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If you could get away with murder... would you?
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Colorist: Grant Goleash
Letterer: Clem Robins
2 Issue story arc
Published by DC Vertigo 1999
$2.50 each
Reviewed by Paul Hanna
Revenge is essential to good crime stories: getting back at the one who did you wrong. In 100 BULLETS, the new ongoing series from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso, revenge is the lifeline, the vitality of the stories. The second story arc, "Shot, Water Back", best shows this new Vertigo series' promise.
Lee is a former restaurant owner who was wrongfully convicted of owning child pornography. Four years ago, he was framed; as a result, his family left him and his restaurant business went belly-up. Like the protagonist in the previous story arc, the mysterious old man known only as "Graves" gives him a handgun and the identity of the woman who framed him, along with a briefcase full of evidence.
| "Shot, Water Back is a story of power, an extreme tale with an unexpected and jarring ending" |
Lee is assured that he is "above the law" and therefore free to commit the deadly deed of shooting the woman who ruined his life. Lee accepts the offer.
What makes Lee seem so down to earth and easy to relate to has much to do with his desire to win back his son's affection. His son inspires a warmth in him that plays a crucial role in the story's climax.
"Shot, Water Back" is a story of power, an extreme tale about haves and have-nots with an unexpected and jarring ending. The allure of power is dealt with nicely by Azzarello; even I found myself contemplating Lee's plight near the end of the story, which is paced with a stronger feel of suspense than many recent crime comics.
Risso draws with a clean, prominent line, allowing Grant Goleash's colors to share the spotlight. Risso's line balances between the portrayal of a grim reality and the abstract light-play of a noir film. And 100 BULLETS is, in its finest hour, a moving film noir comic.
"Shot, Water Back" is as alluring a story as the issues it deals with. If you want stories about the temptations of greed, sex, and power look no further. In short, anyone who enjoys good crime stories should be reading 100 BULLETS.
Recommended
Paul Hanna is a regular contributor to PopImage
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