"Herd #2" Comic Review

Life isn't easy right now, but it's certainly a lot easier than the Stone Age. In the case of Herd, where humans and vampires make up rival tribes, it's tough to see how both groups can survive. To make matters worse, there is dissension within the ranks of the vampires. Will they hunt their food source to extinction, leading to their own demise? Or will they find a peaceful medium?

Herd presents a fascinating story about the dawn of humanity and how monsters play a part in that. While the concept is solid, the execution leaves something to be desired. There are quite a few characters and they don't have much in the way of development. As such, we're not all that invested in their lives or deaths. I do wonder if some of them couldn't have received more of a focus to elevate the stakes of the story.

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Artist Peter Habjan delivers some great work with crisp, clean lines, accentuated by inker Matt Seaborne. It's clear these folks are strong and used to fighting for their lives. You might wonder how a group of humans during this age would stand a chance against vampires, but considering the fact they can stand toe-to-toe with them, it's not as hard to believe.

Again, my issue with Herd stems from the inability to differentiate the characters from one another. The humans all have very similar traits.

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If it weren't for all the killing, you'd think Herd was about a peaceful landscape. Colorist Prasad Patnaik uses a beautiful palette that highlights the untouched nature of the world. The mountains and forests haven't been tainted by man just yet.

Herd has a great premise that is still just scrapping the surface of its potential. What it lacks in character development, it makes up for with an intriguing story. I'm curious as to where it goes next. If it's set in the same world as ours, we have to wonder what happens to the vampires. Of course, we don't know that for certain, so there's a bit of intrigue at work.