Photo Credit: Dark Horse Comics Cryptocracy Issue 2 is the newest issue in the comic series from the minds of Van Jensen and Pete Woods. Pete Woods is best known for his work on Deadpool, Robin, Catwoman and Backlash. He is a well-known and respected author and artist. The other author behind Cryptocracy is Van Jensen who is best known as a writer for DC’s The Flash and Green Lantern.
The term “Cryptocracy” means comes From Ancient Greek κρυπτός (kruptós), from kryptós (kryptós, “hidden”) +κραττείν (kratteín, “to rule”) in plain English it means A form of government where the real leaders are hidden, or merely unknown.
Cryptocracy Issue 2 is published by Dark Horse Comics, it tells the very entertaining tale of an earth very similar to our own that is going about its business completely oblivious to a massive secret. That secret being that the earth is controlled by nine families. These nine families control everything from media, politics, military to legendary creatures and even aliens.
Cryptocracy issue 2 opens with a flashback that showcases just how powerful and dangerous the leader of the family “Mars” Nick really is, as he orders the attack on Pearl Harbor in order to start a war to enrich his own family. The Cryptocracy issue 2 then flashes ahead to show how all the nine families are gathering at a secret location to discuss the attack that happened at the end of last issue, when the Elder of the House of Jupiter Babak was murdered by the mysterious man known only as “Hum” The meeting does not go well until Graham of the family Mars states that a team comprised of members of all nine familes should be created to hunt down the new threat.
The action then heats up as “Hum” teleports in and begins massacring the members of the nine families, with many dead the remaining families flee and regather. The comic ends with Nick promoting Graham in the family and takes him to the ninth level. It is here Graham discovers the Coemeterium a place that houses the bodies of robed and glowing creatures that give prophesies. It is here Graham learns of the legend of a cataclysm that will bring darkness on the world involving the overlord Chronos who commands “Hum”
Cryptocracy issue 2 continues the fun ride started in the first issue. One aspect of this series that shines is its ability to balance action with dialogue. The action and the conversations never drag on too long, and keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
One thing that is very enjoyable is how the writers have an email that readers can write questions into, if the question is chosen then the writers will reply and post it in the next issue. Overall Issue 2 of Cryptocracy did an excellent job of balancing, it opened up the world and revealed some interesting bits of lore that beg to be explored. The only criticism I have is that there needs to be more of the character of Jason the Bugbear.
The Viral Hare gives this 5 out of 5 hops.
