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100 Bullets: The Deluxe Edition
100 Bullets Book Five
The conclusion to Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso’s critically acclaimed 100 BULLETS.
How far would you go for revenge? If you were given a chance at deadly retribution with a guarantee that the law could not touch you, would you take it?
That’s the opportunity that a man called Agent Graves provides, in the form of a special briefcase containing an untraceable gun and 100 rounds of ammunition. To the damaged and downtrodden living on the fringes of society, the offer is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to even their scores. But beyond the dilemma of whether or not to pull the trigger lies a deeper and even more troubling concern: just who is making these actions possible—and why?
Collects 100 BULLETS #81-100.
How far would you go for revenge? If you were given a chance at deadly retribution with a guarantee that the law could not touch you, would you take it?
That’s the opportunity that a man called Agent Graves provides, in the form of a special briefcase containing an untraceable gun and 100 rounds of ammunition. To the damaged and downtrodden living on the fringes of society, the offer is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to even their scores. But beyond the dilemma of whether or not to pull the trigger lies a deeper and even more troubling concern: just who is making these actions possible—and why?
Collects 100 BULLETS #81-100.
496 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2013
17 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Brian Azzarello
1,298 books1,106 followersBrian Azzarello (born in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American comic book writer. He came to prominence with 100 Bullets, published by DC Comics' mature-audience imprint Vertigo. He and Argentine artist Eduardo Risso, with whom Azzarello first worked on Jonny Double, won the 2001 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story for 100 Bullets #15–18: "Hang Up on the Hang Low".
Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).
In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.
As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.
information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...
Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).
In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.
As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.
information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 7, 2017
If you're like me you've read volume one to see what the fuss is about and you're intrigued, but not sure whether to go the whole distance. "Is it worth it?" I asked myself..... the answer is Nope.
I took a chance and bought all 5 books and read them from beginning to end.
The problem i found was Azzarello's devotion to writing dodgy street wordplay-heavy dialogue, which started to bother from the outset, but I thought i'd get used to it, if that bothers you like it did me then don't bother. At the beginning it felt like part of a larger plot gradually coming together, but reading the end i found that was not really the case. Did i miss something? I found myself re-reading scenes to figure out what was going on.
Also, the character models were confusing. There are a lot of characters who look very similar, and I spend a lot of time trying to figure out who they are. The most distinct characters in the whole series are the ones that seem to be used the least. There are a bunch of guys that look like Graves and Lono and Vic (who looks exactly like Shepherd, in my opinion), but Dizzy and Branch are in this thing almost zero and I know them instantly every time I see them. It makes flashbacks very confusing and lends a convolution to the plot that I don't think would normally be there.
....and the ending, very similar to a Quention Tarantino film.
I took a chance and bought all 5 books and read them from beginning to end.
The problem i found was Azzarello's devotion to writing dodgy street wordplay-heavy dialogue, which started to bother from the outset, but I thought i'd get used to it, if that bothers you like it did me then don't bother. At the beginning it felt like part of a larger plot gradually coming together, but reading the end i found that was not really the case. Did i miss something? I found myself re-reading scenes to figure out what was going on.
Also, the character models were confusing. There are a lot of characters who look very similar, and I spend a lot of time trying to figure out who they are. The most distinct characters in the whole series are the ones that seem to be used the least. There are a bunch of guys that look like Graves and Lono and Vic (who looks exactly like Shepherd, in my opinion), but Dizzy and Branch are in this thing almost zero and I know them instantly every time I see them. It makes flashbacks very confusing and lends a convolution to the plot that I don't think would normally be there.
....and the ending, very similar to a Quention Tarantino film.
March 8, 2019
Taking the last 50 years of Crime+Noir and amplifying the sanguine flow up to 11 and compounding it with an epic flair seemed like a good idea… right? Yet, with such a gargantuan tale so much at stake becomes mired in a morass that is far greater than anyone could have legitimately manifested. Propelled more by its style than its substance or coherence, the journey is to be savored more than its destination.
So much is going on its baffles the mind. With bodies dropped as quickly as new ones are introduced a truly revolving door of cocaine-like addled unfriction rapidly escalates a story that is continually bursting at the seams. And still even after ~2000 pages have been elapsed, only the minorest of bits of order can be deciphered in a story that rarely (and readily) avails us readers of its esoterics.
