Going To The Chapel #2 Review
By Kevin Hoskinson
The story of Emily’s disastrous wedding continues in Action Lab Danger Zones Going To The Chapel #2.
The wedding from hell started last issue when Emily was preparing to walk down the aisle, getting married to her loving fiance Jesse. She had her doubts, but she knew she loved him and that becoming his wife wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Things took an unexpected turn when a gang of criminals, disguised as Elvis, hijacked the wedding and attempted to rob them all. To complicate matters, the police get wind of it and surround the place, forcing the crooks to take the wedding crew hostage. At the end of the first issue, it’s revealed that the mastermind behind the wedding heist is none other than Emily’s ex-boyfriend, Tom.
Issue 2 picks up right where that one leaves off. Emily is faced with her ex in a room alone, and she wants some answers, especially after breaking up with her over text. She’s also very conflicted. This isn’t the ideal situation, but she also doesn’t want him to get taken down by the cops. Her plan: since it is a hostage situation, they should take a hostage, and that hostage should be her. Figuring the police won’t hurt an innocent like her, they plan the escape and attempt to hit the road.
Meanwhile, and unaware of Emily’s plane, Jesse is coming up with an idea of his own. If he could let the cops know whats going on inside, maybe the police can get an easy jump on the guys. As luck would have it, there is one person in the party who still has a phone (after the Bad Elvis Gang confiscated them all). But, as his luck would have it, the phone can only access the internet. Through social media, he attempts to let the cops know what’s going on, with hilarious results.
From a love-torn bride to a porn-loving granny, this series has it all so far — issue #2 ups the ante, adding some depth and back story for the characters. Although I genuinely like Emily and can understand the predicament she is in, it’s Jesse that is the real victim here. But then again, as writer David Pepose has shown with his work before, I’m not exactly sure that Jesse is the guy that he seems to be. Underneath the romantic comedy facade, there is so much more going on beneath the surface. It’s the type of story that can really make you second guess motives and what is going on. And by the end of this issue, the stakes are only going to get higher, and the fate of the whole wedding party will be in jeopardy.
The art by Gavin Gundry and Liz Kramer really compliments David’s writing. Like the story itself, there is a darker undertone to it’s whimsy and charm. At its core, its a crime thriller, but set inside the confines of a romantic comedy, and they nail that duality.
Going To The Chapel is easily one of my favorite new series hitting the shelves, and I’m not alone. Recently, actor and stand-up comic Patton Oswalt has given it his stamp of approval, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s super funny, action-packed, has great characters, and a unique and exciting premise. Issue #2 takes the story to the next level, and much like the first issue, it just doesn’t let up. The pacing is perfect, giving you just the right amount of character moments, comedy, and action. It’s a perfect combination, and you really need to experience it for yourself. Go buy this book!!
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Kevin Hoskinson is a writer with a deep-seeded love for movies, comic books, television and the paranormal. From humble beginnings working the box office at his local movie theater, he’s worked his way to becoming a humble family man and professional bug exterminator. Growing up, he wanted to become an astronaut, a Ghostbuster, a dinosaur, and a Disney animator before he found his passion for writing as a teen. He studied film at Los Angeles Valley College with an emphasis on screenwriting and film criticism. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and two kids. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter @Kevin_Hoskinson, and Instagram @kevinhoskinson.