News from the Fallout #2
Creative Team
writers: CHRIS CONDON
artist: JEFFREY ALAN LOVE GREENE
letterer: HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Reviewed by Rossano D’Angelo
In the second issue of News from the Fallout, Chris Condon hits the brakes to focus on the tense dynamics between the people trapped inside Old Joe's Diner, while the world outside spirals into chaos.
The story opens before the bomb, where we’re introduced to Rob “Mad” Collins, a boxer, and his long-term partner, Irene. They’ve been together for twelve years, but Rob’s refusal to commit has finally pushed Irene to her breaking point. Tired of waiting for something more, she decides to leave him. Rob, however, doesn’t seem bothered by her decision - he’s a man who prides himself on his independence and doesn’t believe he needs anyone, least of all a wife.
After the bomb, we find Rob back in Old Joe's Diner, moments after a soldier bursts in, announcing the apocalypse. As the soldier explains what went wrong during the last atomic test, we see Irene approaching the diner - likely looking for Rob, perhaps hoping to reconcile. But before she reaches him, she gets too close to one of the infected soldiers outside… and something terrible happens. She’s attacked, infected, and transforms into a monster.
Panic erupts as Irene, no longer herself, tries to force her way inside the diner. Rob desperately wants to let her in, but the other survivors disagree. Tensions boil over, voices rise, and suddenly - a loaded rifle comes into play.
Jeffrey Alan Love’s artwork remains as strong as in the debut issue. The sharp lines and dark tones perfectly complement the raw, unsettling nature of the plot, while the lack of fine details adds an extra layer of mystery. Readers may also appreciate how the art subtly evokes the feeling of a shadow play.
Final Verdict
Even though the pacing slows down, News From the Fallout #2 keeps the tension high as the writer delves deeper into the characters’ backstories.
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Writing | 9.5 |
| Story/Plot | 9.5 |
| Art/Line Work | 9.5 |
| Colors | 9.5 |
| Final Score | 9.5/10 |