Far more occluded than transparented, only so much can coherence can be gleaned from an already exhausted third eye. So when the end is reached, it doesn’t reek of putrefaction but, of something pungent with a density that overwhelms the untrained. Yet, for those with a wider depth of experience and know-how, there is disappointingly far less to be truly savored than ideally was presented on the plate to begin with.
100 Bullets isn’t quite a Tru(e)Noir. And for all the comparisons to black film precedents, its scope is far too great to be truly included in that canon. Ultimately its more Epic Gangsta [sic] Opera with tints and tones of Noir than a perhaps cleaner genealogy would imply.
And as such, the internal; jumblings betray their fractures behind deployed smokescreens of gunplay and the macabre. Yes, the plot holes are many. And yes, I think (even) the creative team (themselves) would be unable to fully explain everything going on. But, there’s still good shit here in a medium that has been sadly shackled to Capes and the Comic Code alike for way too long.
In an era in which testosterone levels have significantly dropped, anything considered the slightest bit offensive is akin to mortal sin, and IQ rates are being destroyed by the very mediums we use to participate amongst each other every day, 100 Bullets will remain a harsh totem of a soon to be bygone era.
So much is going on its baffles the mind. With bodies dropped as quickly as new ones are introduced a truly revolving door of cocaine-like addled unfriction rapidly escalates a story that is continually bursting at the seams. And still even after ~2000 pages have been elapsed, only the minorest of bits of order can be deciphered in a story that rarely (and readily) avails us readers of its esoterics.
Far more occluded than transparented, only so much can coherence can be gleaned from an already exhausted third eye. So when the end is reached, it doesn’t reek of putrefaction but, of something pungent with a density that overwhelms the untrained. Yet, for those with a wider depth of experience and know-how, there is disappointingly far less to be truly savored than ideally was presented on the plate to begin with.
100 Bullets isn’t quite a Tru(e)Noir. And for all the comparisons to black film precedents, its scope is far too great to be truly included in that canon. Ultimately its more Epic Gangsta [sic] Opera with tints and tones of Noir than a perhaps cleaner genealogy would imply.
And as such, the internal; jumblings betray their fractures behind deployed smokescreens of gunplay and the macabre. Yes, the plot holes are many. And yes, I think (even) the creative team (themselves) would be unable to fully explain everything going on. But, there’s still good shit here in a medium that has been sadly shackled to Capes and the Comic Code alike for way too long.
In an era in which testosterone levels have significantly dropped, anything considered the slightest bit offensive is akin to mortal sin, and IQ rates are being destroyed by the very mediums we use to participate amongst each other every day, 100 Bullets will remain a harsh totem of a soon to be bygone era.
November 3, 2014
And so Azzarello and Risso’s masterpiece reaches its fated end. As I have droned on and on in earlier reviews about what an accomplishment this work is, I will fight the urge to heap additional praises onto this achievement. All things come violently together in this final deluxe edition of 100 Bullets. While I don’t number this among my most favorite parts of the story, it’s still fuckin criminally awesome.
The remaining heads of the Trust and survivors of the Minutemen collide in one final bloody climax. Most aren’t going to make it out alive. Nor should they. It’s been a long time coming for some of these folks and that bitch, Karma, is finally gonna collect.
While I’m so sad to see this series come to its conclusion, I couldn’t see it ending any other way. Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso, and Dave Johnson have created something truly inspired and I, for one, couldn’t be happier that I got to go along for the ride. If you enjoy crime stories and you haven't read this, you are truly missing out on something really special.
The remaining heads of the Trust and survivors of the Minutemen collide in one final bloody climax. Most aren’t going to make it out alive. Nor should they. It’s been a long time coming for some of these folks and that bitch, Karma, is finally gonna collect.
While I’m so sad to see this series come to its conclusion, I couldn’t see it ending any other way. Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso, and Dave Johnson have created something truly inspired and I, for one, couldn’t be happier that I got to go along for the ride. If you enjoy crime stories and you haven't read this, you are truly missing out on something really special.
September 10, 2022
(Zero spoiler review for the omnibus collecting this arc) 4.75/5
I've literally just turned the final page on this outstanding tome a few minutes ago. It's still a little fresh, a little raw. I'm not quite sure I've fully come to terms with it all. Just how special it was. That its really over. You know, that upset, whimsical kind of nostalgia that gets you deep down in the feels. Like losing a dear friend. A reminder of what it feels like to be human... to be alive.
