Written by: Rick Remender
Art by: Wes Craig & Jordan Boyd
Publisher: Image
I just finished reading this issue and man, it was brutal. And not just in the series’ defining ultra-violent way – this issue ripped me apart emotionally. It’s something Remender has illustrated a penchant for in the past, but this issue takes it all a step further. It’s going to be hard to talk about without diving deep into spoiler territory, and that’s something that I certainly want to avoid. But I will say, this issue does a great job of putting caps on some of the concurrent stories that have been running throughout this arc.
In some respects, this issue was hard to read. Remender does an excellent job with the build up to the issues four separate climaxes. The book has been building to this point for multiple issues, but the lead-ins to the climaxes in this issue are alone are heart-wrenching. For the first time in this entire series, I felt that there was real hope for the characters. And Remender’s writing, combined with Wes Craig’s art, makes the characters’ exchanges truly feel genuine.
On the subject of Wes Craig, his art is as brilliant as it’s ever been. It feels a little bit more smooth in this issue than it has in the past, and Jordan Boyd’s colors certainly have something to do with that. But the subtle stylistic change makes sense – the rough, jagged lines that have defined the series aren’t necessary for every panel in this issue. They still show up, and continue to look great when they do. But the contrast is a powerful tool, one that makes the issue an even more profound experience.
Look, I legitimately think that this is the best issue of Deadly Class yet. This review is certainly on the shorter side, but I feel liked I’ve summed up my feelings on the issue quite well. It may also have something to do with the fact that I’m emotionally distraught right now, but hey, what can you do? As always, I’m super excited to see where the series goes next month. After the events of this issue, the landscape of the series has to change, and it’s exciting.
