W0rldtr33 #2 Review: Taking the Next Step

W0rldtr33 #2

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Fernando Blanco

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Page Count: 32

Format: Comic

The latest issue introduces plenty of new players onto the scene, bringing distinct personalities to the comic's dark story.

W0rldtr33 #2

Review

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Fernando Blanco

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Page Count: 32

Format: Comic

The latest issue introduces plenty of new players onto the scene, bringing distinct personalities to the comic's dark story.

Rating

9

Good

James Tynion IV continues his streak as one of the hottest writers in comics today. Last month’s debut of W0rldtr33 left plenty of readers buzzing over its disturbing techno-horror premise and jaw-dropping art by Fernando Blanco. The latest chapter in the comic’s story continues to build on its twisted tale by introducing more branches connected to the mysterious Undernet. It’s been an exciting ride so far seeing how this strange story slowly and carefully unravels.

Let’s dive into my review of W0rldtr33 #2 by James Tynion IV, Fernando Blanco, and Jordie Bellaire.

Image: Image Comics

The Story So Far

There are plenty of different chess pieces now on the move because of the horrific acts committed by Gibson Lane. Fausta, the friend of Ellison Lane, breaks into the Lane family house to investigate clues about Gibson that she can use for her podcast centered on the murders. Except she’s not the only one drawn to that house. The strange and still naked woman known as Ph34r lurks behind her in the shadows. The woman only watches as Fausta stumbles on something her mind is not ready to comprehend. Then as that is happening, a mysterious couple arrives on the scene with a trunk full of gasoline to burn the whole house down.

Meanwhile, in the police station, FBI agent Silk arrives, badass eyepatch and all, with her partner Nicky to interrogate Elison about everything he knows. With the case of Gibson’s killing spree gaining national attention, the feds want to get to the bottom of the case before things get worse. But just as they are about to get the conversation going, a lawyer walks in and pulls Ellison away. It’s a clear statement that someone wants to take greater control of the situation at hand.

Image: Image Comics

Review

What stands out the most about this issue is how it introduces plenty of new and intriguing characters. While the premise of W0rldtr33 is already very gripping on its own, the character writing throughout the series by Tynion feels authentic and engaging. This second issue, in particular, is very heavy on character conversations. These moments give us a look into who these people are. Fausta reveals more of her true colors as she callously discusses her podcast aspirations. Agent Nicky tells a brazen story about his private life that just bounces off Agent Silk’s cool, no-nonsense demeanor. Even the duo at the end shares a light-hearted conversation about the awkwardness of dating–all while prepping to set the Lane family house ablaze. Each of these conversations helps add life to characters who’ve found themselves caught up in a very deadly conspiracy. 

Considering W0rldtr33 is just on its second issue, it's still in the phase of introducing all the story’s major players. The creative team has masterfully balanced the horror and character moments throughout the story so far. While this second issue is lower on the scare factor than the first, it hits you with some genuinely disturbing scenes when the time is just right. The duo of artist Fernando Blanco and colorist Jordie Bellaire did a great job of setting distinct tones for each scene, making the scares feel more impactful when they happen. There’s just something to the glitch effects and chromatic aberrations that make things feel so unsettling to see.

Image: Image Comics

Who is This Comic For 

W0rldtr33 is one of the most intriguing new horror comics you can start reading today. It’s creative in concept and even bolder in its execution. The first two issues have shown that it’s unafraid of showing extreme graphic violence. It helps paint the picture of how twisted the influence of the Undernet can be on unprepared people. While that’s intriguing from a storytelling standpoint, the visuals shown in the comic might be hard to handle for some people. If you’re someone who loves to dive into horror stories, then W0rldtr33 is a series worth checking out. Just be ready to see some really messed up things happening.

Final Thoughts 

Considering the story’s slow and careful pacing so far, you can tell that Tynion and the team are taking their time to unravel the mystery behind W0rldtr33. This issue showed that the comic does not need to rely on shocking value to tell an engaging horror story. With so many new characters introduced in this one issue, it will be interesting to see how these different storylines intertwine as we dive deeper into the comic's dark and twisted world.

Why You Should Read W0rldtr33

• Each issue slowly builds on the mystery and horror surrounding the Undernet
• The art consistently takes you by surprise when horrific events take place 
• The character writing throughout the series is top-notch
• There’s still plenty more to uncover about the story