Dr. 2

by James Chiang (Author/Illustrator), Peter Tieryas

Shanghai, WWII Internment Camps, and a bizarre New York City murder case intersect in the first issue of DR. 2, a kinetically visceral thriller set in a frightening, yet eerily plausible, future. A physician with a mysterious background, Dr. 2 is the most sought after expert on "unsolvable" crimes. But nothing can prepare him for the maelstrom of chaos that awaits as he's forced to delve into a world of passion, destruction, and tragedy, all connected to a woman from his own past.

This issue serves as an introduction to DR. 2: A FEAST OF SCENTS, the full graphic novel, that will be releasing at a future date.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

40 pages, ebook

First published December 1, 2013

About the author

James Chiang is a professional artist whose career spans across prestigious companies such as LucasArts, Walt Disney Feature Animation, Blue Sky Studios and Sony Pictures Imageworks as well as studios in Asia such Sparky Studios and One Animation, where he most recently served as both Animation and Creative Director. His work can be seen in the films Robots, Ice Age2: The Meltdown, Open Season, the Oscar nominated Surf's Up and the upcoming series Oddbods which he helped create and directed. His art has been exhibited at the Museum of Cartoon Art in San Francisco and in charity events world-wide.

Reviews

[Peter Tieryas]

I can't believe it's been six years since I started on this project. I'm in awe of James Chiang's artistry and was incredibly honored by the idea of working on the story of Dr. 2 together. It's a murder mystery that spans the planet and we spent countless nights charting out the whole world and all the convoluted details, talking art, politics, and life. We had a short break as James went to become a feature director at an awesome studio and I chased after Watering Heaven, but we're finally back on track and released this as a one-shot/preview book for the full graphic novel which is coming out in the next year or two. We also had the honor of getting one of the top graphic novel agents around (I have the honor of saying I have the same agent as Robert Crumb, yay!).

As a bit of trivia, our original title was "Shanghai Nights," indicative of the fact that much of the story takes place in Shanghai. However, for this preview issue, Dr. 2 is in New York.

[Craig Wallwork · Rating 5 out of 5]

More a appetiser than a full meal, Dr. 2 (issue 1) catapults us from Northern Shanghai in 1945 to New York City hundred years later. We're introduced to a forensic doctor that could have been lifted straight out of the Watchman comic. With Trilby and stethoscope the Dr is brought in to examine the mysterious death of a man that has no apparent injuries but looks zombified. Here the puzzle begins to unfurl. The Dr has been requested to examine the body by his old boss The Old Monkey. But why? What's so special about this body that no other dr could have dealt with it?

Chaing does an amazing job in bringing an almost post-apocalyptic New York to its grimy and niory best with some breathtaking illustrations that would leave Frank Miller envious. Bolstered by the ever creative Tieryas Liu's superb writing talent, this comic is sure to prove a modern classic. Well worth the small investment that will leave you champing at the bit for more.

[Meriah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a graphic novel or comic book fan, pick this up immediately. The story is dark, set in what I assume to be a post-apocalyptic world. Our main character is defensive, mysterious, and I crave to know every facet of who he is. Crime levels are at record highs, protesters are scattered about, and every corner you turn people are dying in the masses.

This was obviously a bit short for my liking, but I only say that because I want more of this story and more of the absolutely divine artwork. Peter Tieryas and James Chiang have put some crazy effort into this story and art, and I will be purchasing the future editions to this comic. Something about the story just catches you, drags you into it's hell, and demands you keep readings until you hit the "to be continued..." Where you will promptly require the next edition.

[Christopher Novas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This combo of Peter Tieryas & James Chiang is a deadly one. They are both acclaimed writer/artist in their own respects.

Anyway, onto the comic itself -- I really enjoyed the artwork, it matches the post-apocalyptic-esque tone of the story. The plot/narrative voice is engaging and leaves you wanting more. The added bits of an economic collapse reflect the ongoings of our own world, and onto the titular character (The Doctor) himself is strange & mystifying, and leaves the reader wanting to know more about him and his adventures (both past and future).

This was an appetizing teaser leading up to further developed graphic novel DR. 2: A FEAST OF SCENTS.

