as the first issue, The Hollows #2 is a really great read with a compelling story (what little there is of it) and some unique and interesting artwork. Keith’s sketch style drawing really adds to the world that Ryall has created with beautiful landscape shots of the tree-based cities as well as the lower ground slums and The Hollows that surround it. However it doesn’t always work as some panels just end up looking unfinished with a lack of colour or definition which does distract from what is otherwise a faultlessly drawn comic.
I mentioned earlier that there is little story in this issue and that really did hamper my enjoyment of it. Whereas the first issue had some intricate backstories, good character and plot development, The Hollows #2 sort of meanders along to its closing panel which sets up (what I imagine will be) the more exciting third issue. We get a brief glimpse of Kobayashi’s relationship with his wife and his children before being flung back into his friendship with Lani, which in turn also doesn’t get a lot of panel-time. Aside from that, there really isn’t a whole lot more to The Hollows #2.
There was a lot missing, but The Hollows #2 still had me until the final panel and left me wanting more. I can’t quite put my finger on what makes this comic so enticing just yet, but I’m sure by the final panel of The Hollows #3, I should know. Not the greatest comic you’ll ever pick up, but definitely worth a read.
Originally published January 9, 2013. Updated April 10, 2018.
