Written by: Kurtis J. Wiebe
Art by: Johnnie Christmas
Publisher: Image
Pisces #2 spends more time exploring Dillon Carpenter as a character and is just as intriguing as the first issue.
This issue delves deep into Dillon’s wartime experiences in Vietnam. Many of the less glamorous aspects of war such as PTSD are portrayed quite accurately. The exchange between Dillon and his father also raises interesting opinions about the Vietnam War. The public’s perception of the war is also subtly included in this exchange. It also succeeds in genuinely portraying the problems faced by the average veteran at home.
Dillon also meets a fellow veteran, Patrick, who recounts his war experiences. Patrick’s exhilarating story expands on the Vietnam War even more. It also keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as it is thoroughly
Wiebe’s story has a myriad of strengths. The most noticeable of these is the story’s tightness. There is relatively no fluff in the entire issue as each panel builds upon the already interesting story. The dialogue is also very real and very engaging. Wiebe’s greatest accomplishment, however, might be the social commentary subtly injected into the story. The themes of trust are presented intelligently without bogging the story down.
Of course, Pisces is not simply a story about veterans and wars. The issue really shines when it incorporates supernatural elements. Dillon’s nightmares and visions are interspersed throughout the story to not only raise the level of intrigue, but also foreshadow the events to come. There are actually no mention of aliens or space travel in this issue. In fact, if someone read the description of Pisces, they would undoubtedly be surprised when they read this issue. The story still has many directions to take and I cannot wait to continue reading the story.
Fortunately, the story is not the only selling point of Pisces. Christmas’s art perfectly complements every panel in the issue, from the football game on the black and white television to the saturated colors of the Vietnamese jungle. However, the art is especially commendable in the panels with Dillon’s surreal nightmares.
On the whole, Pisces #2 somewhat acts like the calm before a storm; it expertly opens up avenues for the story while also developing Dillon’s character. I am honestly intrigued by the story and I definitely recommend the issue as a must read.
