Advance Review: Pausing For Christmas In `Once Upon A Time At The End Of The World’ #2

‘Tis the season – even when all is lost.

That’s right, it’s a very special issue of Once Upon a Time at the End of the World. One where the two main characters, Maceo and Mezzy, after spending most of the time arguing, reach a sort of détente thanks to Christmas. Of course, no one celebrates Christmas any more in the post-apocalyptic wasteland that the pair are traveling. And who knows if it’s even December. The two want to celebrate.

After everything they have been though, the deserve it. The issue, written by Jason Aaron, demonstrates the perils the two constantly face – lack of food, hungry predators and massive tornadoes. Maceo, who has spent most of his life in a tower, is largely ill-prepared for the journey, much to the chagrin of Mezzy. She threatens to abandon Maceo several times, though the boy finally proves his worth in an unexpected way.

Aaron’s script is largely lacking much action, but the issue doesn’t feel lacking thanks to his characters and their interactions with each other. Aaron is an experienced enough storyteller, though, to know that that formula won’t hold up for long. So he wisely lays the groundwork for the story’s next conflict.

Artist Alexandre Tefenkgi paints a disturbing picture of the end of the world, which is alternatively desolate and filled with junk. His work with the two main characters perfectly illustrates each of their manners – Mezzy who has been hardened by years of wandering and Maceo, who is far more optimistic thanks to her time in her safe space. Lee Loughridge’s colors, with their overexposed yellow sky, do a great job of illuminating the end times.

Halfway through this first arc, the story looks like it will quickly evolve into a hunt. Whatever the situation, though, the two main characters should make the experience enjoyable. Even during the holiday season at the end of the world.

Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #2 will be available for purchase tomorrow.