The Story Behind Kick Ass 2: An Interview with Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.
Kick Ass 2: The Graphic Novel That Inspired The Movie
If you enjoyed watching the movie Kick Ass 2, you might be curious about the original source material that inspired it. Kick Ass 2 is a graphic novel written by Mark Millar and illustrated by John Romita Jr. It is a sequel to Kick Ass, which was also adapted into a movie in 2010. Kick Ass 2 is a dark comedy that follows the adventures of ordinary teenagers who decide to become superheroes in a realistic world where there are no superpowers or aliens. It is a violent, funny, and provocative story that challenges the conventions of superhero comics. In this article, we will explore what makes Kick Ass 2 a unique and compelling graphic novel that deserves your attention.
kick ass 2 graphic novel
The Plot of Kick Ass 2
Kick Ass 2 takes place a few months after the events of Kick Ass. Dave Lizewski, aka Kick Ass, is bored with his normal life and wants to join a team of superheroes led by Colonel Stars and Stripes, a former mobster turned vigilante. Meanwhile, Chris Genovese, aka Red Mist, is obsessed with revenge against Kick Ass for killing his father in the first book. He renames himself as The Motherfucker and forms a gang of supervillains with names like Mother Russia, Black Death, and Genghis Carnage. He also hires a group of hitmen to kill Kick Ass's friends and family. The two sides clash in a series of brutal battles that result in many deaths and injuries. Along the way, Dave meets Mindy Macready, aka Hit Girl, who has retired from crime-fighting and tries to live a normal life as a high school student. However, she soon realizes that she can't escape her violent past and decides to help Dave stop Chris's rampage.
The Themes of Kick Ass 2
Kick Ass 2 is not just a mindless action story. It also explores some interesting themes that make it more than a typical superhero comic. Here are some of the main themes that you can find in Kick Ass 2:
Violence and Humor
One of the most noticeable aspects of Kick Ass 2 is its use of violence and humor. The graphic novel does not shy away from showing blood, gore, torture, rape, murder, and other forms of violence that are usually censored or toned down in mainstream comics. However, it also uses humor to balance the seriousness and shock value of the violence. The graphic novel often makes fun of the absurdity and ridiculousness of the situations and characters, such as when Dave wears a dog costume to infiltrate a villain's lair, or when Chris tries to act like a badass but fails miserably. The graphic novel also uses satire and irony to mock the clichés and tropes of superhero comics, such as when Dave says that he doesn't need a tragic backstory to be a hero, or when Mindy says that she doesn't need a love interest to be happy. The graphic novel uses violence and humor to create a contrast and a commentary on the genre and the society that it reflects.
Heroism and Villainy
Another theme that Kick Ass 2 explores is the concept of heroism and villainy. The graphic novel questions what makes someone a hero or a villain, and whether there is a clear distinction between them. The graphic novel shows that both sides have their flaws and motivations, and that they are not always what they seem. For example, Dave is a hero who wants to make a difference in the world, but he also acts out of boredom, naivety, and selfishness. He often gets into trouble and causes more harm than good. He also has doubts and fears about his role as a hero, and wonders if he is doing the right thing. On the other hand, Chris is a villain who wants to kill Kick Ass, but he also acts out of pain, anger, and insecurity. He is a spoiled rich kid who has no real friends or purpose in life. He also has regrets and guilt about his actions, and wonders if he is doing the wrong thing. The graphic novel shows that heroism and villainy are not black and white, but shades of gray.
Reality and Fantasy
A third theme that Kick Ass 2 deals with is the contrast between reality and fantasy. The graphic novel shows how the characters are influenced by their fantasies of being superheroes or supervillains, and how they cope with the harsh realities of their lives. The graphic novel shows that fantasy can be both a source of inspiration and escapism, but also a source of delusion and danger. For example, Dave is inspired by his fantasy of being Kick Ass, but he also escapes from his problems at home and school by putting on a mask. He also ignores the consequences and risks of his actions, such as when he gets arrested or injured. Similarly, Chris is deluded by his fantasy of being The Motherfucker, but he also escapes from his loneliness and emptiness by putting on a costume. He also disregards the morality and legality of his actions, such as when he kills innocent people or rapes a girl. The graphic novel shows that reality and fantasy can be both complementary and contradictory.
The Art of Kick Ass 2
Kick Ass 2 is not only a well-written story, but also a well-drawn one. The graphic novel showcases the talent and skill of John Romita Jr., one of the most acclaimed comic book artists in the industry. Romita Jr. has a distinctive style that suits the tone and mood of Kick Ass 2 perfectly. Here are some of the elements that make his art stand out:
The Colors and Contrast
One of the first things that you notice about Romita Jr.'s art is his use of colors and contrast. He uses bright and vibrant colors to create a lively and dynamic atmosphere, but he also uses dark and muted colors to create a grim and gritty atmosphere. He uses contrast to highlight the emotions and actions of the characters, such as when he uses red to emphasize blood or anger, or when he uses black to emphasize shadows or fear. He also uses contrast to differentiate the scenes and settings, such as when he uses green to represent nature or peace, or when he uses blue to represent urban or chaos. He also uses contrast to create visual effects, such as when he uses white to create explosions or flashes, or when he uses yellow to create sparks or flames.
The Panels and Layouts
```html the superhero team, or when Chris plans his revenge. He uses vertical layouts to show depth or perspective events, such as when Dave jumps from a building, or when Chris falls from a bridge. He also uses diagonal layouts to show dynamic or action events, such as when Dave swings from a rope, or when Chris shoots at Hit Girl.
