Monarch #2

The Comicbook Dispatch

This issue builds on a familiar premise to enhance our understanding of Barnes vision. New ideas reveal how he takes simple plot devicesfrom movies like Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Invaders From Marsto craft a rich and sensitive story. A continuing plot thread following Trevons friends suggests the story will continue to grow and evolve. Oozing with warmth and ideas, Monarch #2 is a love letter to classic B-movie sci-fi. While proving a unique story, it remains grounded in caring for others and the realities of inner-city life. That, to me, seems a triumph indeed.

COMICON

‘Monarch’ #2 builds off the solid foundation building of the first issue in order to flesh out this new world even more, throwing in quite a bit of lore about our potential series foes but also the main character of it all. This is just such a great series that hits all the sci-fi beats but also has a heart and thought to it as it touches on topical and relevant issues regarding humanity.

Major Spoilers

Monarch #2 is not your standard alien invasion tale. I like the way it uses that as a way to look at Earth from a distance. It is sometimes hard to see things clearly when they are too close. But is one good person enough to change the world?

Comic Watch

Monarch #2 is a mind-bending issue filled with twists, turns, and story and art that is making its mark in the science fiction genre. Discovery is the theme of this issue, and it is seen through two plot threads. The first is Travon learning why the aliens picked him up; the other is Miss Wilamae learning years prior that alien life existed after encountering a ship. It’s a great blend of two perspectives on alien contact, and sprinkled throughout are layers of commentary on humanity’s violent nature and its loving one. Written by Rodney Barnes with art by Alex Lins and colors by Luis NCT, this combination continues to shine in this issue. (...) What is particularly exciting about this series is how the familiarity of an alien invasion manages to feel fresh. Don’t go into this story expecting a bunch of teenagers to fight aliens. Instead, be prepared for details on aliens invading and the long game they planned years prior.

Lyles Movie Files

Just two issues in and already Monarch is taking a very unexpected direction — one that opens up an entirely new set of possibilities. Writer Rodney Barnes splits the story fairly evenly with Trayvon reflecting on pleasant moments with his foster family and learning the background of the invading aliens. (...) Monarch is taking readers on a surprise-filled ride that continues to be a blast traveling.

ComicBook.com

After the horrors of its opening issue, Monarch calms things down with issue #2 this month. The bulk of the story centers around Travon, who is revealed to have been unknowingly sent by the alien invaders to scope out the planet prior to their gruesome invasion. There are some heartfelt moments involving Travon's caretaker sprinkled in, and the invaders' outlook on the human condition cuts a bit deeper than most sci-fi properties. There's still plenty of ground to cover regarding Travon, but this was a solid follow-up issue.

Multiversity Comics

The message of Earth being the cause of its destruction is not new, but that decision in the hands of a “child” alien may be something new that keeps the reader locked in for the next issue.