Chuck Palahniuk and Cameron Stewart's "Fight Club 2"

Slightly above average.

Many people, like myself, will enjoy this comic purely because it's just more of the fantastic story, and characters that they may have never expected to return (at least I didn't). Although the writing and art were both well done, this story does not make me jump and down for joy like the ending of cinematic version of "Fight Club" did. I know, I know, I shouldn't be expecting this, but if they're going to write an arguably unnecessary sequel. I ask - Why shouldn't it? For this reason, is why the story does so little for me. The triumphant finality of "Fight Club" (at least the movie), I feel is a perfect end point. At the end I didn't feel there was much left unsaid, or threads left untied, the ending delivers, leaves you satisfied, and maybe even with a small tear of joy. Full disclosure, I have to admit, I have only read parts of the book, mainly the very beginning, and the last chapter. I know this cheapens my critique significantly, however, I am certain I am one of many who will read this comic, having only seen the movie.

The premise that "Sebastian" (the name of the main character's "straight" persona) has settled down with "Marla" (his lover from the first novel) and his son in a quiet suburban lifestyle cheapens the original story. The ending that I loved so much, now means very little, there was no great overthrow, the great legend of "Tyler Durden" is still alive, and living a complete lie. Marla however has become tired of this benign existence and has began to secretly replace Sebastian's medicine with sugar pills, in hope to unleash "Tyler Durden," the wild leader of Fight Club and Sebastian's sociopathic split personality. The comic winds down with a barrage of panels showing that Marla may have been depriving Sebastian of his stabilizing medicine for some time, meanwhile allowing"Tyler" to construct political and social turmoil around the globe. The very last pages revealing the possible death of Marla's and Sebastian's son.

Overall the layouts, and visual story telling is excellent, the expressions, and likenesses are spot on. The story is something that will keep me interested in the next issue, however, it isn't something that completely blew me away. That being said, it is only the first issue, and if there is anything to be learned from reading Palahniuk's work, is that his finishes are usually well worth the wait.