Suiciders, Vol. 1

Writer and artist Bermejo (Batman: Noel), aided by colorist Hollingsworth, steps outside the superhero genre for one of the few times in his career, spinning a tale of love and murder in Los Angeles after its inevitable massive earthquake. In a nebulous near future, several decades after the quake, the city has been walled off, literally separating the wealthy entertainment industry from the poor outside. The tale revolves around the Saint, reigning champion of New Angeles's gladiatorial battles to the death. The fights range from simple blood-soaked mud brawls to elaborate arena rituals. Though these brutal action scenes highlight Bermejo's unflinching eye for violence, the real story is elsewhere. Who is the Saint, and what's his connection to the mysterious border-jumping Suicider, who fights wearing nothing but boxing gloves? The answers come in a twist that demands an immediate second reading. Unfortunately, Bermejo manages to kill almost every female character, but bearing that in mind, this is a vivid study in toxic masculinity and materialism run amok. (Nov.)