Kill or Be Killed Volume 1

LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED) -- This first volume in anew series by the acclaimed team of Brubaker and Phillips (The Fade Out),with colorist Breitweiser (Velvet), combines elements of crime fictionand horror both psychological and supernatural to present a look at vigilantismunlike anything else. Depressed college student Dylan attempts suicide only tobe spared by a demon with the offer of a bargain-kill someone once a month orface death yourself. Dylan soon decides to start targeting criminals overlookedby the system and becomes strangely successful in his violent endeavors. Hispersonal affairs improve, and it seems for the first time he's living the lifehe's always wanted-which is exactly when the repercussions of his actions startcatching up to him. Brubaker's talent for plotting, dialog, and exploring thedarkest corners of the human heart is wonderfully complemented by Phillips'sskill at depicting both drama and larger-than-life violence. VERDICT Brubakerand Phillips are among the most dependable names in comics, and this new titlewill only further their reputation. Decidedly not for kids, but for everyoneelse, it's not to be missed.-TB