I can't wait to hold the actual graphic novel in my hands sometime in the future.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a give-a-way. This is the first graphic novel I have ever read. There's so much potential with the story (it's set few decades in the future), and the author teases us with introducing the characters in an enigmatic way. I love the setting and the world created by the artist. The black and white rendition of the world depicts a gritty, mysterious, surreal world and it pulls you in right from the first page. I only wish this was longer. I can't wait to read the subsequent issues!

[xXQueenofHeartsXx · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is dark and mysterious i like how its black and white with certain items have color. I also like how he found a cherry blossum in the body and im wondering is it the killers signature( like the Origami Killer in Heavy Rain game) The doctor is a awesome charater. Then the book stops at a cliff hanger making you want to know whats going to happen next.I recommend if you're a into dark graphic novels.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outrageous-Distinctive-Collaborating by James Chiang & Peter Tieryas

Dr. 2 is dazzing!

This graphic novel is a wonderful venue of self-expression ---with its explosive artistic pictures that can tell a story (even without reading the story). This is the type of book I love to read 'with' a friend.

I don't want to give the story away --(but its worth reading). The entire 'package' of the book is breathtaking-beautiful. (even to touch). Coffee-table centerpiece!!!! HOT-TOPIC 'coffee/tea/wine' chat when friends stop by!

Many emotions will surface if you stop and 'feel' them. Different every time I re-open the book.
In part --Dr. 2 is 'comedy-of-manners' (just by the style of this book) ---
Yet what makes it all so brilliant --
Is that it becomes a little less painful to face the bigger issues which are really being addressed,
such as war, violence, and the society we live in.

Congrats to the authors!

Waiting for Chapter 2 of Dr. 2.... :)


Dr. 2 is VERY COOL!

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a lot of graphic novels, but this was a good intro for me. I am getting in at the begining, understanding the characters, and I enjoyed it immensley. I can't wait for sequels to come out to hear more about the acid rains, and the history of Dr. 2. Definetly reccomend it to anyone.

Disclaimer: I won this as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Dan Claffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program.
This was fantastic, it was dark, dramatic and suspenseful. The artwork is phenomenal and the contrast between black and white is played on impressively. Despite this being only a brief prelude to a bigger whole, I was riveted the entire time and cannot wait until I get a chance to read the next chapters.

[Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first graphic novel I have read in a very long time. I found it dark and mysterious, a nice change of pace for me. The artwork works very well to paint the imagery desired in the text. I only wish this was longer. I will be picking up other issues of this when I can.

[Matt Stephano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book! Read the book in one sitting. Amazing graphics & amazing story line. I love the fact that it brings me back to my comic book reading days. Cant wait to learn more about who Dr.2 is and see where the story goes.

[Ashley Reading Stewardess · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank the author, Peter Tieryas, for providing me with a free copy of this amazing graphic novel that he and artist James Chiang have paired up to create. Although, "Dr. 2 (Issue 1)" is really more of a teaser to introduce you to and get you hooked to this new forensic doctor, it is still a great introduction to what I hope becomes a great and many issued series. From the opening scenes at the Japanese Imperial Army Camp in 1945 where the reader encounters and unknown and bandaged man discovering that the other prisoners are dead to the fast forwarding 100 years to New York City where we find Dr. 2 arriving at the scene of a horrific crime, I found myself devouring both the story as it unfolded as well as the artwork itself.

"Dr. 2" is a haunting mystery that gets under your skin and stays there. When I got to the last page, I found myself returning to the beginning as I wasn't ready for the issue to end yet. I can't wait for the next issue to be released so that I can continue to learn more about Dr. 2, the world in which he lives in, the mystery of the body, as well as what it is that happened in the past to make Dr. 2 who he is? My hope is that the issues to follow this first one will be longer in length in order to more fully draw the reader into the story and create a wider readership.

When my Mom asked me who I would recommend this to, I said that I would recommend it to fans of the "Watchmen" series as Dr. 2 makes me think of a character from that particular graphic novel; I would also recommend it to readers of "Sin City" graphic novels along with those who love classic noir stories as this graphic novel definitely has the gritty city, the hero who isn't perfect and the voiceover of the detective that tend to permeate the noir genre.

