Connect with us
Middlewest #2 review: an interesting tumble

Comic Books

Middlewest #2 review: an interesting tumble

It remains to be seen if this series has enough moxie to craft its only unique and compelling story.

First issues have a lot of heavy lifting to do. They have to establish the tone, themes, characters, and style of the series to come. So it can be deceiving when a first issue is not very good. But in this case, I stayed for #2 and was pleasantly surprised.

While the first issue of Middlewest was languidly paced and piled up clichés (abusive dad, rebellious but nice child protagonist who gets in trouble, charming animal sidekick), this second issue moves forward and establishes more of the world Young and Corona are building.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
Middlewest #2 review: an interesting tumble
Image Comics

In this issue, Abel and his foxy sidekick (who’s “not big on the whole name thing”) meet up with a kindly wizard named Jeb, who rescues them from a hungry bird humanoid. If that sounds totally bizarre, you’re right, but these creatures and events are presented in a startlingly matter-of-fact way, which I actually appreciated. This world is more akin to The Wizard of Oz or a Miyazaki film — places that mirror our own, but indulge in fantastical doses of magical-realism.

I mentioned Miyazaki, but I have to stress how much this borrows from the Japanese master in terms of narrative. The fox, as mentioned before, doesn’t give a name, to which Jeb replies: “It’s said that a lot of power is held in a name.” Hmmm. Sounds an awful lot like Spirited Away and its concept of having to reclaim your own name to escape. Furthermore, Abel, after an encounter with his tornado father, has a glowing mark on his chest that threatens to grow and be destructive when he becomes angry (you wouldn’t like him when he’s angry). Hmmm. Sounds a tad like Princess Mononoke and its young hero being infected with hate. 

I’m not necessarily saying this is a terrible thing, but these references are slathered on quite thickly, and it remains to be seen if this series has enough moxie to craft its only unique and compelling story — to transcend its influences. There are talking animals, wizards, and lots of technology powered by goo, but I’m not sure what truly sets Middlewest apart. All I see so far is a Don Bluth/Miyazaki/Oz mashup. 

Middlewest #2 review: an interesting tumble
Image Comics

In terms of genuine positives, it’s nice to see Abel have some real personality and grit to him other than being a generic child protagonist. If this series continues to develop Abel, he could end up holding Middlewest together.

This world may not be as fascinating as I want yet, but Jorge Corona does his finest to keep it lively. Corona is reminiscent of both Young and somebody like Ben Caldwell, artists whose work could easily transition to a stunning animated feature with their strong character design, settings, and exaggerated dynamism.

Middlewest #2 review: an interesting tumble
Middlewest #2
Is it good?
While it’s a definite step up from its rough predecessor, Middlewest #2 wears a lot of influences but doesn’t show it can transcend them, although the possibility is still present.
Whimsical art.
Compelling protagonist.
Unoriginal world building.
6
Average

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1 Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup