Review - Soulfire Vol. 4 #2

Dealing with centuries old magic is a tall order. When that magic turns on one of those most capable and well-equipped to handle it in the first place, things get even tougher. Soulfire Vol. 4 #2 is the latest from Aspen Comics boasting such a scenario.

The second issue is written by J.T. Krul, with art by Mike DeBalfo, colors by Nei Ruffino and letters by Josh Reed.

Grace is no more, replaced instead by Oris. Oris is a powerful, magical entity who has possessed Grace, also a powerful, magical entity. She's taking up residence in an abandoned church, lording over an army of the undead. You can see how such a scenario will quickly give way to things getting worse before they get better.

Meanwhile, Mal and the others are fighting to free her from the magic's control. The only problem is that Oris doesn't really want to relinquish anything and the group are faced with quite a surprise at the end of the issue. They're fully aware of what Grace is capable of when she's not in full-blown evil mode, so the fact that she's been possessed by Oris makes her even more dangerous.

The second issue in the fourth volume featured a little fighting and narration, but not a whole lot. Krul spends the second issue really making sure the reader realizes what's at stake if the "good guys" can't get Grace back. There is a bit more revealed about Oris' grand plan and it involves magic some can't even comprehend.

DeBalfo's art is very well-defined. It's got the Soulfire feel to it, with all the magic fighters illustrated extremely well. Each character gets to showcase their specialties and fighting styles, providing a variety of approaches to dealing with the situation.

There's a quite hectic two-page spread that shows the fighting stances of each side. It's great for sort of setting the stage for the impending battle and letting the reader know that things will get crazier before they get better. There's also a great full-page panel featuring Sarin and Oris that really shows you what both characters are capable of. It oozes emotion and intensity.

Fans of Soulfire will want to check the second issue in the fourth volume out. It's not a super-eventful issue in the way of moving the story along, but it does feature some quality action scenes. It's worth checking out if you're a fan of the Soulfire universe.

Soulfire Vol. 4 #2 is in stores now.