'Hacktivist' Volume 2 #3 Review: Alyssa Milano's Comic Book Delivers Gripping Third Issue!

From actress, producer, designer Alyssa Milano (Charmed), comes the third chapter to her comic book from BOOM! Studios/Archaia Entertaiment. Hacktivist Volume 2 #3 is an entertaining read brought to you by co-writers Colin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, and artist Marcus To.

As we previously mentioned, in our review of the first and second issue, Nate and Ed are still connected to each other, even though they tried to separate themselves. After faking the death of his best friend, Ed Hiccox, Nate Graft has pulled his life back together. Now in charge of VIGIL, the front line of America's ongoing cyber operations, Nate thought he finally had some peace of mind. Unfortunately, there is a new breed of hackers, calling themselves sve_urs3lf, using Nate and Ed's former handle to commit their terrorist attacks.

In our MStars News interview, Kelly discuses the themes of security vs. freedom, "It's not just in the narrative, it's in life all around you. Giving up elements of your privacy in order to ensure your personal security is what the government, what Facebook, what Google asks us to do every day. Every click you make on the internet is being logged somewhere, your personal metrics sold as a commodity to companies that are hungry to exploit you."

The script by Kelly and Lanzing moves at a fast pace, especially when the narrative presents Nate's clever plan. The use of technology is used for shock and awe, making the reader wonder if the devices mentioned in the dialogue actually exists. If it is real, then you have to give credit to Kelly and Lanzing for their research.  

The artwork by Marcus To captures the suspenseful and emotional turmoil between Nate and Ed. When To illustrates Nate on the stage, talking to the audience, the pages are reminiscent of Tim Cook's  recent demonstration at the Apple event. To then kicks it up to high gear as sve_urs3lf launches its next round of attacks. 

Rating: Must Buy 

Interestingly, Hacktivist Vol. 2 #3 delivers its timely message about safety vs. freedom, without having to be preachy, but always thought-provoking.