The Knives

Criminal #11

by Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (Artist), Jacob Phillips (Colorist)

THE FIRST NEW CRIMINAL BOOK IN FIVE YEARS!

With the Prime Video adaptation premiering soon, crime comic grandmasters ED BRUBAKER and SEAN PHILLIPS return to their most acclaimed series with a new standalone graphic novel: THE KNIVES.

A sprawling CRIMINAL epic, THE KNIVES is the most ambitious tale BRUBAKER and PHILLIPS have ever tackled. Three dark journeys wind around each other over a decade, like sharks hunting for a kill.

Cartoonist Jacob Kurtz goes to Hollywood in the era of peak TV to work on an adaptation of his comic strip, only to find himself caught up in the life of his aging aunt and the vultures circling her estate. Angie was raised at the Undertow, but now everything she loves has been taken from her. She's on the streets with vengeance on her mind, her eyes set on the city's kingpin. And finally, Tracy Lawless is home from the special forces, finally a civilian again, but he's in bad shape and this city has always brought out the worst in him.

These three tales collide in THE KNIVES, a breathtaking noir story about greed, ambition, heartbreak, and blood ties. A must-have for all BRUBAKER and PHILLIPS fans!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Crime, Fiction, Noir, Mystery, Graphic Novels Comics

200 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2025

About the author

Ed Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.

In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never stop.
That would be the entirety of my fan letter to Brubaker and Phillips.



I love how these characters, some long dead, keep popping up with more stories about random times in their lives. They're all interconnected in ways that I didn't imagine when I first started reading Criminal, and I love how these stories keep going backward and sideways in time to show us different sides of the character at different points in their life.



The Knives takes us back to everyone's favorite part-time forger, full-time creator of the Frank Kafka comic strip, this time showing us his time in Hollywood. His creation is getting a television show, and he's there, not so much to help but to lend the show some credibility. Not that he realizes that at first. You can't help but wonder how many of Jacob's experiences were a direct reflection of Brubaker's experiences on the Criminal television series. If so, that show is going to be ass. God, I hope not. I need something to look forward to.
We are also introduced to Jacob's elderly aunt, who has a nice address and a little bit of money due to her husband being a screenwriter. <--this becomes important toward the end of the book.



The story flip-flops between Jacob in Hollywood, in the distant past, and Jacob in theless distant past, forming a platonic bond with Angie, who sporadically crashes on his couch after Jake dies and she's kicked out of The Undertow.
Angie is circling the drain, lashing out at the crime boss who took not only her home but the boy she loved away from her.
Meanwhile, Tracy Lawless is back from military service and at loose ends.



Their lives all intersect and explode in a way that is unique to the world Brubaker and Phillips have created here.
Bottom line is that all of a sudden, I feel a craving to re-read the entire series.
Anyone else?
Highly Recommended.

[MagretFume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brubacker & Phillips did what they do best, writing noir drama about desperate characters, and as usual, I loved every page of it. 

It's beautiful, it's human, and it's so well told. 

To me, it's a must read. 

Thank you so much Image Comics for this ARC!

[Ben A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brubaker and Phillips return to Criminal and bring their perfect “A” game with them as this graphic novel absolutely sizzles with pure, dark neo-noir energy that brings back familiar characters and sets the stage for the next era of the series.

Special Thanks to Image Comics and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

[Machiavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Image Comics for the ARC.

The Knives proves once again why Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips remain an unstoppable force in modern comics. Every entry in Criminal has been sharp, layered, and relentlessly human, but this one might be the most haunting of them all.

The story follows two central characters — a struggling comic book writer haunted by the gap between the stories he creates and the choices he’s made in real life, and a young woman pulled into the wrong crowd with nowhere safe to turn. Their narratives are interwoven and spiral deeper into the kind of noir nightmare only Brubaker can craft. By juxtaposing the comic writer’s artistic self-reflection with the woman’s raw fight for survival, Brubaker exposes how thin the line is between creation and destruction, fantasy and consequence. He doesn’t just tell a crime story — he dissects how desperation, fear, and longing drive people into corners where every option cuts like a knife. It’s raw, emotional, and uncompromising, with characters that feel brutally real.