First of all, it's a sincere honour to be the first person to put an actual review for this book on this site. An esteem I take very seriously indeed.
It's not very often a book that starts out really god damn great, actually ends up getting better and better as it goes along. It's even rarer when that series weighs in at a whopping 100 issues. All written by the same writer. All drawn by the same artist. The same creative team across its entire run if I'm not quite mistaken. A feat that is all too rare in comics, yet 100 Bullets stands as testament to the power of a small team of creators on top form, working on a project they all care for and believe in. I really can't stress how brilliant it was to have Risso's art grace every single page of this book. You could name dozens of more technically gifted artists out there, but few, if any can match the man's imitable style. I can't recall another artist that has the man's visual style and storytelling flair. Seriously, this book is a feast for the eyes like no other. The layouts, the character designs, the exquisite colour work. All of it goes together to make one of the most complete and stunning visual aspects to a story in any medium I've experienced. Yeah, it's that good.
Azarello too, is at the top of his game. The top of everyone's game. This is some of the most consistently outstanding comics writing you will ever see. 100 issues with barely a 'good story to be found amidst them all. Volume two was pure fire from start to finish. I have no idea where the second half of this book went today, but I just couldn't put it down. When I can reads hundreds of pages without coming up for air, you know you're onto a winner. This makes so many of his contemporaries look pretty dang average by comparison. I could quibble over little bits and pieces here or there, but I really don't want to even slightly tarnish this right now. Nothing's perfect, but this is just so damn special to me, imperfections be damned.
God how I wish more of comics was like this. Long, amazingly strong runs, the same outstanding art team... DC Vertigo, how I mourn your loss. At its height, this label was the bees knees, the cats pyjamas. To see DC now and how far they have fallen from their hey day, its enough to make one sick. DC Vertigo was some of the best comics ever produced, and right now, 100 Bullets for me, stands at the very pinnacle of Vertigo titles. A more uncompromising, magnificent and mature comic there isn't. Or if there is, please tell me what it is, because I can't see what's going to knock 100 Bullets off it's well earned throne. Essential reading. 4.75/5
OmniBen.
I've literally just turned the final page on this outstanding tome a few minutes ago. It's still a little fresh, a little raw. I'm not quite sure I've fully come to terms with it all. Just how special it was. That its really over. You know, that upset, whimsical kind of nostalgia that gets you deep down in the feels. Like losing a dear friend. A reminder of what it feels like to be human... to be alive.
First of all, it's a sincere honour to be the first person to put an actual review for this book on this site. An esteem I take very seriously indeed.
It's not very often a book that starts out really god damn great, actually ends up getting better and better as it goes along. It's even rarer when that series weighs in at a whopping 100 issues. All written by the same writer. All drawn by the same artist. The same creative team across its entire run if I'm not quite mistaken. A feat that is all too rare in comics, yet 100 Bullets stands as testament to the power of a small team of creators on top form, working on a project they all care for and believe in. I really can't stress how brilliant it was to have Risso's art grace every single page of this book. You could name dozens of more technically gifted artists out there, but few, if any can match the man's imitable style. I can't recall another artist that has the man's visual style and storytelling flair. Seriously, this book is a feast for the eyes like no other. The layouts, the character designs, the exquisite colour work. All of it goes together to make one of the most complete and stunning visual aspects to a story in any medium I've experienced. Yeah, it's that good.
Azarello too, is at the top of his game. The top of everyone's game. This is some of the most consistently outstanding comics writing you will ever see. 100 issues with barely a 'good story to be found amidst them all. Volume two was pure fire from start to finish. I have no idea where the second half of this book went today, but I just couldn't put it down. When I can reads hundreds of pages without coming up for air, you know you're onto a winner. This makes so many of his contemporaries look pretty dang average by comparison. I could quibble over little bits and pieces here or there, but I really don't want to even slightly tarnish this right now. Nothing's perfect, but this is just so damn special to me, imperfections be damned.
God how I wish more of comics was like this. Long, amazingly strong runs, the same outstanding art team... DC Vertigo, how I mourn your loss. At its height, this label was the bees knees, the cats pyjamas. To see DC now and how far they have fallen from their hey day, its enough to make one sick. DC Vertigo was some of the best comics ever produced, and right now, 100 Bullets for me, stands at the very pinnacle of Vertigo titles. A more uncompromising, magnificent and mature comic there isn't. Or if there is, please tell me what it is, because I can't see what's going to knock 100 Bullets off it's well earned throne. Essential reading. 4.75/5
OmniBen.
