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Casanova: Acedia #2 – Cults and Magic

Casanova: Acedia #2 – Cults and Magic

Casanova_Acedia_02

Casanova Acedia #2
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Fábio Moon
Colors by Cris Peter
Lettering by Dustin K. Harbin
Back-up Story by Michael Chabon & Gabriel Ba
Published by Image Comics

Last time you checked in with Casanova: Acedia, you had the best guide possible: Jake, a man that’s followed the previous 3 Casanova volumes, knows the titular character, his backstory and lore. This time? Well, this time, you will be as curious and clueless as Mr. Quentin Cassiday.

The book opens with a flashback—a memory, even—brought about by an old photo showing a young Boutique and his fellow mercenaries? Soldiers of fortune? Spies? Who they are isn’t revealed but good money says Boutique knows, as he’s mid-reminiscing when Cassiday comes in post-library battle from the end of issue 1.

Cassiday isn’t any kind of fool—having been attacked twice, remembering things he has no way of knowing, the cultish language? Something stinks and Cassiday suspects Boutique knows a good bit more than he’s letting on (whether about cults, armageddon, or even sorcerer supremes—er, sorcerers supreme).

What follows is pure comic book fun: foot chases, interrogations, supernatural battles. Truly, what more could you want from a comic? Fraction recognizes the absurdity in Cassiday’s situation, and he plays with it, but never goes so far as to laugh at the events or characters. The art is fantastical without being unreal, although it’s hard to unsee a young Mick Jagger every time Cassiday graces the panel. It’s clear Fábio Moon CasanovaOrJaggerenjoyed himself—Boutique’s photo pays homage to Watchmen‘s Minutemen, right down to the poses and placements. Character designs are playful without being cartoony. And the colors! Cassiday is almost exclusively “lit” by gold until the final scene, where it all reverses. It’s hard not to notice the shift, considering so many around Cassiday are on blue backgrounds. Whether this is just an artistic choice or if there’s thematic heft behind the decision, only the next few issues will tell.

Lastly, Michael Chabon’s and Gabriel Ba’s contribution: the Metanaughts! Not a bit of it makes sense yet but it’s so adorably goofy that a lack of understanding doesn’t detract at all. Once it all clicks, a reread will be in order, but until then, enjoy the ride!

[wpchatai]