Rebels 2

While Seth Abbott patrols the New England forests with his militia, his new bride Mercy holds down the home front. But whatever honeymoon period the growing American Revolution affords them is cut short when Seth and Ezekiel go on a daring nighttime raid determined to deny the British access down the Hudson River.

The second book in the series highlights the strain that Seth Abbott feels fighting the war for the colonies’ freedom.  The war we see through Seth’s eyes, is not the one we learned in our history books. It is a brutal, guerrilla war, requiring, stealth, subterfuge and sacrifice.  At home, he is torn between his love for Mercy, and his commitment to the cause.  Mercy spends her days, holding down the home front, and has little patience for her new husband when she learns that the conflict is much bigger than either of them had originally envisioned.

Brian Wood’s script for this title is both compelling and heartwrenching.  His narration follows Seth’s innermost thoughts, capturing the thrill of the battles.  We have a unique window into the fear and exaltation he feels, where every victory carries a little bit of loss.  The dialogue in this issue between Mercy and Seth is well done, but painful to read.  Even from the outset, their marriage is tested by Seth’s long absences, and Mercy’s unrelenting work to keep their tiny homestead going.  Wood captures the strain of life in that time period as if he’d been born to it.

Once again, Mutti’s art paints a dark picture of life in the 1700’s.  The panels give a rough, unfinished look to the characters, which in a different story would seem lacking, but here just underscores the hardship of life at that time.  A particular highlight in this book is a daring nighttime raid to sink a ship carrying massive stones to fortify british positions and build a new fort.  The pages are dark, as the men row the canoes up to the red coats’ ships.  Bursts of color from the muzzle fire and lanterns contrast with the otherwise dark panels, to propel the reader into the fight.  The final sinking of the ship is an explosion enormous stones falling into the harbor like the collapse of a mountain.  It’s the fist of God, smashing into the river.

The powerhouse team of Wood and Mutti delivers yet again for Dark Horse.  History buffs and patriots will love this story.  If you need a break from superheroes and swashbucklers, this title is certainly for you.

For more information about Rebels or other great titles from Dark Horse Comics visit Dark Horse Comics.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions belong to the individual reviewer.