Reviewer: Mathan Erhardt
Story Title: In Stinked Conclusion
Written by: Brian Azzarello
Penciled and Inked by: Eduardo Risso
Colored by: Patricia Mulvihill
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Cover by: Dave Johnson
Editor: Will Dennis
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics
When we last left Jack he was messing up some big game hunting in a small town. As a result he was shot with animal tranquilizer and about to be on the receiving end of some revenge.
This issue opens with the sound of a hail of bullets and Jack’s friend Mikey covered in blood, the blood of the mob guys that Jack attacked last issue. Mikey and his cousin Garvey finished the job. Garvey knows it’s over for him so the tries to save his woman Mary.
Jack’s still unconscious in the tiger cage and Mikey, Mary and Garvey attempt to clean the mess up themselves. Just when it seems like they have the perfect plan Bill the crooked cop stumbles onto their scheme. What’s worse is that he shoots Mikey and dreams up a whole new scenario for the dead bodies.
Unfortunately Wendy, the hot 19 year old walks in on the plan and has to be dealt with. Just in the nick of time Jack springs into action.
In the end we learn that Mikey’s just got a busted wing as he and Jack set the tiger loose. We also learn that Mikey isn’t trying to change his ways, and Jack’s new path will take him to a familiar locale in this series.
Azzarello wraps everything up nicely. It’s odd that Jack is unconscious for most of the book, but those last few pages speak volumes about his character. I really liked how the more Mikey and Garvey tried to clean up the mess, the larger it got. Plus Azzarello gets points for stopping by the 100 Bullets Message Board over at DC to answer questions.
The art is superb as always. If a picture is worth a thousand words than the emotion on these pages could fill numerous tomes. From Garvey’s fear of losing everything, to Bill’s frustration at the entire situation, to the rage in Jack when he enters the fray, every emotion perfectly captures the moment. But the look that says it all is on page twenty. Jack gives Mikey a look that speaks to the sadness and skepticism within his heart. Of course Clem, Patricia, and Dave do the usual fantastic job.
Rumor has it that after #50 the book is back on the monthly schedule. Plus Azz alluded to the fact that answers are forthcoming and some fans believe that they will arrive in #50. And did I mention that a major player dies in #50. Jump on the bandwagon now.
