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Rogues' Gallery #2
- Writer:
- Hannah Rose May
- Artist:
- Justin Mason
- Letterer:
- Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Cover Artist:
- Erica Henderson
- Publisher:
- Image Comics
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-08-24
- Colorist:
- Tríona Farrell
Taking on the dark side of fandom is always a risky affair since most people don't see the harm in their behaviors. However, Rogues' Gallery #2 analyzes and explores the long-term effects and impacts that many superhero actors experience on an ongoing basis. Writer and actor Hannah Rose May, artist Justin Mason, colorist Tríona Farrell, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou all return for the second installment of this thought-provoking Image Comics series.
The second issue takes a step back from the events of Rogues' Gallery #1 to provide a proper introduction to Maisie Wade. Fans first meet here as the television star of the Red Rogue series and the behind-the-scenes drama that comes with it. Between takes she fights with the showrunners and network execs over non-canonical storylines and suspect costume choices. Then the audience gets to see Maisie, the human being. The issue dives into her personal life and how being in the constant limelight wears her down. No matter what her genuine intentions might be, everyone else seems to think they know better and criticize her every move.
While May writes with a tongue-in-cheek approach towards Hollywood and fandom, there's an underlying sincerity beneath her funny veneer. The writer explores Maisie's relationship with the character she plays and shows that she cares deeply about Red Rogue's portrayal. However, the constant tug-of-war with the judgmental fanbase and the clueless execs break her down. She ends up realizing that even if she does love this character more than anyone else realizes. She isn't finding joy from being involved in the project anymore. It's a fascinating look into the other side of comic book actors that the audience rarely sees.
As May's writing focuses on Maisie's dual identity, so does Mason's artwork. Part of the book deals with the acting side, as Maisie is shooting on set or dealing with issues behind the scenes. The other half highlights the quiet and intimate moments between her and Ben. The artist demonstrates an uncanny ability to pivot between these different directions while never letting it degenerate into a Frankenstein's monster. The art remains coherent, even as the events vary.
Farrell plays an equally important role in keeping the cohesiveness of the book intact. The colors ebb and flow throughout Rogues' Gallery #2. When it needs to be bright and colorful to complement the action, it is. However, when it needs to tone down to convey the serenity between Maisie and Ben, Farrell limits her palette to give the scene room to breathe. Otsmane-Elhaou's lettering locks into this synergy, too. The letterer understands when to go bold and explosive with flair, as well as when to drop it to the equivalent of a whisper on the page.
After the last issue, Rogues' Gallery #2 subverts expectations. It's telling the story at its own pace and in its own way, making sure the reader realizes the importance of humanity to this tale. While it's a story about fandom and people's obsession with fictional characters, it's also a reminder of the fact there are real-life human beings to take into consideration. Behind the products and constant chatter, there are people who often endure endless amounts of abuse for the sake of entertainment. It's something that many people tend to forget when it comes to their favorite characters and franchises.