The Skullkickers are back in the second issue of the new series from Image, and it's once again filled with monsters, mayhem, jokes and violence. I wasn't all too keen on the first issue, mainly due to issues with formulaic characters and a less than interesting story. Luckily, I can probably say that the series seems to be moving forward, and coming together as a narrative. Not by a whole lot, but it's a step forward. 

Skullkickers #2 opens in a similar fashion as the debut issue, with our pair of protagonists putting the hurt on some baddies. Again, the humor is back in full force, and the writing is certainly a bit more solid this time around. You aren't going to be rolling on the floor laughing, but you'll probably chuckle a few more times than before.  

The issue is pretty short, coming in at just 22 pages, but at the very least the pacing is great. It's quite a fun little romp, with plenty of action and humor stuffed into the brief package. Fighting goblins, cannibalism humor, and a promising cliffhanger, Skullkickers is brief but doesn't waste time. Regardless, it does feel a little bit on lean side, and I don't mean that in a good way. For three bucks, I don't think it's unfair to expect a little more material. Heck, you could probably finish it in line for the cash register. 

The art credits are still passable, nothing that took my breath away sure, but it's a solid complement to the writing. If you enjoyed the first issue, then I think you'll have plenty of fun with the second. If you weren't so hot on the debut, and are expecting a dramatic shift in tone and complexity, you're barking up the wrong tree.