Day Men Vol. 2: Ex Curia

Day Men #5-8

by Matt Gagnon, Michael Alan Nelson, Brian Stelfreeze (Illustrations)

It has been centuries since the last "Justice by Day" - a one battle between Day Men - but Azalea's fate now rests completely in David's hands. That is, unless he and the rest of the Virgo family are able to uncover evidence of the Scourge's involvement in the fang trade. 

Written by Matt Gagnon (FREELANCERS) & Michael Alan Nelson (DC’s SUPERGIRL, HEXED) and drawn by industry legend Brian Stelfreeze. DAY MEN is a sexy, action-packed epic that brings modern master Brian Stelfreeze back to drawing comics for the first time since 2005!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Vampires, Fantasy, Horror, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2016

Reviews

[The other Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm kind of sorry it ended here. I like the world and the characters, and the story clearly left room for another plot arc. Why do the good comics end after only a few issues, but the crap ones run for decades?

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked how the story advanced, the suspense was good, and we got to see a bit more of our Day Man's background and know a few characters a bit better, but the art suffered a bit: the protagonist's facial features would look slightly (oddly) different sometimes from panel to panel, as if the artist hadn't decided what he looks like, and in contrast a lot of the female characters started to look the same (they all had the same tucked-in-at-the-corners lips and near-identical facial mannerisms by the end) or would have weird lines on their faces (sketching-lines that should have been erased?) that sometimes muddled their features.
The story arc wrapped up well, but for some reason I can't quite identify, I felt something was missing at the end, like a few questions were left unanswered. I hope there will be more volumes in future to clear up that feeling. I do enjoy the world and characters presented and would be happy to see more of them.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn't enough character development. There were two characters that were killed off too soon and should have been kept around longer. The antagonists were built up to be a powerful group working in the shadows but their defeat didn't seem that difficult. The plot twist was nice and the main antagonist's defeat was good. The story should have been longer.

[Mee Too · Rating 3 out of 5]

you ever read something thats not good but you know you would keep reading it? its like free drinks at a bar, hard to say no to a free drink, but if you don't stop something bad will definitely happen. thank you for not continuing this series.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the time this short series gets to this second half, it’s a delightful runaway train. Writing and art are perfectly balanced. You get just enough hints of the larger world to get a sense of its history and mythology while staying focused on a tight story of real-feeling characters (which is saying a lot, given the genre). Vampire story tropes are subverted as fast as they’re introduced. The art in the action scenes is kinetic, and there are some really original and surprising moments in the fight scenes. Even the “talking head” scenes are dynamic and sexy. I’m a total convert to evangelizing for this weird little series. CHECK IT OUT.

[Bill Coffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun take on the relationship between powerful vampire families and the human familiars on which they depend. The Day Men - troubleshooters who handle all kinds of dirty work during the day, from garbage disposal to body guarding - will play a critical role in a conspiracy aimed to annihilate one of the 50 great vampire houses, and even that is only the opening act to a greater evil. The art is really nice and fits the narrative well, and the writing is engaging and sharp across this two-volume story.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt Gagnon's second volume of Day Men is explosively good. Tons of action, a good deal of mystery, familial politics, and some flashbacks to David's early days in training as a Day Man. Its rare when a vampire story can seem fresh but this book is that. I truly was impressed. I wished there was a intro/family tree to open the book as the cast is pretty large. The art by Brian Stelfreeze was spectacular. Overall, a very fun read! Great stuff!

[Maraya21 (The Reading Dragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Read for the 2020 KU Shitathon™ challenge - [Yearly Edition] - over at Maraya's Cave Of Freaking Wonders ✨

♠ Plan B: #2 of 3 -- Month: August ♠

[Tristan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second volume, also currently available on Kindle Unlimited, neatly ties up the threads left loose in volume one. It’s a satisfactory, vigorous ending. However, it feels less complex, lighter than volume one, and hence a little disappointing somehow. The art is still beautifully crisp and clear, but it’s all action rather than moodiness. A good read but no classic.

[Maria Dellaporta · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Readathon2021 - Graphic Novels // Maria Reads Youtube Channel

[Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pleasure

Been a fan of graphic novels since a child and have not lost my enthusiasm. Have enjoyed this 2 part series. Good graphics and story. Got through it in one sitting. Even better as it's kindle unlimited.

[Mik Cope · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot more happening in this second volume. Whilst not stunningly original, there are some nice ideas on show and it's a shame the series ends here - presumably due to poor sales - as there was some interesting world building starting.

[Mhorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as the first volume

Again, great storytelling, plotting and artwork makes this quite readable and more, enjoyable. Where's volume3? Where's the option for a tv show?

[David Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, liked the characters and the mythology. Pity there's no more.

[Adrian Bloxham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like vampire stories and this doesn't disappoint

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story got even more complicated here. There were some twists and turns I definitely did not see coming. Well done.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually sad to see this one go since it managed to pick up in this volume.

[Eddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it was a very tight plot and well told. Liked the fresh take on vampires.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like where David’s story is going and I like the family, but I’m not sure how I feel about The Scourge. So while I really liked this installment and am excited for the next one, it wasn’t quite as compelling as the 1st.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Concludes?

I think I would have given 4 stars if I thought it was going forward because there are a lot of unanswered questions.

[Harper Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited I didn't realize this was the end - damn.

[Mohan Vemulapalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second volume is tightly integrated with the first and should definitely not be read on its own. The book ties up a few lose ends from the first volume and brings the story arc to a satisfying and dramatic resolution while leaving plenty of options for future plot arcs. Sadly, this book seems to be the last in the series, but one can still hope.

[Edward Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and even more impressive artwork by Brian Stelfreeze. A new look for the Vampire genre. Focuses on the Day Men the people who protect the vampires interest during the day when they are most vulnerable.

Looking for more in this series.

[Davey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels a bit rushed in wrapping up everything set up in the first volume. Tons of potential story that just gets glossed past to wrap things up.