100 BULLETS: THE US OF ANGER #1 (DC COMICS)
Welcome back to the world of 100 Bullets.
The classic DC Vertigo series (1999-2009 & 100 issues) was a force to be reckoned with during its’ run. The unique plot behind it spawned many intense characters. None might have been more psychotic and cray than Lono.
His legacy of violence sent shockwaves through readers. Even with his solo limited series “Brother Lono” in 2013, fans saw the brutal minuteman continue his wicked ways after cheating death. Many thought this was the last time they would see this story play out. They were wrong.
At NYCC 2025, DC Comics announced that Lono was returning in an all-new, all-violent story as part of the next wave of DC Vertigo books. Fans have been very eager to see how this story would fare. Their wait is now over.
100 BULLETS: THE US OF ANGER #1 by Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso & Clem Robins (DC COMICS) sets forth a new path of rage.
Let’s take a closer look at this debut chapter.
100 BULLETS: THE US OF ANGER #1 by Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso & Clem Robins (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** EXTREME MATURE SUBJECT MATTER IN THIS BOOK ***
Azzarello waste no time in bringing out the visceral landscape of Lono’s world. The difficult imagery matches the angry voice with skewed political takes, spewing opinions over the airwaves. Readers watch as the dialogue is blunt and difficult to wrap around. This pivots away for a brief moment as some kids loot a jewelry store. Their actions draw the attention of Lono, who’s mere presence shakes up everything.
The dialogue is cold as he casually moves around the group. His stature never falters and remains poised to strike at any moment. The writing shifts before returning to the riots happening in the streets. Readers watch as two cops come across Lono’s aftermath with the kids. The writing shows how unstable Lono’s methods can be while others falter around him. This theme follows the rest of the side characters as it is truly chaos in the streets. Dialogue is not for the weak as takes are given. It leads to Lono making moves in shadows. Readers can pick up on this aspect as the closing revs up. There’s a great deal of moving parts involved slowly inching closer to making the powderkeg of emotions explode. An intense read and one not for these easily upset.
MORE FROM DC VERTIGO!
Risso amplifies the impact of the story with the black and white color scheme. The images reflect a broken society. It continues forth with the look at skewed political podcasters stating their vile messages. Readers watch as the kids breaking into the jewelry store with success via full page image. Using the panels to mirror the perspective of them crashing the door adds more shock to the moment. Their reactions quickly shift to fear as Lono’s silhouette enters view via half panel.
Keeping his mouth buried in shadows builds up more suspense to his master plan of attack here. The police’s entry into the tale comes with anxiousness and sorrow for what’s unfolding. Once they discover the break-in, the panels show some of Lono’s dirty work. The use of red for the blood makes the half page stand out. This only gets more violent as the scenes play out. The mural scenes are powerful in presentation as well. It offsets more of the skewed podcasters scenes to move events to finish. The closing pages tease much uncertainty as the panels show more players involved in a long, winding journey.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The world of 100 Bullets returns in a chaotic fashion with its most dangerous character taking charge. Azzarello pens a difficult and unapologetic look at Lono’s world with an intense script. Risso unlocks the vicious nature of a city on edge with stunning art. A fearless display of storytelling fitting of the original run’s legacy.
Let me know your thoughts on 100 BULLETS: THE US OF ANGER #1in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
