Oni Press’s Benjamin #2 Review: A Sci-Fi Mind-Bender

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Oni Press's Benjamin #2 Review: A Sci-Fi Mind-Bender

Welcome back to our continuing coverage of the most exciting comics. We are providing this Benjamin #2 review because the series is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most talked-about titles. The first issue from the always-innovative Oni Press left readers with the stunning resurrection of famed science-fiction author Benjamin J. Carp, forty years after his death. Now, this second chapter pushes him, and the reader, even deeper into a labyrinthine mystery that feels torn from his own pages. Writer Ben H. Winters masterfully escalates the stakes. He transforms an already strange situation into a full-blown existential crisis that forces you to question the very nature of reality. For fans of cerebral, high-concept science fiction, this series is quickly becoming essential reading. It is a true standout among the many latest comic releases. Our team’s expertise in the medium recognizes this as a must-read story.

A Spoiler-Free Benjamin #2 Review of a Labyrinthine Plot

This second installment finds Benjamin J. Carp and his new, skeptical companion, Marcus, on a journey into the Joshua Tree desert. They follow a GPS coordinate pulled from a mysterious code on Benjamin’s own leg, hoping it will lead to an explanation for his impossible return. What they discover is a plot that seems to mirror one of Benjamin’s own novels, The Man They Forgot to Erase. This part of the story introduces us to the wonderfully eccentric Dr. Tyra Meridian Midlamb, a scientist who claims to be Benjamin’s creator.

Ben H. Winters excels at crafting a narrative that continuously peels back layers. Just when you think you understand the situation, a new revelation re-contextualizes everything you thought you knew. The initial premise, that a “cabal of techno-futurist anarchists” has brought Benjamin back for some violent purpose, is merely the first layer of this intricate onion. Winters’ dialogue is exceptionally sharp and intelligent. It perfectly captures the voice of a bewildered literary giant, full of bombast and insecurity, as he grapples with a reality he may have authored himself. The pacing is deliberate and confident. Furthermore, it allows each shocking twist to land with significant impact before the next one arrives. It is a truly remarkable reading experience, and we at Comic Book Addicts believe it’s one of the most intellectually stimulating books on the stands.

The Art of Deconstructing Reality

A story this complex requires art that can keep pace with its twisting narrative, and artist Leomacs is more than up to the challenge. The visuals are clean yet profoundly expressive, grounding the bizarre events in a tangible world. Leomacs’s character work is particularly strong. The shifting emotions of confusion, suspicion, and dawning horror are rendered with incredible subtlety and precision. This is crucial for a story where the characters’ internal states are just as important as the external plot. You can see every flicker of doubt in Marcus’s eyes and every moment of puffed-up certainty from Benjamin.

The colors by Luca Bertelè perfectly complement the art. The palette shifts masterfully from the sun-bleached, arid tones of the desert to the sterile, clinical atmosphere of Dr. Midlamb’s hidden laboratory. Color becomes an essential tool in the comic’s storytelling arsenal. It helps define the mood and guides the reader through the story’s increasingly surreal turns. Every panel feels carefully constructed, a single piece of a much larger, more bewildering puzzle. The lettering by Becca Carey is also top-notch, ensuring the dialogue flows smoothly and is always easy to follow, which is vital in a narrative so rich with ideas. The fantastic and varied comic book covers by Christian Ward and Malachi Ward also deserve special mention for perfectly capturing the book’s mind-bending tone. This entire package is a testament to what a great creative team can accomplish, a fact our comic community can certainly appreciate.

The book’s prestige format, with 32 ad-free pages, allows for total immersion in this dense world. You won’t find any interruptions to break the carefully constructed tension. This commitment to the reading experience shows a deep respect for both the story and the audience. The narrative skillfully plays with the classic concept of life imitating art, but it pushes that idea into far more compelling territory. It asks whether our consciousness is simply a story we tell ourselves. As Benjamin confronts a plan that seems to defy all logic, the reader is forced to constantly question what is real and what is fiction. This is not just a comic book; it’s a philosophical exploration wrapped in a thrilling sci-fi mystery. You can find more discussions like this on this amazing site.

Conclusion: A Must-Read Sci-Fi Mystery

Benjamin #2 is an outstanding second act that elevates an already fascinating premise into something truly special and unforgettable. It masterfully avoids easy answers, choosing instead to pull the reader deeper into its intricate web of conspiracies, shifting realities, and profound existential questions. Ben H. Winters and Leomacs have created a modern sci-fi classic in the making, a story that will have you guessing until the very last page and desperately awaiting the finale. It’s a brilliant, challenging, and ultimately rewarding read for anyone who loves a story that makes you think.

What are your theories on Benjamin’s true reality? Head over to our Twitter page and let us know your thoughts!

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