Last month, I reviewed Southern Bastards #1 and I enjoyed the raw emotions that jumped from the page even though it left me feeling like I needed a shower. This month, we take a look at issue #2 to compare.
Last issue was full of atmosphere. You could just about feel the heat beating down from the southern sun and smell the tobacco and beer. With the second issue, the focus is squarely on Earl Tubb. He is continuing his struggle to step out of his Dad’s shadow, which seems like a neverending task. We also get to see Coach Boss who runs the town, as well as, commanding the sideline of the local high school football team.
Earl wants to settle things and get out of town. He continues to leave messages for someone on the phone, promising he would be done and leaving, but slowly coming to the realization that leaving this place behind won’t be as easy as he hoped. Dusty Tutwiler, the grease stain of a human that talked to Earl last issue shows up again briefly here. He helps propel the story forward and makes Earl’s decision to leave that much harder. His attempts to talk to the police even show him more that this town needs a protector like his father. Is Earl destined to be that man?
I mentioned in last month’s review that I just had a feeling about something supernatural just waiting to happen. This issue continues that feeling, especially at the end. They have shown in two issues that Sheriff Tubb was bigger than life. Perhaps, that is a legacy that Earl is going to have to embrace. My guess is that there is a new Sheriff in town.
- Story By: Jason Aaron
- Art By: Jason Latour
- Cover By: Jason Latour
