STALKER

Despite opening the second volume in a series, the first issue of Matt Wigner and Simon Bisley’s “The Tower Chronicles, Book 2” is surprisingly friendly to new readers. There is an intimidating paragraph of backstory and recap on the title page, but don’t be dissuaded: what follows is a cut-and-dry, fun-to-read monster killing story. As an issue that’s more about mythic adventure than further character or world building development, it may disappoint fans looking for growth off Book 1, but it’s a fine ride and a fun start to “Dreadstalker.” The issue opens on two Canadian teens, idly delinquent and unapologetically foul-mouthed, who’ve come into the woods to take Facebook photos with a dead moose. Instead, they find a menacing wendigo. Though I initially figured they were mere plot placeholders, the hapless victims that signal an impending monster, Wagner doesn’t just give them the one-and-done “Law & Order” treatment. He actually spends quite a few pages where it’s only them, a