Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Barry Kitson
Reviewed by Slewo

It’s been more than 10 years since Empire began at Gorilla Comics. While it has been quite awhile since the original volume, Mark Waid and Barry Kitson have wasted no time proving that there will always be a place for Golgoth and the Empire in comics. That being said, the second issue is new-reader friendly and gives a glimpse at how this world operates. Without giving spoilers, a large part of what separates this book from say Irredeemable is the calculated nature of Golgoth’s reign. Unlike the Plutonian, Golgoth’s actions aren’t driven by revenge or by an accumulation of slights towards him, he’s ruthless but efficient. All of this creates build up for the day that he’s off his game.

The issue focuses largely on a day in the life of Xanna, Golgoth’s chief assassin as she runs another mission for him. Specifics aside, the issue does a great job of going into the minds of Golgoth’s generals as they all begin to realize the mission, the tenor of discord, and their leader himself are all symptoms of the running problem through the newest volume. That he isn’t the man he used to be, just what that may mean for the future of the Empire and themselves.

I must note though that while Waid is in top form here, the real hero of this issue for me is Barry Kitson. While he’s had his praises sung plenty of times, Empire would not be the book it is without his talents. While the writing is important, a lot of what sells the book comes down to character designs, the acting( was this supposed to be action?), and the pacing which all lies upon Kitson’s execution. He’s also largely in control of the swings in tone from the mundane, to the black humor, and the explosive action that dominates the issue.

While the book is 3.99, you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck. A tight and well executed plot, as well as awesome art in a story that can go pretty much anywhere it can and wants to.

4 out of 5 Stern Glares