Calum Petrie reviews Lady Baltimore: The Witch Queens #2…
Issue #2 of The Witch Queens series throws us plenty of story, action and character development from the word go. This latest issue in the Lady Baltimore series offers an insight into the world of Lord Baltimore and the part he played in this world at large. It further develops the setting of the occult-drenched build up to World War II, and what secret battles were being fought without the public’s attention.
We pick up right where issue #1 left off with Lady Baltimore’s estate under attack by witches, and once again the issue does not treat newcomers lightly. Without some insight into the series as a whole readers will be left wondering what a lot of the terms and references are actually about. The same week that Tales from the Outerverse: Cojacaru the Skinner is released, using an extremely similar setting and occult military divisions, it is a difficult job not to mix up your stories.
The Witch Queens #2 starts to level out and becomes easier to follow towards the end of the issue, where everyone’s on the same page and the divisions between the characters appear to be less tense. The stand out player has to be the mysterious Imogen, who has powers that confuse the witches and appears to be the most powerful magic user on the page.
Issue #2 is certainly an action packed adventure. Using a time period that most people are aware of as a framing device not only sets the struggle for our band of ragtag occult avengers, but also uses the depression and sense of overwhelming dread that Europe felt. The way in which we look at the period in history is a brilliant backdrop for more depression and struggle, and the writing team behind the Baltimore saga have done very well to bend it to their will and create a compelling story from it.
Rating – 7/10
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