Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker #2 Review

War forges Butcher into the man he is today. Today I will be reviewing Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker #2. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker #2

So let’s talk about the book. This issue focuses on Butcher’s young adult years. Still speaking to his dead father before his funeral, Butcher continues to recall his past. He recalls being in the Royal Marines and making his first kill and how it made him feel really good. He remembers almost dying during a campaign and how it was the most peace he has ever felt. When he comes home from the war, his violent tendencies still remain and he lashes out at everyone and everything. Only his mom and brother are spared his hatred. Everyone else is beaten and bloodied. Even when he is getting his ass kicked, or put in jail for his violent actions, Butcher doesn’t really care. Those are the memories that he tells his dead father’s body. And that’s the book.

So let’s talk opinions. This issue was all right. Not as strong as last issue but it definitely continues the growth on Butcher. We see his rage and anger and complete disdain for everyone around him being developed. All because of his father. Butcher’s complete animosity and lack of emotions are clearly shown from beginning to end. The problem I had with this issue is twofold. First off was the language. Once again, just like in Highland Laddie, there is way too much slang being used and its making me confused. I can’t understand what I’m reading and I feel like I’m missing something important. The other problem I had with this issue was that it was basically one note. All we had was Butcher’s rage and Butcher’s animosity. We get it. He has rage and needs to lash out. He doesn’t care if he lives or dies. Did we need an entire issue to reinforce that? Couldn’t we get some more plot progression? At least a little bit of humor would have changed the pace and made the read a little better. At least the art was great. No complaints there. I am looking forward to next issue when we meet the love of Butcher’s life and see a (hopefully) softer side of the sadistic leader of the Boys. That’s my opinion folks. Take it or leave it.

Tags: Butcher Dynamite Comics Garth Ennis The Boys