The only question I have for the author is, when does Issue 2 come out?

Thanks again, Peter, I loved it and look forward to reading the series.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleased to win a copy of this first issue of Dr.2 in the Goodreads Firstreads Giveaway. I liked it a lot; it's a very promising introduction to a richly-imagined world, far superior to many of the indie titles that appear from time to time. The noir-style art works quite well, very stark yet subtle with shades and details and colors that are suggested but not quite there when you try to pick them out. It's easy to read with good, bold lettering, and it's also quite well written. I especially admired the way the background world is explained and advanced by having the news report on the radio show up in the narrative background. My only minor quibbles are that the Doctor looks a little too much like one of the Spy Vs. Spy guys from Mad Magazine in the 1960's in some of the panels, and overall there should have been more of a hint of what was actually happening and how the 1945 sequence ties in with the 2045 world. I'll look forward to reading future issues and finding out!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit being an old fart I really enjoyed Dr2. The graphics were wonderful and the story dark. When looking at the Dr though it brought back memories of my younger days and reading Spy vs Spy. I might just have to go catch up on some of those. Thanks so much for the copy and look forward to more.

Tim

[Banned · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! When I first picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. Although in the beginning I was rather a bit confused, but when it switched over to the future, I was like WOW. I would definitely recommend this to anybody who likes comic/graphic novels. Can't wait for the others to come out!!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like a teaser trailer.
You're reading and you're trying to piece it together, going: "Hmm-mmm, hmm-mmm?"
And BAM! It's over...to be continued. Then you're sitting there yelling out: "HEY! But what happens next?!"

[Cindy Scheffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this one for my Daughter. She liked it and is now interested to read the next one in the series.

[Sam Quixote · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dr 2 #1 is a confusing comic that starts in 1945 at a Japanese internment camp and then skips ahead to 2045 where, in a dystopian future (of course!) some guy has died in some bizarre fashion where he’s been melted into the ground(!) and it’s up to an acupuncturist/forensics expert/detective called Dr 2 to find out why.

I didn’t like any part of this comic - the parts I could understand were standard police procedural dross (I hate police procedurals above any other fiction genre), and the parts I couldn’t understand were plain uninteresting. I’m not expecting to understand the entire story from the first issue alone but it doesn’t help that its opening scene feels completely out of context and disorienting to the reader. Why are we in 1945 Japan? Who’s the guy yelling and what do the dead bodies mean? Cut to 100 years later! O…K?

Dr 2 - and I don’t know why he’s called that - is for some reason the guy the future police call to solve bizarre murders. I thought with the title Dr that he was a forensics guy but apparently he’s also the detective? So some poor bastard has died by being melted into the floor of his apartment, Dr 2 shows up and sticks some acupuncture needles into his scalp and gets a psychic reading…? And then takes it upon himself to find the killer.

The art style is definitely amateurish, the outlines looking like someone drew it on Paint while an image gets used in multiple panels just by moving the focus closer to it - it’s so lazy! Otherwise, I’m not sure why the artist went with the same character design of Spy Vs Spy for their main character but the overall noir look they’re going for - something along the lines of Frank Miller’s Sin City - completely fails, which is weird because the creators’ backgrounds are in visuals, having worked in art departments on films like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Men in Black 3, and Ice Age 2.

And of course it’s a dystopian future because it’s the future set in America. The middle class is extinct, the stock market is a mess, poverty is everywhere and acid rain burns people… very unimaginative. Just take whatever naysayers on the news are barking and make it your comic’s reality.

As it’s a first issue, I’m sure some of the questions I’ve asked get cleared up in later issues, but I’m really not interested in finding out.

