In this review of Death of Copra #2, we get the direct aftermath of last issue’s cliffhanger between Bianca and Rax.
Death of Copra #2
Written and Drawn by Michel Fiffe
Main Cover: Michel Fiffe
Variant Covers: Michel Fiffe, Sam McKenzie
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Michel Fiffe continues the bittersweet finale of his twelve year long masterpiece with Death of Copra #2. This issue opens directly after the previous issue’s cliffhanger, with the heated confrontation between Bianca (really a disguised DyDy) and Rax. Fiffe gives readers a brief check in with a handful of the Copra crew; Yasuda and Flo chat about the former’s departure, while Chango and Wir discuss women troubles before heading to a concert. Meanwhile, Guthie busts Fornax out from the medbay as they plan to save their planet. Conflict brews however, as DyDy plants a seed of hate in Rax’s mind for a counter attack.
As always, Fiffe wears his influences on his sleeve, as this issue melds Love and Rockets style melodrama with New Gods-esque cosmic action and stakes. It’s understandable how new readers could get lost with this, as the book weaves from space operatic dialogue between alien exes to discussing the awkward logistics of a trans-woman getting the right documents to move apartments. However, this all part of the authentic Copra experience. Fiffe is giving the reader something most other long-running cape-comics never can: closure. That means giving space for intercharacter dynamics. It’s a nice deviation from the constant barrage of violence of the Ochizon saga. Guthie in particular has gone through massive growth in character, having gone from abandoning her people to now becoming their potential saviour. It also marks some levity to accentuate the dread of the oncoming, titular “Death of Copra”.
That being said the Bianca-DyDy-Rax shapeshifting dynamics is rather puzzling. It’s still hazy as to how DyDy’s manipulation powers work, as shown in last issue and now this one. How much or little of Bianca has been assimilated by DyDy is still unclear. The normally noble Rax’s heel turn feels somewhat out of character. Is Rax under DyDy’s supernatural influence or has he legitimately been convinced that it’s time to get revenge on his former Ochizon allies? Knowing how fast and loose Fiffe plays with the world-building in Copra, it’s possible it will never be revealed. However, the ambiguity of Copra is as much a perk as it is a detractor.
As usual, Fiffe’s art dazzles. Like last issue, Fiffe employs an intentionally restrained line and color palette. For the most part, Fiffe adheres to the rigidity of the gridded page, yet there’s such a fluidity in his subject-to-subject and movement-to-movement panelling. In an interview with David Mosses for the ComicsJournal, Fiffe mentioned he wanted to recapture the rawness of his earliest work but balance it with the polished workflow he’s developed over his thirteen year run, and it shows. Especially during the escape sequence Fiffe really cuts loose here, with explosive splashes of energy and violences, the thick, figure outlines of Guthie and Fornax literally bleeding on the page. Expect more high-octane action sequences in issues to come. And, of course, Fiffe’s hand lettering remains distinctive yet consistent.
Death of Copra#2 reminds readers why Fiffe remains a cut above mainstream comics. There is simply no other “superhero” book with such a singular authorial intent being published today. The technique on display sells the layered and mature character dynamics. With only two-issues to go, it’s recommended readers catch up on the series if they haven’t already before Copra goes away.
