Comics: X-Terminators #2

X-TERMINATORS #2
November 1988
"Speed Demon!"
Writer: Louise Simonson
Penciler: Jon Bogdanove
Inker: Al Milgrom
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Colorist: John Wellington
Editor: Bob Harras
Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco

This issue continues the weird mix of light-hearted slapstick and dark demonic hijinks that started last issue. Really most of this issue is like reading an adaptation of a fun Saturday morning cartoon (the kids use their powers to get money out of a Pepsi machine, they try on clothes, ride around in a flying car, etc). That's totally fine. I'm always a fan of comics addressing both where money AND costumes come from, as they seem to just be on hand when needed at all times. I like that this issue is dedicated to the team getting costumes, although I have no idea what store would sell the spandex top Rusty is wearing.

The light-hearted events are interrupted by a pretty harrowing subplot involving N'astirh's demons stealing babies. One kidnapping is preceded by a two-page build up that realistically introduces us to a young couple trying to cope with an economic downturn and a move to the suburbs. The two pages are really involved, with tons of dialogue that makes you sympathetic to the couple...only to have demons bite the crap out of the father's neck, spewing blood everywhere, before they fly off with the couple's baby. It's crazy dark and effective in selling the serious stakes of this mini even if it does come in between pages from Saved By The Bell: The Mutant Years.

So another okay issue with decent art and a quirky mix of the serious and the silly.

MY SCORE: 8/10