Mercy #2 Chapter Two It Can’t Be A Coincidence
Image Comics
Writer, Artist and Colorist Mirka Andolfo
Lettering Fabio Amelia
When the orphan Rory mentions the title of this chapter while reflecting on the image of Lady Hellaine, it could be viewed as just a coincidence. Instead, hidden in the pages of Image Comics Mercy #2 is a story that seems less about coincidence. I get the sense there are hidden and deeper connections between the characters.
It’s hard to focus on only one portion of this comic that shines. The story is vaguely familiar yet has a shroud of mystery that is maintaining my interest. The artwork is beautiful, the colors bringing both warmth and comfort and cold and fear to life on each page. Mirka Andolfo magnificently performs writing and artistic duties, ensuring the images match the narrative seamlessly.
Lady Hellaine and her mystery are again the focus of this issue. From her image on the cover and throughout the issue, Mirka Andolfo showcases both the beauty and beast that is Lady Hellaine. His art on other panels is no less brilliant but the soft glow that seems to surround Lady Hellaine makes her inviting and warm.
After her arrival last issue, the Lady has taken up residence in a manor, attempting to remain undetected. Mirka writes Lady Hellaine as arrogantly snobbish, with good reason. It interesting to watch her suffer through the facade in order to accomplish her goal. One of my favorite portions of the issue came while her and Goodwill discussed the issue of the maid and breakfast. With their plan set in motion the two make preparations to meet with certain townsfolk. Despite what their intentions may have been, the encounters with Rory, Lady Gloria and Jon have various affects on Lady Hellaine and clearly there is no coincidence.
The mine and it’s destruction has something to do with Lady Hellaine’s arrival. Lady Gloria’s late husband and his research are part of the reason Lady Hellaine are in town as well. Is Lady Hellaine the product of his research? And why did she react to both Jon and Rory the way she did, and why was Goodwill so quick to make them both leave…he obviously doesn’t want them near Lady Hellaine, but why? Lady Hellaine not being able to sense the “others” at the beginning of the issue only to have the reader discover why at the end is just one more thing that keeps this story moving at a wonderful pace. What makes this issue comic good is the subtle “not coincidences” Mirka delivers.