Button Man II: The Confession of Harry Exton

Button Man #2

by John Wagner, Arthur Ranson (Illustrator)

BACK IN THE GAME!

Harry Exton thinks that he has bought his way out of the Killing Game, but when a US senator smuggles him out of the UK and makes him an offer he can’t refuse, he finds himself becoming a Button Man once more. As the stakes get higher, though, so Harry’s passion for killing spirals out of control and his backer decides that the game is over. Little does he realise that Harry Exton is playing for keeps!

This high-octane thriller is collected together for the first time in graphic novel format and features the writing of John Wagner (A History of Violence) and the striking art of Arthur Ranson (Judge Anderson).

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Comic Book, Crime

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

John Wagner is a comics writer who was born in Pennsylvania in 1949 and moved to Scotland as a boy. Alongside Pat Mills, Wagner was responsible for revitalising British boys' comics in the 1970s, and has continued to be a leading light in British comics ever since. He is best known for his work on 2000 AD, for which he created Judge Dredd. He is noted for his taut, violent thrillers and his black humour. Among his pseudonyms are The best known are John Howard, T.B. Grover, Mike Stott, Keef Ripley, Rick Clark and Brian Skuter. (Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Anthony O'Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid follow-up to the excellent Killing Game, The Confessions doesn't quite match the dark brilliance of its predecessor but remains an entertaining pulpy yarn nonetheless. Harry Exton really is a loose unit, though. Much of the trouble he gets into this time around is basically the result of him being a bit of a bloodthirsty prick. Still, once again the artwork, mood and premise are all rock solid enough to justify this second outing.

Will the winning streak continue for a third? Let's find out.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Wagner brings out another brilliant graphic novel; perfect for any spy/bond/revenge/dog eat dog loves, with art work so good the story comes to life; and forces you to almost suck up every page; bring Button Man to life is not to be missed, miss this one you won't need Harry Exton to finish u off.

[Stephen J. Golds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic art. Fantastic story. Highly recommended.

[fonz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuación de las aventuras del ex-soldado y asesino Harry Exton, ahora en USA, donde, a sueldo de un senador, competirá con otros asesinos durante un año. Pero como era de esperar, la manumisión de un Harry cada vez más misántropo y violento se complica y la cosa acaba como el rosario de la aurora.

Esta continuación me ha parecido algo inferior al primer volumen, lo que era una interesante metáfora de la competición intrasexual masculina, aquí deviene en la exploración de ese personaje tan común en la ficción actual, sobre todo televisiva, el personaje masculino profundamente misántropo y alienado, extremadamente inteligente pero carente de empatía y compasión, terriblemente eficaz y competente en lo que sabe hacer, en este caso, matar. Aunque se toca el tema un poquito, hubiera molado que se incidiera algo más en la tragedia de acabar así de jodido y no poder encontrar redención. Harry es lo que es, un completo hijo de puta sin escrúpulos que por avaricia se ve envuelto en unas circunstancias que no le facilitan su regreso a la humanidad y los autores se cuidan mucho de juzgarle, ha de hacerlo el lector.

La historia es entretenida y de nuevo goza de un gran ritmo, aunque pueda resultar un pelín repetitiva (a grandes rasgos no deja de ser el argumento del primer volumen ahora en América), pero bien, correcta en su crescendo violento y el relato de la progresiva alienación de Harry. El dibujo de Ranson muy bien, no tan creativo como en el primer volumen, pero de nuevo otro festival de hiperrealismo fotográfico para el que guste de su estilo.

[Bob Solanovicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit disappointing but it must be pretty hard to follow such a perfect comic book as was the first Button Man series. It is kind of repetitive, but on the other hand Wagner gives us a few miniature further insights in Harry Exton's psyche so I wouldn't call it a waste of time at all. Of course, Arthur Ranson's art is brilliant in this one as well as the first. Maybe less experimental but he has such a unique style that it doesn't matter. I could just watch his panels of exterior shots of nature endlessly. Overall, If you're extremely picky - avoid this one. If not, you've got nothing to lose. It's still a well written piece of comic book art.

[Timo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wagner at his best. He truly writes cold and ruthless crime that really works. And he does it with out too many words, he lets the art do the talking. Which was nice by the way. The art I mean.