Millennium Vol. 2: The Girl Who Played with Fire is a 2017
crime thriller graphic novel written by Sylvain Runberg, illustrated by Manalo
Carot, published by Titan Comics. Lisbeth Salander becomes the prime suspect in
a triple murder linked to a sex trafficking investigation. Journalist Mikael
Blomkvist races to clear her name, uncovering dark secrets from Lisbeth's past,
corrupt officials, and organized crime, as she battles powerful enemies
determined to silence her.
Plot:
The narrative
intensifies as Lisbeth Salander, our fierce yet enigmatic heroine, finds
herself framed for a triple murder. Partnering with investigative journalist
Mikael Blomkvist, she embarks on a gripping journey to prove her innocence and
unveil a conspiracy, giving readers an action-packed, psychologically rich
sequel. The story effectively expands on Lisbeth’s backstory and psychological
complexity, transforming her from the withdrawn, haunted figure of previous
installments into someone fiercely assertive and daring. This evolution not
only feels satisfying but also adds depth to her motivations, solidifying her
as a dynamic and resilient character.
The pacing is
well-managed, balancing intense moments with necessary backstory that enriches
our understanding of Lisbeth’s struggles and her fractured relationship with
the world around her. The subplots add layers to the main story and skillfully
incorporate themes of corruption and societal injustice, enhancing the world
without feeling overly didactic.
Supporting
characters, particularly Mikael, are given enough depth to feel relevant and
grounded, with Mikael’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice complementing
Lisbeth’s more unconventional approach. However, some secondary characters lack
development, appearing more as devices to progress the plot rather than fully
realized individuals.
The cliffhanger ending leaves readers eager for the next
installment, yet some may find the unresolved plotlines slightly frustrating.
Overall, this second volume effectively builds on the first, delivering a story
that’s both thrilling and introspective, showcasing Lisbeth’s evolution while
keeping readers captivated and invested in her fate.
Rating: 4 out
of 5
Production:
Titan Comics’ adaptation
by Sylvain Runberg and illustrated by Manolo Carot, is an intense and gritty
continuation of Stieg Larsson's original story, capturing its atmosphere and
essence with style. Runberg's writing holds impressive depth and does justice
to the dark, layered characters, especially Lisbeth Salander. His dialogue,
while compelling, occasionally lacks polish, with a heavy dose of vulgarity
that, while authentic to the raw tone of the original, may feel excessive to
some readers. The story dives into themes of corruption, abuse, and revenge,
maintaining the series' signature combination of violence and hardcore content.
Carot’s artwork
is striking and energetic, beautifully encapsulating the emotions, tension, and
action that drive the story. The cover art is a standout, capturing Lisbeth's
enigmatic, edgy persona with superb attention to tone and detail. Each
character design is well-rendered and nuanced, adding a sense of realism and
grit fitting Larsson’s world. Carot’s paneling aids in pacing, successfully
guiding readers through the story’s intense and suspenseful scenes, adapting
the comic’s structure to maintain momentum.
However, despite the art's overall strength, there are
moments where detail in background scenes becomes sparse, making certain panels
feel somewhat incomplete. Additionally, while the strong lines and bold colors
work well in action sequences, they occasionally overpower quieter, more
reflective moments, detracting from the narrative's subtlety. Despite these
minor flaws, The Girl Who Played with Fire offers a visceral, visually
compelling experience that will satisfy fans of the original story.
Rating: 4 out
of 5
The Verdict:
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