- Writers: David M. Booher
- Artists: Drew Zucker
- Colorist: Vittorio Astone
- Letterer: Deron Bennett
- Editors: David Mariotte
Thanks to IDW Publishing and Don’t Hide PR for the review copy!
As the title of this series indicates, CANTO II: THE HOLLOW MEN arrives after the first series of CANTO, which I have not read. Thankfully, the writers provide a helpful background page, which explains everything you need to know. Basically, Canto is a ‘clockwork knight’ who has had his heart replaced with clocks. The intro page describes his past adventures and the next page provides the cast of characters. And with that, a new reader is up to speed. This is much appreciated.
The art in this book is gorgeous. The clockwork knights are cute, with big eyes and rounded bodies that evoke a Chibi style. The coloring is lush and the ink lines are bold and clear, full of little details like dents in the knights’ armor. There is also some clever use of creative panel shapes and sizes that is particularly effective.
This issue mostly concerns itself with setting up this series’ quest for Canto. It introduces (or reintroduces) the main characters, spends some time giving them personalities, and fleshes out the world they live in a bit. Not having read the prior series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, making this issue a good starting point.
While this doesn’t feel like a kids book, there is nothing objectionable thus far for young readers. CANTO II: THE HOLLOW MEN seems to be the type of book you can read with your child and both of you will enjoy it.
CANTO II: THE HOLLOW MEN #1 will be available on August 26th.
Check back in a few weeks for my thoughts on issue 2 of this series.
Have you read the issue? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter.
