Written by: Rick Remender
Art by: Wes Craig
Publisher: Image
Rick Remender and Wes Craig deliver another incredibly (no, seriously, there’s no way this story is entirely fiction) entry into the Deadly Class mythos.
When I went in to pick up my issue of Deadly Class today, the owner of my local comic shop said: “This issue really turned me off, another angst ridden issue! This time, Remender takes jabs at comic stores!”. While it’s true that in issue #10 of Deadly Class there is a lengthy scene where Marcus vents his frustrations at the clamoring horde of comic fans in his local comic book store, this particular diatribe didn’t turn me off in any way, shape, or form. Marcus’ resentment in the issue comes from a place that is real, one that I have witness and one that I have felt. The shame that comes from being a comic fan by being associated with the worst of our ilk is very tangible and again (most importantly), very real. This part of the issue functions on a purely satirical level, as both parties (Marcus and the comic fans) get what is coming to them and it is justly deserved. I, however, am glad that this excursion doesn’t derail the plot as the second half of this issue brings a lot of Deadly Class’ moving parts to a head.
One thing that struck me in this issue was Wes Craig’s incredible panel work. Craig’s panels move freely throughout the pages of this issue, never settling on any one structure or set-up, they service the story in the way that they see fit and the book is only better for it. Be it gross diversions, intense actions, or quiet conversations, Craig’s pencils fit this story in whatever way they are asked to. Lee Loughridge’s colors are the unsung hero in this book, however. The color palette changes based to serve the story and while it remains hard to describe via words without intense spoilers, a particular scene involving a toilet shows Loughridge’s adaptable, incredible, color work. He chooses to wash an entire scene with color based on the mood present and again, it works perfectly.
There’s not enough praise I can put towards this book. While some may be put off by some of the angst present in the pages of this book, it perfectly encapsulates the feelings of being an angry teenager and those who do not see that obviously don’t remember what it’s like to be of that age. One of my friends hates the book The Catcher in the Rye for the dialect and actions of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, being “too whiny” for his tastes. However, another friend of mine, an ardent defender of the novel believes that the author perfectly encapsulates those angry teenage feelings as well. The same can be said for Deadly Class. I am one that remembers being an angry teenager for it is not too far away from me. If I had Deadly Class when I was 16 there might have been a few more un-punched walls in my house and a few less bruises on my knuckles.
