*Story and Art by Gene Ha!*

This week new comic book Wednesday brings us the second issue of Gene Ha’s original new book Mae by Dark Horse Comics. The first book got some excellent reviews, including one from our very own Nick “Danger” Doran. I’m here to tell you that book #2 is just as good and addictive as the first.

*Spoiler Warning*Spoiler Warning*Spoiler Warning*

First off let me say that this book is visually stunning! It’s what drew me to the first issue to begin with. I love the large, colorful, fantastical characters that Gene is just beginning to bring to life for us. The story in itself is starting to unfold brilliantly in layers, revealing mysteries and intrigue. Mae is finally reunited with her sister Abbie after years of what she thought was cruel abandonment. Abbie returns with these delusional tales of far off worlds and creatures beyond imagination. It all seems too much to believe until Abbie’s whimsical world comes crashing into Mae’s carefully constructed world. Mae has been the responsible one, picking up the pieces of their family after Abby’s disappearance. Mae takes care of her elderly father, who doesn’t take the news about the return of his wayward daughter very well at all. In fact he starts rambling about the girl’s mother Tereza and some mysterious garden that Mae seems to have no recollection of. He snaps at Mae when she asks about their mother and says “we do not talk about that woman now”. Could these just be the delusional ramblings of a senile old man, or a hint at a deeper mystery hidden within Mae’s past? My curiosity is piqued and I’m going to be sticking around to find out. I love the way Gene manages to slip in these subtle clues and hints that there is so much more going on just below the surface. It really draws you into his world.

Abbie’s other world problems show up on her sisters doorstep and lets just say she is not to happy that they have tracked her down. When Abby sees Mae is in danger she goes all Xena warrior princess on them; hacking and slashing with an almost supernatural like prowess. We get to see one of the big baddies and he is really very remarkable looking. Abbie calls him a “clockwork bastard,” and her description is pretty dead on; he seems void of any remorse or feeling. He only wants one things and apparently it is Abby; he will achieve this objective by any means necessary. He blows up Mae’s home and kidnaps their father and the girls have no choice but to man up and go after him. Finally Mae is going to see where Abby has been for so long, and now she isn’t so sure she wants to. Next months issue looks like it it is going to be breathtaking, seeing this other world and all its wonder. I can’t wait to see what secrets this world holds for Mae. She’s special in some way, I just feel it in my bones and I’m so excited to find out if I am right.

Mae # 2 is out this week from Dark Horse Comics. If you haven’t checked out this fantastic book, you should really give it a try. Visually it’s a feast for your eyes, plus the story carries the art with a wonderful grace. Gene Ha has the start of something wonderful that can appeal to all ages. I feel that it is safe for younger readers to adventure into, while still appealing to my inner child; and hopefully yours as well. It reminds me of a time in my childhood when I believed anything was possible and like Alice; a simple looking glass could lead you down the rabbit hole into a glorious new world. This time it’s Abby taking Mae down that rabbit hole and I’m along for the ride, so I will be giving this book a 10/10.