100 BULLETS: FIRST SHOT, LAST CALL.
How far will a person go for revenge?

Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Colorist: Grant Goleash
Letterer: Clem Robins
Trade Paperback
Published by DC Vertigo 2000
$9.95

Reviewed by Brandon Blatcher

Could you pull the trigger?

Imagine that you've been framed for a crime. Lost all you hold dear and spent time in jail. Now you're offered a gun and 100 bullets to avenge yourself against those who framed you, with no consequences for your actions. So... could you pull the trigger?

This question and the way certain people answer it is the premise of Vertigo's monthly comic book, 100 BULLETS. The first five issues, plus an 8 page story from Winter's Edge have been collected here as FIRST SHOT, LAST CALL.

"The story unfolds over the first three parts as Dizzy wrestles with her conscience and faith"

We first meet Dizzy Cordova, a young Hispanic women, riding on a bus just after she has been released from prison. An older man approaches her, briefcase in hand, offering her a gun, 100 bullets and proof that her recent time in prison was a setup. What is she to do? That's up to her, according to the mysterious gentleman, who gives his name as Graves. And should she choose revenge, if she uses the gun and bullets given to her, there will be no consequences for her.

Graves leaves, and Dizzy continues her ride home to the barrio. Once there, she seeks to get to the bottom of what really did happen on the night her boyfriend and child were killed. The story unfolds over the first three parts as Dizzy wrestles with her conscience, her faith, and a number of facts that don't match up to the "truth."

The second story, in two parts, tells the story of Lee Dolan. He's a bartender in a crummy bar that was framed for child pornography. Graves makes his offer and Dolan meets the person who destroyed his life. But things aren't so clear-cut and Dolan's confrontation with the person who framed produces an unexpected consequence.

Finally, there's a short story concerning a woman who has pulled the trigger and then decides to turn herself in for what she has done. It's the shortest story in the collection, only 8 pages, but it still manages to satisfy with it's ending.

"Azzerollo and Risso have created a book that lurks on the dark side of humanity"

Azzerollo and Risso have created a stunning book that lurks on the dark side of humanity and paint a convincing picture of people who live their lives there. Especially well done is Azzerollo's street dialogue, which perfectly captures the seediest of situations. Also of note are Risso's panel layouts, which do an almost magical job of leading your eye across the page. Goleash's muted palette of colors reminds us that there will be no bright and easy solutions here.

I strongly suggest you pick this collection as soon as you can. It's a gritty, fascinating series beginning with the first few pages and it'll keep your attention.

Recommended

Brandon Blatcher is a regular contributor to PopImage.

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