Elena Abbott is one of Detroit’s toughest reporters. And after defeating the dark forces that murdered her husband, she’s focused on the most important election in the city’s history.

But when someone uses dark magic to sabotage the campaign of the prospective first Black mayor of Detroit, it becomes clear to Abbott that the supernatural conspiracy in her city is even greater than she ever imagined. Now Abbott must exhaust all her abilities as a reporter and a supernatural savior to rescue Detroit—but at what cost to her own life?

Abbott 1973 Issue #2 main cover featuring Elena in an evening dress hiding a gun in her purse

Abbott 1973 follows up Boom! Studios’ Hugo Award-nominated Abbott series. Check out our spoiler-free review of issue #2 below. (Need to catch up? Here’s the scoop on the first issue.)

Abbott 1973 #2 Review

Issue #2 picks up right where the first left off. In other words, we dive straight into the supernatural action!

In the premiere issue, we got just a taste of Elena’s Lightbringer power. This one really brings it to the forefront. First, she’s backed into using her power to defend herself. But after the darkness hurts someone she cares about, Elena goes on the offensive.

I love seeing how Elena’s job as a journalist collides with and informs how she uses her powers. I think once you give someone supernatural abilities, it’s easy to let those take center stage. (It’s why a hero losing their powers is such a big trope – the powers become who they are, so living without them is a serious blow to their identity.) With Elena, I feel like we always know her as a person and a reporter first, and the Lightbringer second. In my opinion, it makes her a much stronger and more nuanced character.

There’s a lot of action in this story, and quite a few plot revelations packed in too. The author, Saladin Ahmed, does a great job of weaving everything together, balancing the magic and the mundane of Elena’s life. The pace is fast and keeps the reader engaged the entire time.

The issue ends on a cliffhanger that proves dark magic isn’t the only thing Elena needs to worry about. Some threats fall a little closer to home.

Abbott 1973 #2 continues to expand its magical world and weave a compelling story. As Elena’s life takes dramatic twists and turns, I can’t wait to be along for the ride.

Abbott 1973 issue #2 is available now from Boom! Studios.