Published in 2019 by RAID Studio, RAID: TWO continues the anthology series spotlighting artists and storytellers connected to the Royal Academy of Illustration & Design. Much like the first volume, this collection serves as both a showcase of emerging Canadian comic talent and a sampler of concepts readers will likely want to see expanded into full series.
Returning contributors and newcomers alike fill the oversized volume with a wide variety of visual styles and storytelling approaches. Featured creators include Joe Infurnari, Tri Vuong, Irma Kniivila, Ramon K Perez, Nimit Malavia, Cameron Stewart, and Willow Dawson among others.
One of the strengths of RAID: TWO is the continuation of several concepts introduced in RAID: ONE. Joe Vriens returns with more of the high-energy “Battle Berzerker Balto,” still channeling the exaggerated intensity associated with Dale Keown’s work on Pitt. Eric Vedder’s “Aardehn” also receives further development here, expanding on one of the more visually distinctive and intriguing worlds introduced in the first anthology.
Among the standout entries is “Niro” by Cameron Stewart, who handles both writing and art duties. Presented as a prologue, the story succeeds in creating intrigue and leaves readers wanting more. Joe Infurnari’s artwork on “Future Proof” carries an intentionally old-school comic feel that complements the story well, even if it is not the strongest entry in the book.
Another highlight is “Gutter Girl,” written by Mike Valiquette and Kalman Andrasofsky with art by Rachel Matile, which stands out thanks to its strong visual identity and engaging presentation.
Like its predecessor, RAID: TWO thrives on variety. Some stories are more polished than others, and many function more as previews than complete narratives, but that exploratory quality is part of the anthology’s charm. For readers interested in discovering fresh Canadian comic talent and seeing a broad range of artistic experimentation, RAID: TWO is an easy recommendation.
About Author
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
RAID: TWO
Returning contributors and newcomers alike fill the oversized volume with a wide variety of visual styles and storytelling approaches. Featured creators include Joe Infurnari, Tri Vuong, Irma Kniivila, Ramon K Perez, Nimit Malavia, Cameron Stewart, and Willow Dawson among others.
One of the strengths of RAID: TWO is the continuation of several concepts introduced in RAID: ONE. Joe Vriens returns with more of the high-energy “Battle Berzerker Balto,” still channeling the exaggerated intensity associated with Dale Keown’s work on Pitt. Eric Vedder’s “Aardehn” also receives further development here, expanding on one of the more visually distinctive and intriguing worlds introduced in the first anthology.
Among the standout entries is “Niro” by Cameron Stewart, who handles both writing and art duties. Presented as a prologue, the story succeeds in creating intrigue and leaves readers wanting more. Joe Infurnari’s artwork on “Future Proof” carries an intentionally old-school comic feel that complements the story well, even if it is not the strongest entry in the book.
Another highlight is “Gutter Girl,” written by Mike Valiquette and Kalman Andrasofsky with art by Rachel Matile, which stands out thanks to its strong visual identity and engaging presentation.
Like its predecessor, RAID: TWO thrives on variety. Some stories are more polished than others, and many function more as previews than complete narratives, but that exploratory quality is part of the anthology’s charm. For readers interested in discovering fresh Canadian comic talent and seeing a broad range of artistic experimentation, RAID: TWO is an easy recommendation.
About Author
Calvin Daniels
Calvin Daniels is a Saskatchewan-born, self-taught journalist. He is currently Editor of Yorkton This Week, with 35-years in the newspaper business.
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