November 8, 2017
Satisfying finale to 100 Bullets series. Pacing feels tighter than previous volumes. As a conclusion, ends are wrapped up. Violence and bonds. Shifting alliances.
July 6, 2021
This review is for the entire 100 Bullets series:
It's been a long, mostly enjoyable ride. I liked this series. I think there are some cool concepts and original ideas that make it totally worth reading.
On the other end, some of the characters seem like placeholders for stereotypes of certain races, genders, or archetypes in general. There's some cringe there at times. Additionally, there are a TON of characters here, and it can be convoluted at times. Very convoluted.
That being said, it's a fun read to see a bunch of action and internal criminal syndicate espionage. Once you get a decent grasp on who's who, following their stories and motivations is a fun ride. Most of the stories get wrapped up fully (if a little quickly) and you're left with a lot to think about.
There are some bumps along the road but I enjoyed my time with 100 Bullets.
It's been a long, mostly enjoyable ride. I liked this series. I think there are some cool concepts and original ideas that make it totally worth reading.
On the other end, some of the characters seem like placeholders for stereotypes of certain races, genders, or archetypes in general. There's some cringe there at times. Additionally, there are a TON of characters here, and it can be convoluted at times. Very convoluted.
That being said, it's a fun read to see a bunch of action and internal criminal syndicate espionage. Once you get a decent grasp on who's who, following their stories and motivations is a fun ride. Most of the stories get wrapped up fully (if a little quickly) and you're left with a lot to think about.
There are some bumps along the road but I enjoyed my time with 100 Bullets.
February 26, 2025
I'm a bit conflicted about my final review on the series, can't say I'm happy it's done, but not regretting it either!
The amount of death in every chapter is staggering, with the final truth being told, and everyman is on his own, and the paper thin trust that was holding each of the groups at war being torn apart, we see everyone shifting allegiances and turning upon each other..
This was really a very good story, but the way it was told, was not for me, I got lost many times across the volumes, but was enjoying it nonetheless, sometimes it felt like loving a song in a foreign language that you don't understand, you don't know the meaning of the lyrics, but the vocal and the beat compensate for that. And I Guess this last sentence wraps up my final verdict on the series.
And to be clear on what exactly made it difficult for me, it was the heavy resemblence between many of the key characters in the book, and since the story is not following a linear progression, but moving in bits and pieces that seem scattered but collect in the end of each volume, I found it hard to follow who's who in which part, but otherwise, the art was an eye candy, and the whole thing was reminiscent of the amazing 'Sin City' masterpiece.
Although I never read anything twice, but if I ever do, this is one work that deserves it, maybe if I read it again, I'll get a better grip on the story this time...
MiM
The amount of death in every chapter is staggering, with the final truth being told, and everyman is on his own, and the paper thin trust that was holding each of the groups at war being torn apart, we see everyone shifting allegiances and turning upon each other..
This was really a very good story, but the way it was told, was not for me, I got lost many times across the volumes, but was enjoying it nonetheless, sometimes it felt like loving a song in a foreign language that you don't understand, you don't know the meaning of the lyrics, but the vocal and the beat compensate for that. And I Guess this last sentence wraps up my final verdict on the series.
And to be clear on what exactly made it difficult for me, it was the heavy resemblence between many of the key characters in the book, and since the story is not following a linear progression, but moving in bits and pieces that seem scattered but collect in the end of each volume, I found it hard to follow who's who in which part, but otherwise, the art was an eye candy, and the whole thing was reminiscent of the amazing 'Sin City' masterpiece.
Although I never read anything twice, but if I ever do, this is one work that deserves it, maybe if I read it again, I'll get a better grip on the story this time...
MiM
Read
October 15, 2024Been a while since I read the last collection, but this feels about equal to all that came before. It's a good ending to the series, appropriately noir. As usual, Azzarello's indirect storytelling is a problem; I still don't fully grasp the intricacies of the Minutemen/Trust relationships, and character motivations in these final 20 issues were sometimes lost on me. Azzarello just doesn't convey information clearly. A close reread might clear things up, but I don't expect that to happen for a while, if ever.
