Huck #2

by Mark Millar, Rafael Albuquerque, and Dave McCaig

Huck #2 brings readers right back into this very strange world to find out just what will happen when the world learns of this secret. Last issue, readers were introduced to Huck and the book’s charm, in both story and art, truly struck a chord. Here, the creators expand the universe a bit more and add in a few new mysteries along the way.

After a very curious opening sequence, the story returns to the small town where Huck resides with droves of members of the press awaiting his appearance. Millar uses pieces of the reports from these outlets to narrate the beginning of the issue and give a bit more insight to the events since the last issue concluded. Those closest to Huck have rushed to his aide and debate just how to handle this situation. Millar, however, takes the story in a very unexpected direction.

While the media, and the release of this type of secret, can create a very cynical and sour mood, Huck maintains its positivism and is barely hindered by the change in the status quo. There is a short moment where it feels as though Millar will use this to show how celebrity can destroy even the best intentioned, but the book chooses a different path, and the end result is rather impressive. Were the members of the town wrong to keep Huck hidden away?

Just like in the first issue, the book zooms off across the country, and even the world, as Huck attempts to help the people who have sought him out. Albuquerque’s artwork is magnificent in every moment of the book. The panels come to life as Huck rushes across the globe. Complemented by Dave McCraig’s colors, these sequences feel cinematic and invigorating. Even when Huck discovers something he might not have expected, the story’s visuals allow the beat to feel closer to comedy than anything else, steering clear of darker territory that could otherwise be explored.

Much of the middle section of the book mirrors the events of the opening issue of the series. However, the chapter does not feel like a retread of what has come before it. Instead, Millar seeds in some excellent world-building information through a few brief moments. Opening in Siberia in 1981, the book hints at a larger universe and bigger implications for the lead character. And with an ending such as the one in this chapter, readers are one again left wondering just what awaits Huck as more people learn of his existence.

Huck has been impressive in its first two issues. With absolutely wonderful art and an unexpected progression in story, this book is definitely a treat.