Connect with us
Is It Good? Triple Helix #2 Review

Comic Books

Is It Good? Triple Helix #2 Review

John Byrne is reliving his glory days of superhero comics through his new IDW superhero comic, Triple Helix. However, does a promising opening issue continue as a memorable and engaging story in Triple Helix #2? Is it good?


Triple Helix #2 (IDW Comics)


triple-helix-2-cover

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Am I the only one that noticed this comic’s glaring similarity to an X-Men story? Monitors are pretty much Sentinels and the Triple Helix team is pretty much the X-Men with different names. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing (John Byrne has some experience with mutants) and analogues are prevalent in the comic book world — it’s just nothing new as a concept. What also gets me is some of the characters bearing too-obvious likenesses to the X-Men. One member of Triple Helix has the ability to project energy from his body in concentric-looking rings. (Should we just call him Havok Jr.?)

triple-helix-2-energy-beams
You tell ’em Havok. I mean… not Havok.

I praised the premiere issue of Triple Helix for being an exciting battle issue, and I still believe that it was; I just would have liked to see something other than seemingly the same battle for the second issue. I know that the villain changed and maybe some dynamics shifted, but nothing really differentiates this issue from the last.

The fact that this issue is written in an old-school style annoys me at times and pleases me greatly at others. The vibe created by the cheesy dialogue is fun and gives the comic a great energy but it seems like John Byrne is just sticking to what he knows and not changing with the times. This is dialogue we’ve read before — or at least it is very similar. All of the aggravated remarks and inner monologue read exactly like an issue of Byrne FF.

triple-helix-2-team-shot

I initially thought that the plot twist revealing that there actually was a person controlling the Monitors was kind of exciting but now looking back it seems almost silly to be surprised by that. It’s an obvious reveal that the story could have survived without.

The art’s great, but that’s a given. John Byrne should serve as a standard for all other artists; he has managed to build an empire out of his art by just drawing dynamic, lively panels. Certainly no complaints for Mr. Byrne in the art department.

triple-helix-2-dart

Overall, however, this series isn’t getting any better. I just don’t understand why we needed two consecutive issues that were nothing but giant battles. What will bring me back next month is the great energy this comic generates, from whimsical characters to daring escapes. I know this sounds borderline blasphemous, but let’s just hope we see a little more characterization and less fighting.

Is It Good? Triple Helix #2 Review 6.0

Is It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 ReviewIs It Good? Triple Helix #2 Review
  • John Byrne draws this issue. ‘Nuff said.
  • A fun energy
  • Pretty much the same comic as the first
  • These characters are the X-Men; they just have different names
  • None of the plot twists are surprising

Is it Good?

Not really. If Triple Helix #3 doesn’t introduce any new elements next time around — then you might want to consider dropping it, as there’s not much here that we haven’t seen before.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1 Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Marvel Preview: Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1

Comic Books

Gail Simone photo by Gage Skidmore Gail Simone photo by Gage Skidmore

Writer Gail Simone joins X-Men CBR message boards

Comic Books

X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke' X-Men Monday #241 - Steve Foxe Talks 'X-Men '97,' 'Dead X-Men,' and 'X-Men: Blood Hunt - Psylocke'

X-Men Monday #241 – Steve Foxe Talks ‘X-Men ’97,’ ‘Dead X-Men,’ and ‘X-Men: Blood Hunt – Psylocke’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup