END OF LIFE #2 (DC COMICS)
Once in a while, a series catches readers off guard with its’ very unique look and attitude.
“End Of Life” is THAT series.
Eddie Stallion’s not the smartest guy in the room. He was part of a robbery that he should have avoided. Stallion robbed The Raven, the head of the Menagerie. Now that he’s stolen from his own assassin’s guild, he has a HUGE target on his back. The solution: go back home, hide out and find a way to make things right. Easier said than done.
Once he returns home, Stallion finds out how fast things have changed. One new development stands out from the rest. His estranged father, George Stallion, is dying of Cancer.
END OF LIFE #2 by Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Chris O'Halloran, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS) continues forward on the latest DC VERTIGO story!
Let’s take a closer look at what is happening here.
END OF LIFE #2 by Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Chris O'Halloran, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Starks starts off with the Menagerie looking for Stallion. The mood has a dark humor to it as the assassins begin to search. This leads into another attempt of Eddie’s life. The person holding the gun? His dying father. Their exchange is priceless as Eddie tries scrambling to fix this mess. Readers watch as every move is a possible attention grabber. The writing breathes out Eddie’s frustrations before heading into the most unlikely of landscapes.
The trip into town provides a look at the various personalities harboring in the quiet town. There are a few laugh out loud moments sprinkled in George’s “tough love” with Eddie. No matter where they walk, their banter goes to extremes as Eddie is struggling to grasp his new stat quo. It is a fun ride until it hits some turbulence. Eddie’s attempt to call in help turns against him. The writing takes Eddie into deep waters once the truth comes out. is ego blocks it form sinking in. It’s long enough to find a possible solution to this current moment. The writing tends to go into a serious lane for this portion. This helps amplify what is on the closing page. Remember what I said about “unique look”? That final page says it all. Another incredible read.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Pugh & O'Halloran open with a very slick look at the assassins on the hunt. Panel structures help make this sequence pop off more than expected. This leads back to Eddie and his father. Their interaction range from absurd to broken. It is clear there are many unresolved issues with the pair. George’s grumpy scowl can’t be ignored in this panels. Eddie’s obliviousness grows when he returns to the gas station. Readers watch as the paranoia starts creeping in. This comes to a head when he’s walking in the sidewalk. His reaction to what he’s done lands at its’ destination.
The story shifts gears once it arrives at the Farmers Market. There are many deceiving characters as the look of “small town USA” comes into focus. There are plenty of interactions that Eddie can balance. This leans into a few hilarious moments. None might be better than with Sophie & the “truth” behind his work. From the hilarity comes the more serious images. The meeting with his “allies” builds to a tension-filled situation. The art team sneaks in some brutal action before slowing events down. Nothing is held back on these pages, esp. a full shot of Eddie at work. Just as readers ease into the close, the final full page is “something”. It needs to be seen to be believed. What a statement maker.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3
Small town life equals big city problems in this entertaining second chapter of EoL. Starks continues the emotional journey mixed with humor flawlessly. Pugh & O'Halloran showcase the best and worst of Eddie to readers’ delight. Just wait till the last page, but take the scenic route to get there. This series is truly one of a kind.
Let me know your thoughts on END OF LIFE #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
