Review: Tomb Raider Volume 2: Secrets and Lies
CREATORS
Writer: Gail Simone, Rhianna Pratchett
Penciller: Derlis Santacruz, Nicolas Daniel Selma
Inker: Andy Owens, Juan Gedeon
Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
Cover Artist: Andy Park
The recent Tomb Raider reboot had multiple goals, I’m sure: one being to restore a once great franchise to prominence (as well as financial bankability), and secondly to bring some humanity to the character of Lara Croft. The game did just that, showing a Lara who wasn't impervious to everything around her, but rather extremely fallible and human. Some aren't fond of that transformation, but I for one am hugely fond of this rediscovered vulnerability. She is relatable, and that one trait alone escalates her character drastically.
If you haven’t read Vol. 1 of the Tomb Raider series, I highly recommend it. It takes off pretty soon after the events of the game, and with the upcoming sequel quickly approaching, it's not a bad time to catch up. Today we are talking about Vol 2: Secrets and Lies. The book is co-written by Gail Simone and Rhianna Pratchett, and the two writers show a such a strong understanding and sense of who Lara is and has become, that honestly I just can’t envision her any other way. Not that the other games and comics didn't happen or should be forgotten, but in no other time or place have I truly felt as if I knew this character any better than I do now.
Both Simone and Pratchett are constantly giving you reasons to love her. The book is peppered with little character morsels throughout that just don’t appear enough in other books. Intertwined with all the gunplay and world traversing are things like Lara having to star in a production of Pride & Prejudice. The events that transpire are good for a laugh or two, but also showcase some unrevealed fears and vulnerabilities. This series walks that line really well, never overdoing it in one area at the expense of another. After some action, it's a flashback, then some supporting cast moments, and then some humor, etc, etc. It flows extremely well.
The book also encapsulates Lara’s strongest trait: her sense of loyalty. She cares about her friends, and as we are farther and farther removed from the events on Yamatai, those unfortunate events are burdens that Lara won’t leave behind, simply for the sake of those she cares for. To forget, to move on, that is to leave those she loves vulnerable, and that won’t happen again on her watch. Slowly but surely she’s becoming comfortable with who she is, even indulging a bit in her skills. It doesn't make everyone comfortable, per se, but that’s okay. You can’t please everybody, and to see Lara react to these particular people and their ideas on what she should be and ultimately what she is, makes for good reading.
On art duties, the duo of Derlis Santacruz and Nicolas Daniel Selma do a solid job of keeping you visually entertained, but never losing focus of the characters. At times things do blend together a bit art-wise, but the action scenes are well done, and their depictions of Lara kicking ass are stellar.
If you’re a fan of Lara Croft, I highly encourage you to hop on board the Tomb Raider train. Lara is getting the attention she deserves again, along with a creative team that really understands the character to her core.
You can pick up Vol. 2: Secrets and Lies now at your local comic shop, and you can see the free preview below.