Sean Phillips, as always, elevates the script into something cinematic. His shadow-drenched panels, moody cityscapes, and perfectly timed expressions make every moment land with impact. Jacob Phillips’ colors continue to impress — restrained but deliberate, adding heat where the story burns and chill where it bleeds.

What I love about The Knives is that it’s not just about crime, but about consequence. It’s tense and bloody when it needs to be, but at its core it’s about people trying to survive a world that doesn’t care about them — a theme that feels both timeless and tragically current.

Brubaker and Phillips don’t miss. If you’re already a Criminal fan, this is essential. If you’re new, this stands on its own as a devastatingly effective entry point. Either way, it’s one of the best comics of the year.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Criminal regulars Jacob Kurtz and Angie Watson alternate and share chapters in this latest installment of the long-running crime series. A portrait of their evolving relationship over a decade is spiced up with a lot of violence, a little burglary, and a smidge of kidnapping.

Sharply executed. I really need to go back and re-read this series in the near future because I know I'm forgetting important connections to the first stories I read nearly twenty years ago.


FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Frank Kafka goes to Hollywood -- Requiem for a Heavyweight -- The Occasional Roommate -- The Queen of Bad Decisions: a Love Story -- To Hell and Back Again -- New Day Rising -- Afterword

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Criminal goes Hollywood, with predictably bleak-yet-entertaining results.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

my 500th Review/Book this year! Half way there!!!!

Alright, listen up, because it feels fucking GREAT to be back in the Criminal universe! Brubaker and that goddamn genius Sean Phillips have delivered another killer addition to one of the best crime series ever.

This time around, we're thrown into the lives of two fascinating characters. First up is Jacob, a comic artist who heads to Hollywood with dreams of his TV show blowing up, but things predictably go sideways and get real messy. Then we've got Ang, a girl who's been through the wringer and is just trying to pick up the damn pieces.

Maybe it's been too long since I dove into a Criminal book, but that surprise ending seriously kicked this story up a notch for me. The criminal element doesn't even rear its ugly head until maybe the last third, but when it does, it's bloody, messy, and nasty as hell – just the way I like this series. And the ending? Fucking fantastic, tying into a bunch of other characters we know and love.

My only gripes? I felt like it wandered a bit in the middle, and that whole "sleeping with this chick" subplot felt kind of pointless. Not really sure what the hell happened there.

Overall, though, this is a seriously fucking good 4 out of 5. It's a brutal reminder of why this series is so damn good.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit, I was apprehensive about reading this. I'm not into noir or dark, I prefer my escapism reading to be a little bit on the happier and lighter side, but it had so many positive, glowing reviews, that I took the chance.

And WOW did that chance pay off big! This was hard to get into at first, seeing the poor writer in LA, his downfall and then his bigger downfall, and then to see how the poor girl and her life just going so far off of the rails... I was seriously wondering if I had made a mistake, but it all tied together and THAT. ENDING. It gave me SHIVERS. It's dark. It's gritty. But it had a thread of hope weaving through it. It was a delicate balance, but it worked.

5, I just talked myself into a five star review, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc from Netgalley.

Despite enjoying much of Brubaker's output, I always found most of the Criminal books to be overrated. This is not the case with The Knives. The three stories, featuring familiar faces, wind together through the barely hidden underworld, culminating in dark misdeeds.

[Eric Novello · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Knives é a nova rodada de histórias do universo de Criminal, criado pelo roteirista Ed Brubaker em parceria com o ilustrador Sean Phillips. Criminal vem sendo construído sem pressa desde 2006, com volumes de histórias que podem ser lidos individualmente sem prejuízo de entendimento, mas que juntos formam um grande mapa da vida de diferentes personagens.

Em The Knives reencontramos o roteirista de quadrinhos Jacob Kurtz. Da última vez que apareceu ele andava tendo crises de sonambulismo em Bad Night e estava envolvido num crime rocambolesco. O personagem é o autor da tirinha Frank Kafka, P.I., que tem uma pegada de investigação com acontecimentos bizarros e é lida por personagens de Criminal aqui e ali.

Em The Knives Jacob tem a oportunidade de ir trabalhar em Hollywood como roteirista, já que Frank Kafka está sendo adaptada para uma série de TV. Depois de um colapso emocional que o afastou da arte, ele vê a oferta de trabalho como sua chance de se reaproximar da criação de histórias, mas logo descobre que as pessoas em Hollywood não se interessam em originalidade e muito menos em tratar desconhecidos bem. Para piorar, sua breve passagem por Hollywood causará problemas inesperados no futuro que levarão Jacob a precisar de ajuda de um velho conhecido dos leitores de Criminal.

