The Good
The more we get to know Marcus Lopez and the other students, the deeper the story gets. Last issue Marcus and fellow classmate Willie were trying to complete an assignment in killing someone that deserved to die. Things quickly escalated and now we’re left seeing what the repercussions are. Now that Marcus has spent some time at the school, he’s starting to form connections with the others.
When Marcus and the others take a road trip, it’s a time for more connections to be made. But what will the cost be? Since we're dealing with kids here, the best decisions are not always made.
Throughout their adventure, Rick Remender continues to flesh out this world, capturing just the right little references to remind us of the time period. We also see who the kids are and what activities they prefer to partake in.
Wes Craig keeps killing it in the art department. Due to certain circumstances, the story requires some pretty intense visuals. The art and colors capture the moment and could serve as a warning against certain activities. Seeing the kids away from the school setting opens up the world and as other forces begin to converge upon them, you can’t help but want more.
The Bad
No complaints. The story takes a little detour and we move into a different setting. This keeps readers on edge and there’s no telling what will happen next.
The Verdict
It’s hard to believe that a book about a bunch of kids going to school to learn how to be assassins can be so endearing. Rick Remender and Wes Craig set out to deliver a sort of coming of age story with a dark twist. They are absolutely succeeding. The book takes us into dark corners and there’s no shying away from what they might do or want to do. Craig’s visuals keep up with the pace of the story as it switches from high and low moments. All the while, you feel something even darker headed towards the kids. We’re only four issues in but this is a series I’m glad to have been reading from the start. I can’t imagine not reading this book.