The Sacrificers #2 Review: Light in the Darkness

The Sacrificers #2

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Rick Remender

Artist: Max Fiumara

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Format: Single-issue

"The Sacrificers" delivers another beautifully gut-wrenching issue that explores the different cultures living under the facade of peace and how others believe death is not to be feared but embraced.

The Sacrificers #2

Review

Writer: Rick Remender

Artist: Max Fiumara

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: September 5, 2023

Format: Single-issue

"The Sacrificers" delivers another beautifully gut-wrenching issue that explores the different cultures living under the facade of peace and how others believe death is not to be feared but embraced.

Rating

9

Good

After one hell of a debut, “The Sacrificers” is back to tell more of its captivating story. Writer Rick Remender, alongside artist Max Fiumara, has another gem on his hands that can stand shoulder to shoulder with his other great fantasy titles like “Seven to Eternity” and “Low.” But what makes “The Sacrificers” stand out is its fascinating exploration of a strange new world that’s beautiful on the outside and viciously brutal on the inside.

Let’s get into my review of the series' latest issue!

Image: Image Comics

Overview

The group of Sacrificers, led by the enigmatic Foreman, arrive at a thriving and bustling seaside town. Their purpose is to take in the final child participating in the Harvest. But unlike the other children we’ve seen, this young one is celebrated for their role in the ceremony. It’s from that town that the group embarks on a long and treacherous journey across the continent to reach the fated place of the gods.

Along the way, the children reflect on their lives leading up to that point. While some were treated worse than dirt, others lived in the lap of luxury. But regardless of where they came from, all that matters now is where they are going. It’s at the summit of their journey that they learn there’s still so much they don’t understand about their world and the powers that hold it all together.

Image: Image Comics

Review

The Sacrificers has been a masterclass in world-building with its two opening issues. While the debut issue delivered broad strokes like character, setting, and thematic introductions, this latest issue explores more of the world’s bizarre cultural structure. At the center of this issue is the new Sacrificer named Noom, and she is far different from the rest. Noom is a bright, hopeful, and willing participant in the Harvest, as her people hold the ceremony in the highest regard. The stark contrast among perspectives and upbringings is the core theme that resonates throughout the entire issue. In the moments of pain and suffering, Noom sees only a test in her faith. When others spout fear, she speaks about hope. As inspiring as it is to see a character so excited for things to come, the comic quickly juxtaposes her sense of hope with the looks of horror on the faces of others. By recontextualizing what we understand about the Harvest and the role of the Sacrificers, it makes the strange nature of the world feel more well-rounded.

What’s fascinating about the story so far is that so much of it is still shrouded in mystery, and it’s in no rush to reveal its hand. What transpires at the Harvest ceremony? Why is the sacrifice so integral to the gods for keeping order? How long has the tradition been going on? These are all questions the Sacrificers themselves don’t know the answers to, despite being the centerpiece of it all. It’s under that shroud of uncertainty and mystery that we see how each of them unpack their feelings about being sentenced to death for a cause they know next to nothing about. Knowing that each other kids have such varying outlooks on the matter, it’s easy to anticipate the emotional gut punch that’s coming at the point of their fated demise.

Just like the last issue, the art team of Max Firumara and Dave McCaig deserve special praise for their incredible work together. Fiumara is easily becoming one of my favorite artists to follow because of this series. From the colors of each stunning locale to the intricacies of the character designs, the details that go into every panel add so much life to the story’s world. Truth be told, it was challenging to choose which panels to feature for this review because the issue boasts incredible artwork from cover to cover. With so many fascinating visuals to discover at every corner, The Sacrificers feels like it's every fantasy lover’s dream series.

Image: Image Comics

Final Thoughts

With its captivating premise, emotional storytelling, and jaw-dropping art, The Sacrificers is just one of those series that hits hard right off the gate. The entire creative team is working at the top of their game to deliver a comic that leaves you wanting to learn and understand more about its fascinating world. If you’re someone who loves immersing themselves in fantasy worlds, this comic needs to be on your pull list yesterday.

Why You Should Read The Sacrificers

• The creative team is delivering a masterclass in comic book world-building. 
• Rick Remender’s sharp script cuts straight into emotions that keep you hooked on every page.
• The art team of Max Fiumara and Dave McCaig bring to life a fascinating fantasy world that’s filled with surprises at every turn.