Even with Azzarello's confusing storytelling, I did like this series overall. Sentence-to-sentence and scene-to-scene, it's often excellent. Those short character pieces, especially in the first half, make the series for me. I kind of wish it remained an anthology of short crime pieces rather than becoming more epic and interconnected. And I have to mention Eduardo Risso. Drawing all 100 issues with no dip in quality is a phenomenal feat. I love his Frank Miller-esque art throughout the entire series. There are very few artists I can think of who drew a mainstream title for this long, and remained consistent during the whole thing.
Even with Azzarello's confusing storytelling, I did like this series overall. Sentence-to-sentence and scene-to-scene, it's often excellent. Those short character pieces, especially in the first half, make the series for me. I kind of wish it remained an anthology of short crime pieces rather than becoming more epic and interconnected. And I have to mention Eduardo Risso. Drawing all 100 issues with no dip in quality is a phenomenal feat. I love his Frank Miller-esque art throughout the entire series. There are very few artists I can think of who drew a mainstream title for this long, and remained consistent during the whole thing.
February 3, 2018
Overall the series was great, as Chicago Sun-Times described it "One of the greatest works of crime fiction in any medium". Book 3 and 4 was my favorite among them. The art was great, except when it came to the drawing of certain characters. I was confused more than once , and had hard time to tell who was who till the other character said their name. The ending was very good and it left room for the story to continue. I wish I could see this masterpiece one day on the small screen.
February 17, 2025
A bit of a flat ending but still a great story overall.
August 18, 2015
This amazingly violent comes to its even more violent conclusion with a break-neck pace that makes it impossible to put down.
A lot of plot threads and character motivations are explained, but this is done in the most subtle way possible, with characters talking between them as if no one's looking instead of the infodumps a lot of writers resort to. This can be infuriating to a lot of people used to that way of telling stories, but if you paid attention carefully, everything will be explained.
Finally, I have to say this is the best I've seen from my fellow countryman Eduardo Risso. Yes, his characters models can seem grotesque to some people, but his body language is superb (from every possible angle you can imagine), panel layouts are awesome and his use of shadows is masterful, blocking a lot of unnecessary objects while at the same time highlighting a lot of them that bring an incredible level of detail to the frame. Nobody draws a better office desk or the inside of a bar than Risso.
All in all, this was a great series. Though I would have loved to see some more stories of Graves giving attaches to regular people, the war between the Minutemen and the different factions of the Trust was truly a blast.
A lot of plot threads and character motivations are explained, but this is done in the most subtle way possible, with characters talking between them as if no one's looking instead of the infodumps a lot of writers resort to. This can be infuriating to a lot of people used to that way of telling stories, but if you paid attention carefully, everything will be explained.
Finally, I have to say this is the best I've seen from my fellow countryman Eduardo Risso. Yes, his characters models can seem grotesque to some people, but his body language is superb (from every possible angle you can imagine), panel layouts are awesome and his use of shadows is masterful, blocking a lot of unnecessary objects while at the same time highlighting a lot of them that bring an incredible level of detail to the frame. Nobody draws a better office desk or the inside of a bar than Risso.
All in all, this was a great series. Though I would have loved to see some more stories of Graves giving attaches to regular people, the war between the Minutemen and the different factions of the Trust was truly a blast.
August 19, 2024
Top 5 comic series of all time for me
June 6, 2024
Baš kao sto sam i očekivao. Slab kraj. Nije ni slab, sam po sebi nije loš, ali nakon svega procitanog siguran sam da su svima očekivanja bila mnogo veća.
Nakon celog procitanog serijala dosta tu ima neki rupa i pitanja koja su ostala bez odgovora. Dosta i nekih nelogičnosti. Nisu strasna, može se zazmuriti na njih, ali na 100 brojeva serijala očekivao bih da dobijemo odgovore.
Najveća prednost ovog serijala je i njegova najveća mana. On je konzistentan u smislu da radnja i dešavanja kucaju od početka do kraja istim ritmom. Sa jedne strane nemamo dinamiku radnje a sa druge strane kome legne ovaj tempo vozi ga do kraja. Ono sto vidite u prvih par brojeva je ono sto ćete dobiti i u svih 100.
Jaka i konstantna akcija, sjajni dijalozi i rotacija likova i dogadjaja tako da taman kad sednu likovi na jedno mesto, muzika krene ponovo i izbaci se jedna stolica pa sve dok muzika ponovo ne stane i tako u krug.