Como Ed Brubaker tem trabalhado na televisão já faz um tempo, é divertido imaginar o que é ficção e o que é desabafo nas situações envolvendo Jacob.

Ao longo de The Knives a história de Jacob se entrelaça com a de Angie, outra velha conhecida. Angie aparece ainda criança em Coward (se não me engano), e agora está com mais de vinte anos de idade. Temos um panorama de tudo que ela passou nos últimos anos e seu leve envolvimento com o mundo do crime, tendo se tornado uma espécie de mulher-gato (eu vi o que vc fez aqui, mr. Brubaker!) para pagar as contas. Atual dona do bar icônico que serve de ponto de encontro para os criminosos de Criminal, ela anda numa fase ruim, correndo inclusive o risco de perder o bar. (falar do restante seria spoiler). Sendo amiga de Jacob, Angie dorme na casa dele vez ou outra quando está precisando esfriar a cabeça e se recuperar dos seus próprios problemas. E é aí que os problemas dos dois protagonistas se cruzam.

Para fechar o quadro temos uma participação de Tracy Lawless. A família Lawless é meio que o coração de Criminal e as histórias giram ao redor deles, dos conhecidos deles ou das consequências das presepadas que eles armam. Tracy é o mais centrado deles, porém não menos violento. Em The Knives, ele é também o fio que amarra a história de Jacob e Angie no passado e no presente, quando precisa orientar os dois na resolução dos seus conflitos. Tracy anda meio perdido na vida, sem um propósito, e ajudar os dois amigos dá a ele uma visão mais clara de quem pode ser no futuro.

Sobre a estrutura, The Knives possui cortes mais secos e ligeiros do que algumas rodadas anteriores da série. Os quadros vão sempre direto ao ponto e nunca duram mais do que o necessário. Isso quebra em parte o que se espera do tempo do noir e dá um ritmo mais de quadrinho de ação, algo que Ed Brubaker explorou bastante na série Reckless, por exemplo. Acho que poderia ter mais um quadro aqui e ali em algumas páginas, mas não é nada que comprometa a leitura. Pelo contrário, ajuda a ir até o final num pique só. Um feito impressionante também é o Brubaker e Phillips conseguirem fazer isso cruzando um monte de pequenas tramas e histórias sem que a gente se perca. Tá redondinho.

Em termos de drama The Knives não chega a bater Cruel Summer, que ainda é meu favorito, mas é fácil uma das histórias mais divertidas e otimistas de Criminal (ou tão otimista quanto Criminal pode ser). O novo volume sustenta sozinho, faz uma ponte interessante entre o passado e o presente, serve como porta de entrada para quem nunca leu a série e tem um charme próprio que, a meu ver, dá uma pista do que os autores estão planejando para o futuro da série. Como Criminal está sendo adaptada para a TV, talvez haja uma pista nesse sentido também.


No Brasil os quadrinhos de CRIMINAL são publicados em capa dura pela Editora Mino.
The Knives ainda não saiu por aqui e minha resenha foi feita em cima da Advance Copy que a editora Image me enviou.

Se você é muito crica com quantidade de estrelas (acho meio estranho resumir histórias a apenas isso), eu diria que The Knives leva um 4.5.

----

[ENGLISH]
The Knives is the new round of stories in the Criminal universe, created by writer Ed Brubaker in partnership with illustrator Sean Phillips. Criminal has been carefully built since 2006, with standalone volumes that you can read individually without compromising understanding, but that together form a large map of the lives of different characters.

In The Knives we meet again the comic book writer Jacob Kurtz. The last time he was around, he struggled with sleepwalking episodes in Bad Night and was caught up in a convoluted crime. The character is the author of Frank Kafka, P.I. comic, which mixes bizarre events with detective investigations, and is occasionally read by characters in Criminal.

In The Knives, Jacob has the chance to work in Hollywood as a screenwriter, since Frank Kafka is being adapted into a TV series. After an emotional breakdown that pushed him away from art, he sees the offer as a chance to reconnect with storytelling—but soon discovers that in Hollywood people are not interested in originality, let alone in treating outsiders well. To make matters worse, his brief stay in Hollywood will cause unexpected problems in the future, which will force Jacob to seek help from an old acquaintance familiar to Criminal readers.

Since Ed Brubaker has been working in television for some time, it’s fun to imagine what in Jacob’s situations is pure fiction and what is a bit of venting.

Throughout The Knives, Jacob’s story intertwines with Angie’s, another familiar face. Angie first appeared as a child in Coward, and in her twenties now. We get an overview of everything she has gone through in recent years and her involvement in the criminal world, having become a sort of cat burglar (I see what you did there, Mr. Brubaker!) to pay the bills. The current owner of the iconic bar that serves as a meeting point for Criminal’s crooks, she’s going through a rough patch, even at risk of losing the bar. As Jacob’s friend, Angie sometimes crashes at his place when in need to clear her mind for her own troubles. That’s where the problems of the two protagonists collide.

Rounding out the cast, we also get Tracy Lawless. The Lawless family is essentially the heart of Criminal—the stories revolve around them, their acquaintances, or the fallout from their schemes. Tracy is the most grounded of the family, though no less violent. In The Knives, he is also the thread that ties Jacob’s and Angie’s stories together in the past and present, as he steps in to guide them through their conflicts. Tracy himself is a bit adrift in life, lacking purpose, and helping his two friends gives him a clearer sense of who he might become in the future.

As for structure, The Knives has sharper, quicker cuts than some previous installments of the series. The panels always go straight to the point and never last longer than necessary. This partly breaks the traditional pacing expected of noir and gives it more of an action rhythm, something Brubaker explored heavily in the Reckless series. I think an extra panel here and there wouldn’t hurt, but it’s nothing that gets in the way of reading. On the contrary, it helps keep the momentum going all the way through the end. An impressive feat here is how Brubaker and Phillips manage to juggle so many small plots and sub-stories without the reader ever getting lost. It’s tight.

In terms of drama, The Knives doesn’t quite reach the heights of Cruel Summer (still my favorite), but it’s easily one of the most fun and optimistic Criminal stories (or as optimistic as Criminal can get). The new volume stands on its own, makes an interesting bridge between past and present, serves as a solid entry point for new readers, and carries its own unique charm that, in my view, hints at the future direction of the series.

[Rick Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following their last entry in the Criminal universe with the culmination of the Cruel Summer arc, the creative team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips break their five year hiatus from the title with an original graphic novel, The Knives. Though largely related as a promotional item for the upcoming TV adaptation, this return to Criminal is seamless and as riveting as past entries in the series have ever been. Returning to the fold are the recurring characters of Jacob Kurtz and Angie Watson, both of whom serve as alternative character viewpoints for this new story. Their narratives are at first separate, but intertwine in masterful and unexpected ways, and their paths bring them before a whole host of familiar characters from other Criminal arcs. Jacob's story reflects a lot of Ed Brubaker's love of utilizing Hollywood's seedy underbelly as a narrative drive and setting, but it's in Angie's story that we really see the connective tissue with all things relating to the epic ongoing saga of the Hyde crime family and the role of the various Lawless' in the propagation of their criminal activities.

I'll admit that the more recent collaborations between Brubaker and Phillips have been less than engaging, with their work beginning to feel stale. But The Knives proves that sometimes a little distance and time apart is all that is needed to see a renewed freshness in the material. This is pretty much just as great of an entry of Criminal as many in the past, maybe even more so. The expert use of nonlinear narratives and collective world-building show that this pair are really flexing at this point, and I'm once more excited to see where Criminal heads to next.

[Randy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if there are many creators where I own literally all of their collaborations but I know it’s the case for Brubaker/Phillips and this fantastic crime/noir masterpiece is another reason why. They never miss, and I’ll follow wherever they go, and I love the extended continuity of Criminal. It was fun to return to this world. I hope someday they get back to Reckless too.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I was a little nervous at the start of this considering we meet up again with Jacob Kurtz, a comic book creator who is trying to get his comic turned into a TV series and it all goes a bit shit.

Meanwhile in reality Ed Brubaker is currently in the process of getting this very comic off the ground as a series. Since Brubaker is showrunner I assume the timing is more funny than anything else.

