Rokkin #2
	Writer: Andy Hartnell Penciller: Nick Bradshaw Digital Inks & Colors: Jim Charalampidis Additional Colors by: Wildstorm FX Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher Asst. Editor: Kristy Quinn Editor: Scott Dunbier Published by: Wildstorm Productions ROKKIN created by Andy Hartnell and Nick Bradshaw
	Reviewed by: Bruce Logan

‘I’m not CHEWABLE!’ That is probably the ‘cleanest’ kickass comeback I’ve come across, one that (along with the scene it played out in) single handedly made this second issue of Wildstorm Productions’ new ‘ROKKIN’ title, worth the $4.00 (Cdn.) price tag.

For a small introduction, Arness (Rokkin), the main protagonist of this tale used to be a happy-lively young man, content with making his living being a butcher with hopes and dreams of spending his life with the love of his life, Dalia (thankfully no relation to that bi*ch Talia over in DC). As for Dalia, she loved him back just as much, and it was probably the happiest day of their lives when they tied the knot becoming husband and wife. They were very happy…in fact, too happy.

However, that was then and this is now. Not only is Dalia dead, their house (and village) was burnt to the ground and Arness? As for him, he has been turned into a slave for Lord Whatsyournose, and that is where his story resumes…but not before a short glimpse at the big-bad-baddie of this series, Lord Vulmax (once again, not a progeny of Vulcan and Micromax…at least I think not.)

Without giving all the details, let’s just say that there is a beautiful and as always, scantily clad, goddess involved, as is an old man, a rather opinionated horse (I know, its clichéd), a lot of drinking and yet another beauty. As I said with the last issue, taken individually none of them stand out as highly original but as one and along with the artwork, it’s a real experience. A good one.

The artwork? I don’t think that a better team than that of Nick Bradshaw (Pencils) and Jim Charalampidis (Inks & Colors) could have been put together on this title. The forms and colors take the story to just another level, and only seem to get better as the issue advances. That last page/panel…now that is an example of being hot, funny, and dangerous and all together appealing but without being overtly cheesecake-y.

Conclusion: Want swords n’ sorcery style telling but without the (sometimes over the top) dark gore of Claw or Conon, try this one…If nothing else, for Rock-Rokkin.

RATING: 9/10