Codex Black (Book Two): Bird of Ill Omen

by Camilo Moncada Lozano, Angel De Santiago (Colorist), Amauri Osorio (Letterer)

Best friends Donají and Itzcacalotl stumble into dangerous political intrigue in this follow-up to the young adult epic Codex Black: A Fire Among Clouds!

In 15th-century Mesoamerica, Donají and Itzcacalotl travel to the Oracle of Lyobaa in the hopes of learning the secret behind Donají’s missing father. But instead of receiving information, they find themselves roped into a quest to stop the assassination of the great Emperor Ahuizotl! This is easier said than done when faced with a mysterious group of black-clad killers who want nothing more than to send the known world tumbling into chaos.

Along the way, the two will have to navigate new friends, old enemies, and corn people as they try to save the emperor…before it’s too late!

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, Middle Grade

320 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

Reviews

[Emvee ⚔ Woman Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I'd had a chance to easily review the first volume in this series, just for a reminder of things. There is a recap at the beginning, and scenes from the past are used as the background of some panels, but these are rather substantial books so a quick skim through it would have been helpful since I've forgotten some of the details which are only glossed over in the summary.

Anyway, this remains an enjoyable story. No printing issues in this volume to mar the art, and I really like the extensive notes at the back of the book. One issue I had in the first book was difficulty telling apart Citlalmina-- a major antagonist/frenemy of the main characters-- from the similarly depicted/designed shadowy major villains; the events of this volume make the distinction clear. Another oddity though: in the first volume, the main characters were away in the southeast of the region, but at some point (as shown in one of those background flashbacks) they encountered the Emperor Ahuizotl with rather a large retinue; but in this volume, Ahuizotl is way up in the northwest leading a war against a city state and it just doesn't feel like enough time has passed for him to get around so much.

Also, the anime influence is full throttle with this volume, especially with the introduction of Corn Man and his "hero of justice" shtick which is rife throughout Japanese media both unironically (see Anpanman for example, and other anime aimed at the very young) as well as facetious parodies of the like in media aimed at teens and adults. Though its interesting to consider how the sacred bundles that have such a key role in this book are similar to the enshrined objects at the heart of many Shinto shrines, though the rituals associated with them are quite different.

[Marietere T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll tell you I was so excited when I got approved for this arc. I had just finished the first book and I couldn't wait to continue it. Now I'm frustrated that I can't talk to anybody about it and that I have to wait even more for the next one.

This story honestly keeps getting more and more interesting. I like the cultural elements. I love the way the story uses magical elements. I love the crazy things Donají and Itzcacalotl get into. I have my theories of Doniji's dad and his role in this situation. I can't wait to read more.

Really give this a chance.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a second instalment in the Codex Black series taking place in the 15th century Mesoamérica. I like cultural elements and detailed artwork, but this story was not as interesting as the first book was to me and seemed to drag in places. Nevertheless, it is a great way to learn about the history and culture and hopefully would get better in the next volume.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically a manga set in Mesoamerica by Latin creators. It can be way too wordy at times but it's not half bad. The main characters are a girl with super strength and a boy with wings who are trying to stop a secret cabal from starting a war throughout the area. I thought the corn headed people were a fun idea as well.

[Becky Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Codex Black (Book Two): Bird of Ill Omen by Camilo Moncada Lozano continues the story of Donají and Itzcacalotl in 15th century Mesoamerica. This is a fun way to learn a little known history of the region with great artwork and storyline. This contains a great deal of the mythology of the region.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still love the Mesoamerican designs, but the story didn't capture me this time around.

[Atlas Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like that the sequel dives into the unique and complex politics of Mesoamerica and the relationships between the many diverse cultures and settlements. My favorite part is the difference in clothing! I also really like seeing the temples and cities painted with archeology informed colors. You can tell that this comic is a well researched labor of love, especially with the informative segments after the comic.