I love jumping back into this world in a modern era. It's a series that has always jumped all over the place in time and character so it's fun seeing people pop up who I totally forgot about.

This might be my favourite book in the "Criminal" series, it follows a couple of different characters, jumps all over the place but kept my engaged the whole time. Then again it's been a long time since I've read the rest. Maybe time for a re-read.

Of course the art by the Phillips boys is fantastic.

I was never really a crime fiction fan until someone recommended the first "Criminal" book to me, and I'm glad because even on those rare occasions where it's not amazing, I'm still always entertained by Bubaker and Phillips.

[RatGrrrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Image Comics and have a lot of respect for Brubaker's work, so I absolutely jumped at the chance of getting my hands on this.

I was not familiar with the CRIMINAL series before reading this, but that didn't impact the enjoyment of this graphic novel.

The Knives contains a collection of interconnected stories and tangents following a comic artist turned almost Hollywood writer, his old, rich aunt, an orphan and cat burglar who sleeps on his couch, and an old friend with military training and penchant for violence as they survive in LA among organised and disorganised crime.

The script is incredibly tight and well written. I was locked in and felt like I was watching an indie movie.

The art isn't my favourite style, but it absolutely works for the story being told.

There's not much to say beyond this being an absolutely solid and enjoyable read that makes me in intrigued to check out more of this series.

[Willie Gillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brubaker and Phillips are back with the first new Criminal story in five years.

The Knives tells an interconnected story with three characters that we’ve seen throughout the series so far. What The Knives delivers on is a fast paced story that doesn’t let up until the final page.

Even though this book is told in small vignettes, it’s cohesive and keeps the reader engaged. I love these characters and one I was happy to see when they were introduced into the story.

Brubaker and Phillips created this universe almost two decades ago and it still feels just as fresh as when I picked up that first original issue.

With the Criminal tv show coming on Amazon, I’m hoping we continue to get more of these stories in comic form. They read fast and I love revisiting these characters.

[Frédéric · Rating 4 out of 5]

After several years away, it's a real pleasure to be reading Criminal again and its cast of misfits that we've been following and loving for so long.

Brubaker has cooked up a very long - but never boring - episode with flashbacks and scene breaks that are just spot on. The action unfolds smoothly, we're with the characters and we're on the edge of our seats for them. They've aged, and Brubaker gives them depth, as always.

Artistically, the Phillips family are at the helm, so we're obviously on top-class territory.

In short, a very good episode of Criminal that regular readers can buy into without a second thought. As for everyone else, what are you waiting for to start the series with the 'Coward' arc?

[Taylor Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great to have a new Brubaker and Phillips book in hand! The Knives is a slow burn as all the puzzle pieces come together and then it jams into high gear as it reaches the end. Excellent character work on the writing and art fronts. I’m excited to watch the upcoming show and read more Criminal books for years to come. Here’s to hoping for more Reckless stories soon as well!

[Rumi Bossche · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new graphic novel from Brubaker & Sean Phillips is always cause for joy, but when that book is a new Criminal book, and the thickest they have done in years,  its time to freak! Three Tales that intertwine, with familiar faces, its great,  this is again the duo in top form.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite collaborative team in comics return to their best series and don’t disappoint!

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellently Dark Noir!

Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips are the dynamic duo that everyone should read! Not only are their stories gritty and dark, but they are also action-packed and full of heart! The Knives is an out-of-this-world epic! Following several characters whose lives slowly and surely intertwine, I was instantly hooked. The characters come to life with vibrant illustrations, and the unique style draws your eyes to every detail on the page. And the dark themes explored are exactly what you would expect from this duo at their best! Run, don't walk to grab your copy of the exceptional return to the Criminal Universe!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purposefully didn’t read this all in one sitting because it was too good. I needed to savor it a bit. I felt insane putting it down and instead reading something I was less excited about. But I just couldn’t bear finishing it too fast.

The next night I continued and realized I had more left than I estimated. Could have spent another night reading this but this time I couldn’t stop and finished it. Brubaker/Phillips don’t miss. Criminal doesn’t miss.

[Alican Kunta · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is not a bad Criminal book or a Brubaker-Philips book for that matter. It’s noir at its best at all times.
Although here I felt the narration felt a bit tiring especially in the beginning parts, still doesn’t take away from the majestic achievement of this autobiographical graphic novel masterpiece.

