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Reality and the cartoon world are coming together in the second half of the Uncanny Valley limited series. Oliver has been learning more about his connection to the cartoon world and his cartoon-based abilities in the animated world. The First is spreading darkness in the cartoon world and is threatening to break through realities and infiltrate the real world as well. Now, Oliver must use his newly discovered abilities to venture into the increasingly more dangerous landscape to stop the First.  

Uncanny Valley Vol. 2 collects issues 6-10 by writer Tony Fleecs and artist Dave Wachter. It is a surreal trip between the real world and a cartoon world built on the rules established in our favorite animated shows. It’s a coming of age story with a fantastical angle that leads Oliver to one surprising discovery after another.  

The creators pay homage to established cartoons in every issue with characters similar to our favorites (both different enough to avoid licensing issues). Through Fleecs’ writing, they impact the story in expected and some surprising ways that provide a fresh take on the world of cartoons. 

The art is delightful, with Wachter placing different animation styles in the same panel. He also embraces some of the best tropes and settings from cartoons, whether it’s the atypical dark villain castle or the sandy orange desert highway or the little blue birds that appear when a cartoon cracks their noggin.  

–Amanda Sherriff