Version Control

The Reckoner Rises #2

by David Alexander Robertson, Scott B. Henderson (illustrator), Donovan Yaciuk (illustrator)

After finding out Mihko reinstated the Reckoner Initiative in Breakdown, Cole and Eva confronted Mihko head-on. But when Eva stumbles across a secret laboratory, she finds her worst nightmares come to life. After a vicious battle with Mihko’s newest test subject leaves Cole close to death, Eva is forced to continue their investigation without him. With Brady missing and Cole in recovery, Eva is on her own.

What new terrors has Mihko created? Can they be stopped? And can Eva find Brady before it’s too late?

Genres: Indigenous, Graphic Novels, Fantasy

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Version Control is the 2nd book in The Reckoner Rises series by David Alexander Robertson. Currently there are only two graphic novels in this series but the way it's been left hanging, there will have to be more. More is explained in this graphic and it's getting more interesting.

Cole and Eva go to Mihko Labs to find out what experiments are being conducted on people there. They get into a fight with Mark (there is a flashback to the incident at Wounded Sky, which involves a battle with Cole and Mark and also explains somewhat Cole's flashbacks). The battle at Mihko leaves Cole seriously damaged and means that Eva must investigate on her own (Brady, one of their compatriots, went missing during the battle above). Eva is terrified by what she discovers and she and the others head to Wounded Sky with materiel to discover more of what is taking place at Mihko). The story leaves on a cliff hanger, but I know I want to find out what happens next. What is the evil that Mihko is creating in their labs? Can Cole and Eva and their friends stop them?

Interesting twist on the superhero novel. I'm growing to like the characters. The aboriginal aspect is especially interesting. Worth trying (3.0 stars)

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as great as vol. 1. I can’t wait to read what happens next as I’m super invested.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 review:

I've reread the first two volumes in anticipation of finally getting to read the much anticipated (at least by me) third volume. It absolutely holds up to memory. These comics are a must read for fans of the Reckoner trilogy (and more people need to read that trilogy). Looking forward to finally getting to read volume three!


2022 review:

I really loved the Reckoner trilogy. While I really enjoyed reading the first volume of Reckoner Rises (earlier tonight), Version Control is somehow even better than the previous comic. The story really starts to get into gear, and we really start to get into the superhero aspects as well as more of the crimes of the supervillains. I'm antsy to read the third one already but there isn't even a release date--I hope it isn't too long, but I'm willing to wait (and willing to take the excuse to potentially reread volumes one and two when the third is finally ready).

I highly recommend this, but the trilogy of novels should be read before the comics are started.

[Jaclyn Hillis]

I need the third volume ASAP.

[Bin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Kayleigh Wiebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Reckoner Rises series and continues to follow the story laid out in Breakdown. However, while the first book focuses more on Cole, this one is more from Eva’s POV as she tries to navigate Mihko Laboratories’ uncovered horrors. The artwork was chilling and so well done, which at some points had me gasping. The illustrations really make you feel immersed in the story!

While I still think these graphic novels would be best read after The Reckoner trilogy, I found I had a better handle on the storyline even after only having read the first book in the graphic novel spin-off series. Coming in at only 72 pages each, you could easily binge both the first and second books in this spin-off series in an afternoon. I’m definitely going to be continuing on with this series!

Thanks ZG Stories and High Water Press for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Christina Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @highwaterpress for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

🍎Teacher’s Corner🍎

“Version Control”, Volume 2 in the “Reckoner Rises” series is a strong modern comicbook that features an engaging story and incredible graphics. Written by accomplished author, David A. Robertson (“The Great Bear” and “Black Water”) and illustrated by Scott B. Henderson and Donovan Yaciuk, “Version Control” will appeal to comic book fans and fans of Robertson’s “The Reckoner” YA novel trilogy alike. Eva has to leave her friend Cole, who suffers terrible wounds at the beginning of this instalment, in order to track down their friend, Brady, who has disappeared. Eva finds her way to Mihko Labs, where they are doing terrible experiments on people. Smart characters with witty repartees break up the action. Intense and detailed graphics help to develop the text, which is often sparse.

“The Reckoner Rises” series features an Indigenous cast and takes place in part in the fictional Wounded Sky First Nation, in Manitoba. For teachers looking to incorporate more Indigenous perspectives and works from Indigenous authors into their classrooms and libraries, this is a great option! Some strong language and graphic violence makes this series more suitable for older students, the publisher suggests grades 9-12.

Teaching Ideas:

* Compare origin stories from more classic comicbook heroes, like Wolverine

* Identify the story arc and compare to other comicbooks or superhero films

[Spencer Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This comic continues to be creepy as heck. This story continues to be gritty and wrenching. The Indigenous heroes are as intriguing as ever except now there seem to be some villains with powers introduced in the mix. A strong continuation from Volume 1.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5