[Kevin Duvall · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’d think after releasing 30 or so trade volumes worth of stories, this creative team might plateau, but nah. This book revisited some great characters from the Criminal series that hadn’t shown up in ages and gave them really satisfying character development.

[Mike Shackle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comic book perfection.

[kesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

ed brubaker and sean phillips were meant to create comics

brubaker's storytelling and phillips' artwork are so immersive, you can tell how much care they put into their respective crafts by how well the three stories interwove into one. we are welcomed back to old characters jacob kurtz (who is super meta), gnarly and angie undertow as i like to remember her, and crowd pleaser tracy lawless - the reading experience is so cohesive, the ambitious storytelling format most definitely pays off

despite how brutal and gritty the criminal universe is, it almost feels like a slice-of-life. no matter how much time has passed or where you are in the world, you will always have those universal human experiences. reading brubaker's afterword, the intention was to bring the series into the modern day "nightmare" and i for one am relieved that these characters have a place in the creative team's future plans because the world needs more of this series

you will definitely appreciate it more if you've read the criminal series but, it definitely stands as a self-contained story and honestly i like that, it's like a loyalty card for enjoyment that doesn't take away from new fans, can't wait for the june release thanks dads

4.25/5

[Kim (BritishLass929) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot write an honest, objective review of this work. I am a huge Ed Brubaker fan and have been for years. Although many people are familiar with his work for Marvel Comics on such works as Captain America, I know him as the master of noir in a graphic novel format. The Knives is the latest installment in the Criminal franchise, which is currently being adapted for television.

The story is told fragments, each focusing on a particular character. The reader knows these stories intersect, but not when. That is the best part of this ride. There are also two clearly marked “tangents” which are primarily used for exposition. It is not necessary to have read other books in the Criminal universe to understand this story as it is mostly self-contained.

The other asset here is the protagonist is unclear. Whose story are we really reading? Angie, the young woman resorting to a life of burglary to hide her grief, or Jacob, the dreamer who realizes all that glitters is fool’s gold? Both stories would have worked on their own but having them intersect makes them work better.

Thematically the sense of doom pervades on every page. From the dark colors drawn excellently by Brubaker artist Sean Phillips to the dark scenery, there is no light to be had here. Even the sunny Hollywood pages leak a sense that this will only be temporary. Knowing what I know about Brubaker, it seems part of this may have been autobiographical.

In short, this longest Criminal entry only left me wanting more. In the notes, Brubaker says the team is working on the next installment of this franchise. I, for one, cannot wait.

[Thomas Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob Kurtz created an acclaimed comic strip that is being adapted into a TV show. When he travels out to LA he finds the glamour is not what he thought it would be. But when he catches up with his old aunt he is given a great opportunity for his future. Angie is working at her families bar when she finds it under new management and gets into dangerous work trying to fill her days afterwards. These characters end up involved in the criminal underworld in different ways and are forced to figure out what they need to do to survive.

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips weave together different characters to form a complex, satisfying graphic novel. The first two thirds leave out a lot of the crime aspects of the story, and build out an interesting world for Jacob and Angie to move in and out of each other's lives. The sections jump around in location and time in fun ways that keep the story moving forward. Then the final action packed act brings their stories to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. I have not read all of the Criminal books, but I really enjoyed this story and its heart. This was a great graphic novel and another success for Brubaker and Phillips.

Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for a copy of the Knives in exchange for an honest review.

[Brendan T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this a couple times since publication and forgot to log it. Something about it’s been insanely comforting to me and I’m bound to go back a third time in the next few weeks. Brubaker and Phillips always impress. There’s just something so human about Brubaker’s stories and how he revels in heartbreak and nostalgia and Phillips’ art is always stunning. There’s a lot of subtleties to both. It’s weird, there’s some great panels but there’s a single panel of Jacob looking out a window longing for a love passed that’s just elegantly rendered by Phillips with Brubaker’s perfect yet simple monologue going over it. It just lands.

It’s great to see them working in the Criminal world again. This one made me cry in multiple parts and continued to have that same effect on reread. I dunno, just something about it man. Think it found me at the right time.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 4 out of 5]

the whole series is excellent and this stands out as a criminal story that doesn't go completely as you would expect it to.