“Yesterday’s” Comic> Niki Batsprite #2

“No parachute and the in-flight movie’s terrible!”

Niki Batsprite #2

Munia Edizioni (November, 2012: Digital Edition)

“Troubles Begin”

WRITER/CO-COLORIST: Francesca Urbinati

ARTIST: Carlo Gemmani

CO-COLORIST/EDITOR: Daniele Garbugli

TRANSLATION: Elena Garbugli

[Download and read along at Drive Thru Comics]

A sudden storm pulls Moari away from Niki when he takes the young Guardian flying. To find him, Niki must gather up the missing Stones Of Balance before Munia is torn apart. The invading alien forces try to get in his way, but Niki manages to gather some of the stones, and can surprisingly use their power against the aliens. This includes monsters like the one that knocks him into a raging river and right towards a waterfall. (Yes, he can fly but the river’s running that fast.)

What they got right: There’s a minor uptick in the quality of the art. Niki and Moari get along pretty well and hopefully that continues in future issues. The concept of the Stones Of Balance (laid out in a circle across from their opposite number to balance each other) is also thought out.

What they got wrong: Though the stones take on the same starlike color and form after their scattered by the storm, so you can’t tell them apart. You have to guess which he has based on what power he ends up with. The translation is still messy and the penguin comedian is still an unnecessary distraction. Maybe he works better in the gag strips I found out exist but otherwise I could do without him.

What I think overall: This is the last of the free issues so I won’t be able to continue this series until my financial situation changes. Too bad for me because this is a good story so far and I’d like to see more.