Villains should know not to mess with Midnighter at this point, and they should definitely know not to mess with his lover, Apollo, if they don’t want to beaten, maimed, and most likely killed. As the man who put a microscopic fight-computer in Midnighter’s brain, Henry Bendix should be very aware of the dangers of messing with the hyper-violent antihero, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a thorn in Midnighter’s side. Bendix has orchestrated a plot to kill Apollo and trap Midnighter in a gauntlet in the new Midnighter And Apollo miniseries, setting the stage for the thrilling action sequence that opens this week’s issue.
Writer Steve Orlando has done fantastic work coming up with exciting situations for Midnighter to fight his way out of, and the two-page spread at the top of this Midnighter And Apollo #2 preview compresses a multitude of deadly ideas in one bold, brilliant layout. Artist Fernando Blanco is an exceptional replacement for Midnighter artist ACO, and that spread showcases his fluid action staging, detailed linework, and dramatic composition. Blanco’s circular layout creates a strong sense of outward movement as Midnighter rapidly teleports through a gauntlet that includes a flock of mind-controlled eagles, cyborg soldiers, and a floating head that shoots lasers from its eyes, and colorist Romulo Fajardo Jr. intensifies each jump by giving each ring a different dominant palette. This creative team knows how to deliver outstanding superhero action, and readers can learn more about Midnighter And Apollo’s myriad strengths by checking out this Big Issues on the first issue.