By Rick Remender, Wes Craig and Lee Loughridge

This issue of Deadly Class gives a new definition to unlucky number 13 and the ominous cover only serves to send chills down readers’ spines. The young would-be assassins race to escape from Chico’s father, El Alma del Diablo, and his trio of hitmen. Maria confronts her past to try and have a future and Marcus is still one messed up kid trapped in killer high school drama.

Wes Craig’s art and panel designs are some of the most fresh and innovative work I’ve ever seen – very cinematic. One page layout he uses frequently and is the opening page of this issue is exactly how storyboards are done. Seeing this form used in comics was a shock, but made so much sense. Turning each page, especially during crazy events like in this issue, just builds a rush of excitement to see how he’s going to convey Rick Remender’s writing.

This is a book about trained killers and Craig and Lee Loughridge do not shy away from that fact. There are some truly unnerving, iconic imagery in this book. Maria has to face her parents murderers and she’s not going down without a fight! Loughridge keeps a minimalist color palette and heightens the emotion in every panel. One of the most memorable panels depicts Maria preparing for an attack; exquisite character pose juxtaposed against yellow, orange, and black…simply stunning. This whole review could be about how strong the art team is on this title.

Remender keeps the emotion running heavy against all the action. The inner turmoil he writes for these young characters is pitch perfect. Yes, they have some bigger than life situations, but when one gets right down to it they’re kids; kids who constantly live in petty drama. Rick makes sure that even the smallest little thing will have a price, such is Deadly Class.

This is a brilliant series from Image. It may seem like a common premise, but the creative team elevates it to something much more. Each issue is a must read and this is no exception. Pick this book up and prepare for an emotional roller coaster.

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About The Author Erik Gonzalez

I was exposed to comics early on, one of my earliest vivid memories was picking up the entire run of Dark Horse’s Aliens vs. Predator(1990). Odd and perhaps morbid choice for a kid, I know...At the same time, I was immersed in the pop culture of the time which included, but not limited to: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and of course, Batman: The Animated Series. Upon reflection, it’s fairly evident why I’m such a zealous geek. My day job is in television operations, so basically I’m exposed to media at every turn, which is where I want to be! Writing comic book reviews is another outlet to convey my respect and fanaticism for the this graphic medium. I hope what I have to say will resonate with others and also spark heart-felt discussion. Simon Pegg said it best, “Being a geek is extremely liberating.”

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