Written by Drew Edward Johnson
Art by Drew Edward Johnson
Colors by Lizzy John
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Midnight Society: The Black Lake #2 delves deeper into the series’ cryptozoological theme as MI: Omega agent Matilda Flinn begins her investigation into the disappearance of the famous cryptozoologist Kevin Kaycee who disappeared along with his crew in Loch Ness. While issue #1 hinted at the possibility of this being a good series, issue #2 solidifies that assumption into fact. The story involves a great deal more than just a hunt for Nessie, as even a casual perusal of this book will attest to.
This issue picks up right where issue #1 left off, with Matilda Finn joining Billy Wetherell, the pilot of a small submersible, as they are being lowered from their command ship into the waters of Loch Ness in Billy’s sub. As the sub slowly descends, we learn that Billy’s father was an infamous Nessie hunter who was duped by a hoax, and that Matilda had once been found by her boss, Arcturus Finn, after she mysteriously washed up, naked from the sea. She 
says, “My boss … he and his people, they picked me up and set me on the right path.” An important point considering that, at the end of the issue, she must save Billy as their submersible comes under attack by a large, aquatic animal. The question is, could it be the legendary Nessie, or is it something else entirely? Matilda and Billy don’t have time to speculate as they have to maneuver the sub through metal debris and body parts that are sinking into the lake from the destruction of their command ship all while being chased through the dark waters by the fantastical beast.
As with issue #1 of Midnight Society: The Black Lake, writer/artist Drew Edward Johnson provides a compelling, well-written plot and beautiful artwork. This issue sees Johnson exploring Matilda’s background and her budding relationship with Billy Wetherell. Johnson paces the story well, mixing the background story with suspense, and a final action scene that delivers the reveal of an amazing looking monster. Matilda’s transformation scene, beginning on page 24, is both horrific and beautiful, a combination that is not easily pulled off. Every panel is full of subtle details, little nuances that add texture to, and breathe life into, Johnson’s world.
Two issues in, Midnight Society: The Black Lake is proving to be a well-written, artistically beautiful series. This makes this book well worth the cover price for anyone who values a good read and well-rendered art, but if you are especially enamored of cryptozoology, myth, or legend, you just cannot pass up reading this series.