Propuštena je neka prilika da priča ima neki dublji triler ili neke ozbiljnije obrte. Svede se uvek na istu foru da je neko znao šta će neko drugi da uradi a onaj treći je bas to predvideo i kod prvog i drugog.
Definitivno zaslužuje još jedno citanje sada kada su mi likovi poznati i kada će mi biti možda lakše da pratim ko kome šta tu dodje ali i dalje sumnjam da će se sve gore navedeno promeniti.
I da, iako sam posle prve knjige rekao da je prevod kod Fibre loš, u narednim knjigama nije tako strasno. Prevod najviše škripi kad su u pitanje afro američki i latino slangovi a prva knjiga obiluje tom vratom dijaloga sok u narednim knjigama slanga ima manje pa je i prevod prihvatljiviji i sasvim dobar.
Nakon celog procitanog serijala dosta tu ima neki rupa i pitanja koja su ostala bez odgovora. Dosta i nekih nelogičnosti. Nisu strasna, može se zazmuriti na njih, ali na 100 brojeva serijala očekivao bih da dobijemo odgovore.
Najveća prednost ovog serijala je i njegova najveća mana. On je konzistentan u smislu da radnja i dešavanja kucaju od početka do kraja istim ritmom. Sa jedne strane nemamo dinamiku radnje a sa druge strane kome legne ovaj tempo vozi ga do kraja. Ono sto vidite u prvih par brojeva je ono sto ćete dobiti i u svih 100.
Jaka i konstantna akcija, sjajni dijalozi i rotacija likova i dogadjaja tako da taman kad sednu likovi na jedno mesto, muzika krene ponovo i izbaci se jedna stolica pa sve dok muzika ponovo ne stane i tako u krug.
Propuštena je neka prilika da priča ima neki dublji triler ili neke ozbiljnije obrte. Svede se uvek na istu foru da je neko znao šta će neko drugi da uradi a onaj treći je bas to predvideo i kod prvog i drugog.
Definitivno zaslužuje još jedno citanje sada kada su mi likovi poznati i kada će mi biti možda lakše da pratim ko kome šta tu dodje ali i dalje sumnjam da će se sve gore navedeno promeniti.
I da, iako sam posle prve knjige rekao da je prevod kod Fibre loš, u narednim knjigama nije tako strasno. Prevod najviše škripi kad su u pitanje afro američki i latino slangovi a prva knjiga obiluje tom vratom dijaloga sok u narednim knjigama slanga ima manje pa je i prevod prihvatljiviji i sasvim dobar.
October 9, 2022
It's hard to tell if this started out with a unique idea, then the authors attempted to create a story out of this idea, or if the story was always planned from the beginning. But it seems to me to be the former. At first, Graves going around giving attache's to people was fascinating and compelling. As the story went on it seemed more challenging to translate this great idea into a coherent narrative.
The story many times was hard to follow, and know precisely what is going on. The relationships with the characters as well were hard to follow at times. At times the story got so confusing, I felt as if I missed an issue and backtracked to make sure I didn't miss anything (which I didn't). I won't go into detail, but some of the confusing relationships were Shephard-Graves, Graves-Dizzy, Graves-Shephard-Trust characters. It seemed like the writer always wanted to try and keep the reader guessing to the detriment of the story. Lots of double-crossing and then 'undouble-crossing' if it can be said that way.
The issue with the character and story development led to a lackluster abrupt ending in my opinion. The stakes didn't seem so high, the 'double-double-cross' by Augusts didn't hit home for me, and Graves' reaction didn't hit the mark.
The series did have its moments. My favorite were the Wylie Times issues which had a Cowboy Bebop feel to them without the sci-fi. Really enjoyed them, and many of the earlier issues with Cole and Dizzy as well. Very unique characters and a fun read in general if you don't take it so seriously.
The story many times was hard to follow, and know precisely what is going on. The relationships with the characters as well were hard to follow at times. At times the story got so confusing, I felt as if I missed an issue and backtracked to make sure I didn't miss anything (which I didn't). I won't go into detail, but some of the confusing relationships were Shephard-Graves, Graves-Dizzy, Graves-Shephard-Trust characters. It seemed like the writer always wanted to try and keep the reader guessing to the detriment of the story. Lots of double-crossing and then 'undouble-crossing' if it can be said that way.
