Beats of War 2 – A Review

It was my pleasure back in October last year to have the chance to review and chat with the remarkable Glasgow based creative individual, Etienne Kubwabo. I say ‘remarkable’ because not only is his life story a fascinating tale of personal endeavour, but his career is progressing in an equally significant form in the world of media. You can read the previous article featuring an interview with the man himself and also the main point of the piece, a review of the excellent story of Scotland’s first black superhero through the comic book Beats of War.

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So it was equal delight that Etienne reached out for an opinion for the follow up to that hugely enjoyable first story with Beats of War 2

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SYNOPSIS – Beats of War 1

An alien planet ravaged by robot invaders. A city on Earth plagued by crime. Their hope: a hero from beyond the stars.

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SYNOPSIS – Beats of War 2

An alien visitor continues his quest to save his planet. A ruthless gang seeks revenge for an untimely death. Meanwhile, government agents are on the hunt… And the Beats of war drum louder

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The Review Bit

Created by: Etienne Kubwabo
Written by: Etienne Kubwabo Gary Chudleigh
Art by: Ben Wilsonham
Letters by: Rob Jones
Production and design by: Gary Chudleigh
Logo by: Sha Nazir

“ It’s all your fault!” So says the final line of the first page of Beats of War 2 as we stumble upon one of our protagonists dreams of a memory long past – memories relevant to times past, present and possible future. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that elements of the present are closing in on Et as he contends with nefarious local Glaswegian elements as they aim to set a trap for our eponymous hero.

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Naturally, I’m wishing to avoid spoilers ahead of its impending release, but what I will say is that the sequence of events that take place once the trap is set by the bad guys is one of the most genuinely exciting and atmospheric episodes I’ve read in a comic book for some time. Beautifully written, drawn and produced. Indeed, the story through deals expertly throughout with not only with Et’s complex past on his home planet but also with the conflicts of his new life that come with a montage of sub-themes such as race, friendship and social responsibility. As with the first edition, part 2 looks wonderful with its rich tapestry of colours and styling.

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I think it’s safe to say that Etienne and his team well and truly know their genre as the elements of social commentary, explosive superher action and the exploration of the human spirit are balanced perfectly. Oh, and they really know how to do an ending……but you’ll have to see that for yourself when you buy it.

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Beats of War 2 is released on Friday 4th April 2022 and can be ordered HERE

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One very important additional Easter Egg in all this is that every time there is a comic, it’s accompanied with a sound track……and it’s beautiful. As Etienne told me….

“So the music is connected to the comic book in a way that the character comes from a planet with no music, when he comes to earth (Scotland), he hears it for the first time. It sends shivers to his body.
So Et notices how music brings people together and decides to start listening to it and also thinks about sharing it to his people (the Etians).
The music/sound idea is related to his main superpower, which is manipulation. 
I grew to the music in the 80s from my parents, so I wanted to add in this element of music because I know that no matter what colour, religion or back beliefs. Music is a universal language that speaks to us all.

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Beats of War 2 (Original Score) will be out this Friday along with the comic book. Great Combo for you to dive in the new universe.

The YouTube link for the new Beats of War music will be available at Midnight on 4th!

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Listen to the music on Spotify from For Beats of War HERE

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Etienne will be appearing at DUNDEE COMIC CON – BGCP COMIC CON on February 5th – so pop along if you’re in the area!

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