Kick-Ass 2

Mark Miller serves up another graphic hyper-real superhero fantasy in the sequel to his best 'Miller World' franchise Kick-Ass. Following the events of the first part, Kick-Ass, Dave Lizewski is continuing his somewhat misguided fight against crime. Now joined by other wannabe heroes, things are going well. Ultimately, the 'justice forever' team is forged, filled with colourful and unique characters, Dave's dreams are all coming true. Dreams soon become nightmares however as a super-villain from Dave's past comes home seeking revenge with brutal and effective methods. Now, if only Dave can convince the retired Hit-Girl to help.

Miller's eye for an eye motif will leave everyone... well... beheaded... Kick-Ass 2 ultimately needed to up the ante on every level from the first which was extreme yet somehow balanced. In part 2, the violence, language, crudeness and aversion to everything mainstream all go way past the line in Miller's vintage style. The tone heads in the direction of Miller's other superhero parody, Wanted.

Not to be outdone, John Romita Jr. pulls no punches bringing Miller's vision to life with very literal and blood spattered artwork. The colours are vibrant and the characters look better than ever.

Kick Ass 2 is a worthy sequel and ultimately heads in the natural direction following the first, though a little more direct and predictable, lacking some of the twists and turns of the original. Packed with trash talk, crude language, violence and pop culture references, expect nothing new in a comic ultimately for fans of Miller's previous instalment.