Flutter, Volume 2: Don't Let Me Die Nervous

The cover of Flutter, Volume 2

The second volume of a trilogy can be the best part of a story or a placeholder until the grand finale. It may be too soon to declare the second volume of Jennie Wood’s Flutter the former, since the third volume has yet to be produced, but it most certainly isn’t the latter. Don’t Let Me Die Nervous, a Kickstarter-funded sequel that came out last year, continues the story of Flutter, Volume 1 and does not disappoint. (Full disclosure: I contributed to that Kickstarter, though I defy anyone who read the first volume to say they wouldn’t have done the same.)

The story picks up shortly after Lily and Penelope have established themselves in Chicago, having fled several parties who were looking for them. They quickly learn that the traumas of the past cannot be so easily abandoned, physically or mentally. The mystery of how Lily got her powers is developed further, along with the circumstances of Penelope’s home life. Favorite characters such as Oriana and Saffron return, and a couple of new characters are introduced, including Penelope’s biological father. The bonds of family and first love are explored and given greater metaphorical depth, but not at the expense of the pacing. Flutter, Volume 2 remains committed to telling a thrilling tale about the consequences of young love and a shapeshifting girl on the run from government foes.

Jennie Wood often cites music as an influence for her writing, and I often found myself with a song in my head while reading Volume 2. Her dialogue always reads as natural; her depiction of Penelope and Lily’s relationship remains the strongest emotional hook of Flutter. Meanwhile, Jeff McComsey has managed to improve on his earlier artwork. His lines are bolder, and his drawing of Jesse in particular is more defined and better contrasted with Lily. Mr. McComsey’s transitions between story threads are tight and help keep the story moving. Two new members of the team for this volume are Chris Goodwin on colors and Jeff McClelland on letters, both of whom are outstanding. Mr. Goodwin in particular shines during a transition during a flashback Penelope’s father has to her late mother.

Flutter has been recommended by everyone from Gail Simone to Steve Orlando, and I hope everyone picks up Volume 2. Flutter, Volume 2: Don’t Let Me Die Nervous is available for purchase at Amazon and Comixology. Volume 3 is tentatively titled Hey Mom, Why So Tense? and its Kickstarter begins September 12.