Review by Frank Plowright

Jonna and her adopted older sister Rainbow live in a world transformed by the sudden appearance of monsters. Civilisation has fallen apart, families have become separated from each other, and the random appearance of a monster can change everything for the worse.

No, it’s not a nice place to live, but as Volume One demonstrated, if it’s drawn with the sheer exuberance that Chris Samnee brings to Jonna then it doesn’t seem so bad after all. That volume ended with Jonna and Rainbow accompanying an adult after surviving a monster attack due to Jonna’s amazing strength. She was able to bat away the beast with ease.

The sisters are separated early here, as writers Chris and Laura Samnee establish that monsters aren’t the only danger. Deep within a cave system a society has built up offering some protection from the monsters, but there are always unscrupulous people unconcerned about exploiting the misery of others. However sometimes help can come from unexpected sources.

Samnee draws Volume Two with the same charm, energy and elegance supplied by the first volume, rich in detail and personality, and with imaginative locations. These are given an extra polish by colourist Matthew Wilson, whose thought elevates already great art. Flashback scenes, for instance, are supplied with a brightness exemplifying fond memories. Given the underground setting, much is dark and gloomy though, and Wilson takes Samnee’s spreads and renders them in shades of blue.

There’s some slight fudging toward the end with the cliché of a dream sequence, although young readers probably won’t realise that’s the case and just accept it as more fantastic events. Otherwise, despite a slightly darker tone, let’s say transitioning from Bone to Kamandi, the fun remains, and the Samnees end with an incredible revelation about the world, and then top that with another. No child’s going to read this and not want to know what happens in Volume Three. Or alternatively there’s the Deluxe Edition presenting the entire story.