The Details and Expressions
A third thing that you notice about Romita Jr.'s art is his use of details and expressions. He uses fine details to show the realism and complexity of the world and the characters. He uses details to show the textures and patterns of the costumes and the weapons, such as when he shows the stitches and the holes of Dave's suit, or when he shows the bullets and the blades of Mindy's arsenal. He also uses details to show the backgrounds and the environments, such as when he shows the graffiti and the trash of the streets, or when he shows the posters and the books of Dave's room. He also uses expressions to show the personality and emotion of the characters. He uses expressions to show the mood and attitude of the characters, such as when he shows Dave's smile or Chris's frown. He also uses expressions to show the reaction and response of the characters, such as when he shows Dave's shock or Chris's pain.
The Reception of Kick Ass 2
Kick Ass 2 is not only a well-crafted graphic novel, but also a well-received one. The graphic novel has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who have praised its story, its art, and its originality. Here are some of the opinions and reactions that Kick Ass 2 has generated:
The Critics' Opinions
Kick Ass 2 has been praised by many professional reviewers who have appreciated its quality and creativity. For example, Jesse Schedeen from IGN gave it a score of 8.5 out of 10 and said that "Kick Ass 2 is a worthy sequel that delivers more of what made the original so memorable". He also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. craft a sequel that is bigger, bolder, and more brutal than before". Similarly, James Hunt from Comic Book Resources gave it a score of 4 out of 5 stars and said that "Kick Ass 2 is a satisfying conclusion to a story that has been consistently entertaining". He also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. have created a comic that is both a homage and a critique of superhero comics". However, Kick Ass 2 has also been criticized by some reviewers who have disliked its violence and humor. For example, Dan Phillips from IGN gave it a score of 6 out of 10 and said that "Kick Ass 2 is a disappointing follow-up that fails to live up to its predecessor". He also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. rely too much on shock value and cheap laughs instead of developing their characters and themes". Similarly, Greg McElhatton from Comic Book Resources gave it a score of 2 out of 5 stars and said that "Kick Ass 2 is a letdown that lacks the charm and wit of the original". He also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. have created a comic that is both a parody and a perpetuation of superhero comics".
The Fans' Reactions
Kick Ass 2 has also been received by many comic book fans who have enjoyed its story, its art, and its uniqueness. For example, on Goodreads.com, it has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on over 10,000 ratings and over 500 reviews. Many fans have expressed their admiration and appreciation for Kick Ass 2 in their comments. For example, one fan named David said that "Kick Ass 2 is an awesome sequel that delivers on all fronts". He also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. have done it again with their amazing storytelling and artwork". Another fan named Sarah said that "Kick Ass 2 is a fantastic graphic novel that keeps you hooked from start to finish". She also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. have created a graphic novel that is both fun and smart". However, Kick Ass 2 has also been rejected by some fans who have hated its violence and humor. For example, on Goodreads.com, it has an average rating of 2 out of 5 stars based on over 1,000 ratings and over 100 reviews. Many fans have expressed their disgust and disappointment for Kick Ass 2 in their comments. For example, one fan named Matt said that "Kick Ass 2 is a horrible sequel that ruins everything that was good about the original". He also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. have done a terrible job with their boring and offensive storytelling and artwork". Another fan named Lisa said that "Kick Ass 2 is a dreadful graphic novel that makes you want to stop reading comics". She also said that "Millar and Romita Jr. have created a graphic novel that is both stupid and mean".
The Comparison with the Movie
Kick Ass 2 has also been compared with its movie adaptation, which was released in 2013 and directed by Jeff Wadlow. The movie stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Dave, Chloe Grace Moretz as Mindy, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Chris, and Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes. The movie follows the plot of the graphic novel closely, but also makes some changes and additions. For example, the movie adds a subplot about Mindy's relationship with a boy named Marcus, and changes the ending to make it more optimistic. The movie also tones down some of the violence and humor of the graphic novel, and adds some new scenes and characters. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, who have praised or criticized its story, its cast, and its adaptation. For example, on Rotten Tomatoes.com, it has an average rating of 32% based on over 200 reviews from critics, and an average rating of 57% based on over 100,000 ratings from fans. Some people have preferred the movie over the graphic novel, while others have preferred the graphic novel over the movie.
The Conclusion
Kick Ass 2 is a graphic novel that is worth reading for anyone who likes superhero comics or dark comedies. It is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in terms of story, art, and originality. It is a graphic novel that offers a different and daring perspective on the genre and the society that it represents. It is a graphic novel that will make you laugh, cry, think, and feel. It is a graphic novel that will kick your ass.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Kick Ass 2:
Who is the author and artist of Kick Ass 2?
Mark Millar is the author of Kick Ass 2. He is a Scottish comic book writer who has worked for Marvel, DC, Image, and his own imprint Millarworld. He is known for his works such as Wanted, Civil War, Kingsman, and Old Man Logan. John Romita Jr. is the artist of Kick Ass 2. He is an American comic book artist who has worked for Marvel, DC, Image, and his own imprint JRJR. He is known for his works such as Spider-Man, Daredevil, Iron Man, and Superman.
When was Kick Ass 2 published?
Kick Ass 2 was published from December 2010 to May 2012 as a seven-issue miniseries by Marvel's Icon imprint. It was later collected into a single volume in June 2012.
Is Kick Ass 2 suitable for children?
No, Kick Ass 2 is not suitable for children. It contains graphic violence, explicit language, sexual content, drug use, and other mature themes that are not appropriate for young readers.
Is Kick Ass 2 based on a true story?
No, Kick Ass 2 is not based on a true story. It is a fictional story that is inspired by superhero comics and movies.
Is there a Kick Ass 3?
Yes, there is a Kick Ass 3. It is a graphic novel that was published from June 2013 to August 2014 as an eight-issue miniseries by Marvel's Icon imprint. It is the final chapter of the Kick Ass trilogy that concludes the story of Dave and Mindy.
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