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Another beautiful work is the second volume of Zerocalcare, which here tackles the theme of remorse using three different timelines. And it’s all done in that seemingly goofy style of his, teeming with references to pop culture, which, however, doesn’t fail to hide a more bitter side behind the mask, and why not, even a touching one, perhaps even darker (if only for the ending) than the prophecy of the armadillo (which also didn’t shy away from tackling hot topics). A great story that is followed with pleasure, featuring a figurative use of the expressed themes (emblematic is the figure of the octopus whose tentacles wrap around the protagonist's neck) that is undeniably captivating.
Of course, one might argue that the group assembled by the protagonist is perhaps too unabashedly nerdy "for nerd's sake," but as a basic choice to justify quotes and jokes (which are hilarious), it seems more than justified.
Daje così, another hit for the Roman cartoonist.

Among the comics by Zerocalcare that I’ve read, this is perhaps the one I found the most bitter overall, potentially destined to become my favorite (hoping that the second part maintains the same level). The structure certainly doesn’t deviate from that of the armadillo (a collection of stories and events where a horizontal subplot related to a competition notice is only timidly inserted). While the theme of the debut was the small bitterness of everyday life and, all in all, there was a certain underlying lightness, here these bitter moments become deep chasms, nests of one’s inner demons, from which one can seemingly escape only with the armor of indifference. The psychological exploration dedicated to the supporting cast (who are Zerocalcare's friends) is excellent, fitting the theme: paranoias, fears, more or less significant bitterness, personal frustrations; every panel is incredibly bitter, and no one is spared.

Sequel and conclusion of the first 'Macerie prime', it is another beautiful comic book by Zerocalcare, full of his usual raw irony and the same pages/themes that are more touching and emotional. I didn't prefer it to the first issue of Macerie, which had the novelty of the story and a darker undertone (culminating in a very dark ending), but this one holds up quite well, fortunately avoiding in the ending, which is liberating after pages of continuous claustrophobic feelings, any lightening and/or consolation regarding the situations faced by the protagonists: the difficulties of life and disappointments (our characters are unable to pass the competition that could have turned their financial situation around) are always lurking around the corner; the important thing is never to lose self-control and become a bitter creature. Another point in favor - as is always the case with Zerocalcare, after all - is the figurative imagery of the key themes, always perfectly contextualized and effective.