Deniz Camp returns with the sophomore installment of his anthology series, Assorted Crisis Events, and if the first issue hinted at a penchant for the bizarre, #2 dives headfirst into a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of existence. This issue forgoes the genre-bending whimsy of its predecessor, opting instead for a singular, harrowing story that grips the reader with its unflinching portrayal of human and animal suffering within the brutal reality of the meatpacking industry.
Assorted Crisis Events #2 presents a stark and visceral story centered on an undocumented immigrant worker striving for survival in the “promised land.” Camp masterfully weaves together the precarious existence of marginalized laborers with the horrific realities of industrial animal slaughter. There is no room for levity here; instead, the reader is thrust into a hellscape of repetitive violence and systemic neglect. The story relentlessly highlights the dehumanizing conditions faced by both the animals and the workers, forcing a confrontation with uncomfortable truths about our consumption and societal structures.
Credit: Image Comics
Assorted Crisis Events #2 lays bare the tragic realities without explicit commentary, allowing the weight of the situation to speak for itself. The intersection of immigrant struggles, workers’ rights abuses, and the ethical implications of factory farming coalesce into a mundane yet deeply disturbing depiction of contemporary life. The issue evokes a sense of existential horror, prompting profound reflection on our relationship with food production, labor, and the value of life.
Eric Zawadzki’s pencils and Jordie Belaire’s disturbingly beautiful and blood-soaked colors are integral to the issue’s impact. The artistic collaboration between writer and artist is palpable, creating a seamless and immersive experience. Zawadzki’s unflinching depictions of the slaughterhouse environment and the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state are both brutal and compelling. Belaire’s color palette, dominated by visceral reds and stark contrasts, stains every page with dread and unease, perfectly mirroring the narrative’s grim tone.
Camp’s writing is sharp and uncompromising, refusing to offer easy answers or moments of respite. The story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, mirroring the fragmented and traumatic experiences of the protagonist. Montages of monotonous slaughter and fleeting glimpses into his past create a powerful sense of cyclical suffering. The issue unflinchingly portrays these workers’ lack of support systems, exemplified in a particularly disturbing scene involving a company-sponsored therapist more concerned with corporate liability than genuine care.
Credit: Image Comics
This is a comic that lingers long after the final page. It’s a challenging and necessary read, a stark reminder of the human and animal costs often hidden behind the convenience of our consumer society. Assorted Crisis Events #2 is a powerful and unforgettable installment that solidifies Deniz Camp as a fearless storyteller unafraid to confront difficult and vital issues. It stands as a testament to the power of the medium to provoke thought, evoke empathy, and leave a lasting impact.
‘Assorted Crisis Events’ #2 Review: The Existential Abyss
Assorted Crisis Events #2 is a powerful and unforgettable installment that solidifies Deniz Camp as a fearless storyteller unafraid to confront difficult and vital issues. It stands as a testament to the power of the medium to provoke thought, evoke empathy, and leave a lasting impact.