[Also Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, James Chiang and Peter Tieryas for selecting me as a First Reads Winner on the book. Coming home, finding the package in the mail, and then devouring it - this was a real treat. Though I've never been big into comics, although I probably should be... I really enjoyed it. I love noir and its new manifestations over the past few decades. It's always refreshing to see the genre done right after being so overdone, and certainly something I seek out, if you look at my Books Read, which of course you must have. So thanks for sending it my way for an early look. It's definitely right up my alley and a story I truly look forward to finishing as you release more. In fact, that's probably my only complaint. Not enough. It felt like the first few scenes of a spooky new movie, and it cuts off right when your hooks (or scalpels) are in... (my forehead lol!). Though I suppose that's the comics business. Still, consider my curiosities good and piqued. Not just with the murder mystery, but with the strange world of your anti-hero protagonist as well. Of course, this was also a visually successful book, and those jagged black & white illustrations managed to both creep me out and keep me flipping pages. Finally, I also enjoyed the last page of conception info. It's definitely clear your instincts are guiding you both in the right direction. I look forward to the rest!!!

[Hollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first graphic novel I’ve ever read, but they are a genre that I’ve been interested in for a while. It’s a lot more different to reading a typical novel (obviously) but it was certainly an enjoyable introduction to the world of graphic novels.

The artwork is Dr 2 is completely different to any artwork I’ve seen before, but Chiang’s work completely fit the dark tone of the story, and really helped to create the creepy atmosphere that definitely captivated me. Peter Tieryas’ written accompaniment really complemented the artwork as well, this is a collaboration that works really well.

This is incredibly short at 40 pages, but I can’t wait to see where this story goes next. I’m already intrigued by the contents of this introduction, and I’m eagerly awaiting the second issue, A Feast of Scents!

[Kyle Muntz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great, very solid start to a series. I mostly associate Peter Tieryas with subdued, character driven stories, but here his writing is pure neo-noir: hard edged, bleak. The art is excellent, somewhere between the grotesque, the retro, and the very new. And the later issues promise something even better. "Strange cults, serial killers, international machinations, and the biggest celebration in Shanghai history." It's just difficult to comment on the full arc from just the first issue, but it definitely starts strong; and there's a lot of room for it to expand into one of the best comics I've read. Everything is very personal and the product of years of work from very talented people, and I can't wait to see where they take it.

[Bethk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been awhile since I read a graphic novel. Most are aimed at the young adult set, aged 9-13 or so, and I first thought this one would be. However, the vocabulary is adult, and some of the economic, ecological, and social concepts are above that age group. Some nondescript references to crime exist in this dystopian future. A genre I read frequently is of dystopian futures - both fiction and non-fiction, and this fits right in there! The artwork with its dark theme and general style fits in there extremely well.

This is a quick read, and I cannot wait to read more of them as they come out.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a host of interesting plot lines brewing in this graphic novel. It begins with a madman and continues with a doctor straight from spy vs spy. The doctor is certainly mysterious and appears to have a special ability to solve murders. Although there is certainly a lot going on for an initial issue, in this instance that is a good thing. The artwork is excellent and the black and white coloring elevates the sense of suspense and horror. My only regret is that I have to wait for issue number two.

[Jackson Yeoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the setting and the world created by the artist. The black and white rendition of the world depicts a gritty, mysterious, surreal world and it pulls you in right from the first page.

There's so much potential with the story (it's set few decades in the future), and the author teases us with introducing the characters in an enigmatic way. I can't wait to read the subsequent issues!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*received for free though Goodreads First Reads

I found this graphic novel very stark and stylistic. Many dark elements (murder, gore, dystopian future) and I found the main character quite intriguing (very much liked the way he was drawn.) The story grabbed me and did leave me looking for more. Was reminded of 'Blade Runner' and 'Dark City' while reading it. Will look out for more!

[Matt]

Bizarre. Familiar yet foreign. It's all mystery encapsulated in sketchy, shivery noir at the moment, with many shadows to uncover, so I'm looking forward to the story and characters' developments. Color me seriously intrigued and impatient for Volume 2.

[Danica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and I'm so glad I did. Just two pages into Chapter One I was completely hooked. I love the stark stylized illustrations and the storyline has done exactly what it was meant to do, tease me into wanting more.

[Ashley P · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the book, its so nice looking. The characters look all mysterious. Anyways I really liked with book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book so far! I recommend it to all avid readers!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in the Good Reads giveaway. This was the first graphic novel I have read. I found it dark and mysterious, a nice change of pace for me.