Writer: Tini Howard

Art: German Peralta, Miroslav Mrva, and VC’s Joe Sabino

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 23rd, 2019

Damian Hellstrom was killed in the last issue. So why are Blade and his team being called by Satana to Las Vegas because her brother, Damian, is acting strangely? Hmmm, something’s amiss! Let’s find out what!

I’ll admit that I didn’t like Strikeforce #1 much at all. I was confused and it didn’t seem like a good introductory issue at all. I followed Tini Howard’s advice though and trusted her. I wouldn’t bail on a series after just one issue anyway. I at least give a series an arc before I decide if it’s for me or not. So, with a bit of trepidation, I read issue two. And I was pleasantly surprised!! Let me tell you why.

Without spoiling much, Blade and his team went to Indonesia to confront Count Vridai and ended up killing Hellstrom in issue one. Now, in issue two the team is called to Vegas because there’s another Hellstrom there. Then we get into some craziness with doppelgängers and magic trying to figure out who’s who.

Perhaps it’s the trip to Vegas that brings out the character’s personalities? Or not. Either way, this issue was everything to me that issue one wasn’t. The roster page is at the beginning so I could refresh my memory. There’s also a nice “mission” report that gives a quick recap of what’s happened.

My favorite part of the issue is that while Blade may be the “leader” of the team, Jessica is the “heart” of it. Her personality shines in this issue and I couldn’t be happier! We also get some really good moments for each character and almost all get to use their powers in a way that isn’t contrived at all. Bucky shows what a bad butt he his. He does NOT mess around, and I love it!

We then get a decent cliffhanger that will bring another character into the story next issue.

The art by German Peralta and Miroslav needs a mention too. It’s very solid.

Final Thoughts:

Now This what I was hoping for in a Strikeforce series! After a very slow start, issue two really hits the mark! Great character moments, with Jessica Drew stealing the show!