Mazebook #2 (review)

Oct 13, 2021

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Mazebook #2

Will takes a trip to the past in Jeff Lemire’s Mazebook #2. In looking to the past, in his ex-wife, he’s hoping he can find the answers to the questions haunting him. 

Dark Horse Comics
Written/Art By: Jeff Lemire

Will received a call, or thinks he did anyways. A call from his daughter, a daughter he can’t remember. Will’s daughter has been gone for 10 years.  

Story

This issue was painful to read, and not for the reasons you may think. Seeing Will put himself through the heart ache of trying to unravel the mystery of the phone call he received is sad. It’s sad for him, but also sad to read as well. The conversation Will has with his ex-wife is beautifully written. It showed how two people took two different paths of grieving. Lemire has a knack for writing to the soulfulness of characters. Striping them down to nothing and showing us how vulnerable humans can be. Will is beyond vulnerable but at this point he doesn’t care about that. He only cares about finding out why his daughter called him at 3 in the morning. 

The mazebook is put into actuality this issue when its revealed that Will’s daughter had a fondness for puzzles. As this issue goes along we see that the maze is the story of Will, but also the way the story is unfolding. Lemire keeps the story moving along nicely in issue #2. And we see seeds from issue #1 growing in issue #2. The idea of a puzzle being put together one piece at a time, or a maze being completed one corner after another I think keep this story fresh.

ART

Lemire and his art style always leaves much to be desired. His work shines in his character portrayals and his landscapes. It’s definitely an acquired taste. With his creator owned work he usually likes to take a more hands on approach. They are often the most emotional as well. For issue #2 The emotion really shines through with Will and his ex-wife. The other spot where the art really shines is the “dream” sequence. Colors are altered a bit, as is the shock and awe on Will’s face. The art isn’t the best or the most refined, but much like the words, it tells its own story. 

Will has seen the light per say, and his “mission” is more clear to him. At this point though I’m not sure if what he is seeing or hearing is real. Does that matter to Will? That’s another question. He’s only got one question he has to answer, and that’s how to find his daughter. Another heart wrenching tale in Mazebook #2 that keeps the story moving, as well as filling in some history and mystery.