What will you do when your loyal service gets repudiation from your master? This is the question that The Wrath of The Cursed Part 2 asks. It creates a masterful storytelling dilemma that you rarely find.
Wrath of the Cursed #2 is powerful in its own right. It is a dramatic epic at its core, and its art is still as beautiful as ever. Even then, the complicated web of truths and tests of loyalty open too many threads.
A Life In Death: The Story of Wrath of The Cursed #2
The Wrath of the Cursed Part 2 is an Australian indie comic book written and drawn by Matt Kyme, with lettering from Graeme Jackson and proofreading from Roger Stitson.
The story follows The Cursed and his son, both named Cole, on their way to clear their names from false allegations made to the Supreme Leader. Rather than a trial, they were given a test of loyalty instead.
Cole, the Son, is asked by the Supreme Leader to execute his father. The former refuses, and their accuser, Cheung, and his son were tasked to do the same. Cheung’s son obliges, murdering his father in cold blood.
As Cheung’s son turns his sword towards The Cursed, the latter challenges the former, winning with his superior sword skills.
Intense With Every Page: The Story of The Wrath of The Cursed Part 2 Review
The Wrath of The Cursed Part 2 is a storytelling masterpiece. It treats its audiences maturely and is unafraid to deal with mature topics like betrayal, torture, patricide, and loyalty. The story is dramatic and complex, and it’s beautiful.
Much like the first chapter, Matt was successful in making the entire story feel like an epic from Feudal Japan. The setting is fantasy Feudal Japan, but it feels like a true story.
The principled characterisation of Cole, the son, is beautiful too. Cole is not only multi-faceted, he is realistic too. He can act upon his loyalty to his father’s master but is unafraid to question him if he does injustices.
Cole, as The Cursed, was a better mould of his father. He is loyal to a fault, but knows those who he care for more. He loves his wife and child and acts human in their presence, rather than a ghost.
The entire story feels reminiscent of a period drama, and I appreciate how good it’s written. The moral dilemma for the characters is palpable. The shock and awe at every grisly turn adds a good chunk to the narrative.
The only small issue I see about Wrath of the Cursed #2 is the narrative complexity can confuse some people. I will admit that there was a minuscule mental gymnastics to understand some characters’ motivation, but that didn’t remove anything from the story.
Anguish, Sorrow, and Pain: The Art of Wrath of The Cursed Part 2
Matt Kyme usually has great command of the art for Wrath of The Cursed. He’s not afraid to be gory at times, or grisly when he has to be. Every panel can be a visceral gutpunch to anyone who is expecting a good, clean story.
The art is reminiscent of The Phantom, and I can imagine how much The Ghost That Walks was instrumental to Matt’s art style. Everything feels fantastic and hand-drawn, and the motions are crisp.
Matt’s art has some of the best facial expressions. With every design, you’ll see their emotions running wild. You’ll see pain, anguish, and sorrow with every panel. You’ll see realistic joy when they’re happy and bravery when they try to show it.
I thoroughly enjoyed the background design that Matt used. The hand-drawn art feels like a good artistic representation of the era. It’s hard not to enjoy the sensitivity that Matt put with every stroke.
Should You Read The Wrath Of The Cursed Part 2?
Should you read The Wrath of the Cursed Part 2? The answer is yes, and more so than the first part. Whilst Part 1 builds the legend of The Cursed, Part 2 complexifies the characterisation and story of The Cursed.
Contrary to what people tell about him in story, The Cursed is no dog, or is he? What we know is that he is indeed loyal to the core. Like a dog too, you don’t threaten his family, especially his cubs. He will bite back and protect them to the death.
