‘Sci Fu Vol. 2: It Takes 2’ (review)

Written and Illustrated by Yehudi Mercado
Published by Oni Press

Legend has it that a poster hangs in Yehudi’s Mercardo’s studio simply signed, “Yehudi, you are a genius. – JJ Abrams.”

I’ve never been to Yehudi’s studio, so I can neither confirm nor deny this statement.

However, I would be surprised if it were not the truth.

Like Genndy Tartakovsky, Yehudi Mercado is a well-respected larger-than-life writer/illustrator. Among the numerous high-profile projects, including Guardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weapon (MobileGame) and the graphic novel, Hero Hotel.

My eyes rolled when my editor gave me this book to read, being unfamiliar with Mercado’s work.

In my snobby aristocratic accent, I proclaimed, “What sort of childish nonsense have you given me?”

Nothing could have been further from the truth; Sci Fu Vol. 2 is a lively and fun adventure that deserves to be turned into an animated film. Having never read Volume One, I was completely new to the world of Wax and his crew of friends.

Nevertheless, having missed part one, there is more than enough exposition and explanation for new readers to catch up on all the action. A good writer understands that this may be a reader’s first adventure in their imaginary worlds. Mercado does a great job introducing Wax and aspiring DJ from Brooklyn, a Sci-Fu master in training. In addition to Wax, we meet his whole crew from the streets of Bed-Stuy Brooklyn.

Being a Brooklyn native, this was near and dear to my heart.

Volume Two finds Wax back on the streets of Brooklyn, just trying to get back to his everyday life. After Volume One, Wax turned down being the king of Discopia and wanted to drop some rhymes with his Brooklyn peeps. Despite his wishes, strange creatures have been showing up in Brooklyn, and Wax is conclusively determined to take care of them.

Little does he know, there’s a new villain in Discopia, and she’ll do anything to take the crown from Wax. Wax starts to worry he doesn’t have what it takes to protect his family, friends, and all of Brooklyn from the new threats. Wax will need to kick his hip-hop and sci-fu training into high gear—and learn to rely on his family and friends for help—if he’s going to have a shot at saving his neighborhood.

This book was a joyous time from beginning to end, and I devoured every gorgeous frame and panel. I am in eager anticipation of the inevitable sequel.

Final Score: 5 out of 5