The first arc of the hit Image Comics series Mind The Gap has come and gone, and while there have been a few twists and big reveals, it seems we are no closer to uncovering the mysterious “Hoodie” than we were in issue #1. That is the brilliance that Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo and the rest of the team on the series have brought to the table: the ability to go five issues without nearly as many answers as questions, and leaving the reader coming back for more each time. The series has been brilliant thus far, and one of the best titles of the year, especially for a creator-owned property. Will the second arc reveal any more information than the first?

The short answer to the previous question is no. More specifically, not yet. The first issue of the new arc starts to delve deeper into the mind of Elle, her relationship with Jo, and actually brings in a new character, the young Katie Lawrence, who asked Elle for a favor: to expose the truth about what left her in a coma before she finally passed on. McCann is showing some major skill at crafting an emotionally involved, well-paced mystery without crossing the thin line between too little going on and too much. The issue doesn’t reveal any big information, and actually adds more to the growing list of issues than it did prior, but it was still executed in a way that made sense, and was still engrossing. It was more convoluted than it should have been, but not to the point of taking away from the presented story itself.

Rodin Esquejo is a brilliant artist, whose realism gets more impressive as he continues on this series. The lines are crisp, the figures are life-like, and the environments are fully realized. The colors are vibrant and beautiful, fitting whatever mood the story seems to take on, which can be varied and many throughout the issue. While Esquejo handled most of the work in this issue, the variant cover by Sonia Oback is a thing of beauty as well, and her work thus far on the series is nothing short of amazing.

Summary: This series is incredible. Six issues in, and the hook is firmly implanted. While the story seems to bite off a bit more than it can chew at times, things always seem to even themselves out. The complicated story of Ellis Peterssen is beginning to take shape, even while more pieces are being added. Brilliant writing, beautiful artwork and bright, striking colors make this series a must-read every month.

The Good: Nearly Flawless Issue, Engrossing Writing And Wonderful Artwork

The Bad: Story Gets Convoluted At Points

The Ugly: Having To Wait Until Next Month For More

Score: 9.5