Precious Metal #2
Review
Writer: Darcy Van Poelgeest
Artist: Ian Bertram
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: July 10, 2024
Page Count: 52
Format: Single-issue
Precious Metal continues to be pure sci-fi goodness. It has a palpable sense of wonder that makes exploring the comic’s beautifully strange visuals and intriguing characters such a captivating experience.
Precious Metal #2
ReviewWriter: Darcy Van Poelgeest
Artist: Ian Bertram
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: July 10, 2024
Page Count: 52
Format: Single-issue
Precious Metal continues to be pure sci-fi goodness. It has a palpable sense of wonder that makes exploring the comic’s beautifully strange visuals and intriguing characters such a captivating experience.
Precious Metal #1 was one of those comics that I knew was special the moment I started reading it. With its incredibly dense sci-fi world and captivating characters, I loved everything about that debut issue. This second installment delivers even more of what made that issue and its predecessor, Little Bird, such phenomenal comic books. Could this be the best comic of the year? While it’s still too early to say for certain, it certainly has all the ingredients of an instant classic.
Keep on reading for my review of Precious Metal #2!
Overview
Max continues his relentless hunt for the Disciples of the Twelve, turning to someone from his past to help point him in the right direction. The grizzled bounty hunter believes the young child in the custody of this fanatical group holds the key to unlocking the truth about his mysterious past. But when Max finally comes face-to-face with the disciples, he learns just how twisted and grotesque their strange machinations really are.
Image: Image Comics
Review
The universe of Precious Metal continues to blow me away with each new issue. “Dream-like” is the best way I can describe the constant visuals of bizarre vistas and otherworldly technology. Looking back on the Little Bird universe as a whole, I realized how exceedingly rare it is to encounter comics with worlds that are as intricately designed as what we see in this series. I'm constantly reminded of sci-fi epics like Dune because of how Precious Metal also blends futuristic elements with quasi-religious imagery and themes. Artist Ian Bertram and colorist Matt Hollingsworth are powerhouses for bringing to life visuals with staggering amounts of detail that demand your attention at all times. It helps a lot that each issue boasts an extended length of 52 pages, as they give readers the time and space needed to immerse themselves in the incredibly well-crafted world. Even in moments when the plot tends to get a bit too abstract, it's easy to get swept away by the sheer artistry on display.
Image: Image ComicsBut beyond the incredible visuals, this second issue really sold me on Max as a protagonist in the series. The events that take place in the second issue give a very intimate look into the psychological turmoil he endures just for the sake of completing his mission. He's written like a tragic hero fighting to uncover his purpose in a world that seems hellbent on tearing him apart at every turn, making his monologues all the more gripping and heartbreaking. The issue is packed with hard-hitting moments that show how determined Mas is as he claws his way toward answers. Plus, his character design is incredible - that biomechanical arm ensures he always stands out visually on the page. I’m absolutely hooked on seeing how his story progresses for the rest of the series.
Image: Image Comics
Final Thoughts
There are few comics I'm following right now that can match the sense of scale, ambition, and wonder I get from reading Precious Metal. Everything about the world and characters ooze bold creativity, and I can't get enough of unraveling the different layers of this emotionally resonant comic. Precious Metal is quickly cementing itself as essential reading for any sci-fi comics fan out there. Darcy Van Poelgeest, Ian Bertram, and the entire creative team are crafting something truly special here, so don’t miss out on what could very well be one of the best releases of Image Comics this year.
Why You Should Read Precious Metal
- Unparalleled world-building and visual storytelling.
- Expertly paced extended issues that fully immerse you in the story
- It's pure, unadulterated sci-fi goodness from cover to cover