The issue with the character and story development led to a lackluster abrupt ending in my opinion. The stakes didn't seem so high, the 'double-double-cross' by Augusts didn't hit home for me, and Graves' reaction didn't hit the mark.
The series did have its moments. My favorite were the Wylie Times issues which had a Cowboy Bebop feel to them without the sci-fi. Really enjoyed them, and many of the earlier issues with Cole and Dizzy as well. Very unique characters and a fun read in general if you don't take it so seriously.
July 27, 2020
Reviewing the last two books of 100 Bullets as a unitary work. Let's start with what really sets 100 Bullets apart: the masterful art by Risso. He captures action, architecture, character as good as any of the greats. That was the most rewarding reason to read 100 Bullets to its conclusion.
About the writing. There are one or two story arcs toward the close that are quite satisfying. The interactions between Remi and Ronnie were a standout. But it felt like Azzarello was struggling to contain his sprawling cast: too many families, too many Minutemen, not enough plausible motive. The attache-case game is glibly explained away, never to be mentioned again. The plot is sometimes overshadowed by unnecessary sexual violence.
While avoiding the temptation to overplay the Manchurian Candidate gambit, characters are killed only to reveal they're not dead yet. The closing chapters make up for some of these sins but don't quite have the Shakespearean heft Azzarello was aiming for.
Crime doesn't pay, I guess. If you like comics and can handle bloodspattered pulp, the first couple books are definitely worth the pickup for the art alone. But if you want some coherence to your plotting, it may not quite be worth going the distance: 100 Bullets may be better incomplete and vaguely remembered. Recommended with reservations.
About the writing. There are one or two story arcs toward the close that are quite satisfying. The interactions between Remi and Ronnie were a standout. But it felt like Azzarello was struggling to contain his sprawling cast: too many families, too many Minutemen, not enough plausible motive. The attache-case game is glibly explained away, never to be mentioned again. The plot is sometimes overshadowed by unnecessary sexual violence.
While avoiding the temptation to overplay the Manchurian Candidate gambit, characters are killed only to reveal they're not dead yet. The closing chapters make up for some of these sins but don't quite have the Shakespearean heft Azzarello was aiming for.
Crime doesn't pay, I guess. If you like comics and can handle bloodspattered pulp, the first couple books are definitely worth the pickup for the art alone. But if you want some coherence to your plotting, it may not quite be worth going the distance: 100 Bullets may be better incomplete and vaguely remembered. Recommended with reservations.
May 13, 2018
A strong conclusion to the saga - violent as ever - as the pieces finally come together, including the reasoning behind the attaches. Most editions have a dual narrative with two stories which segue into each other back and forth with dialogue that comments on the actions of each story. This paralleling is a clever trick but once you spot it, you don’t half realise it is over used.
Not as nasty as other compendia in the series, despite the high body count (or maybe because it is more acceptable to us to see unlikeable characters killed (a point made by one of the characters during the closing stages).
The misanthropic undertones are less evident also, which is a relief, as the plot drives forward towards its crescendo. Worthy. Makes me want to read it all again (now that I see how it fits together).
Not as nasty as other compendia in the series, despite the high body count (or maybe because it is more acceptable to us to see unlikeable characters killed (a point made by one of the characters during the closing stages).
The misanthropic undertones are less evident also, which is a relief, as the plot drives forward towards its crescendo. Worthy. Makes me want to read it all again (now that I see how it fits together).
July 3, 2020
And so, 100 Bullets draws to a close with a lot of corpses and the final revelation that seemed to come out in a rush. Yes, I know what the secret plot at the center of the narrative was, and it somehow seems too simple in the grand scheme of things that the creators felt the need to keep it hidden for the better part of 85 (out of 100) or so monthly issues. Still, this isn't the kind of story meant to give the characters a happy ending, and it's not like there were innocent people involved at the center of things. This was a story about crime, and even if it doesn't work out for the forces of law and justice in the long run, it does seem to suggest it catches up to everyone sooner or later. I just don't see how a series that ended a 100 issue run with a 12 part final storyline could still somehow seem so rushed...
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July 3, 2025Decidedly a series of its time - there are many times when you start to wonder if Azzarello's crime plots and especially Risso's art are "following genre conventions" or just pushing the limits of good taste. It's also funny how the titular morality play gimmick is almost completely dropped by around issue 25 in favor of a serialized crime family/hitman conspiracy thriller rife with sex and violence - frequently compelling even as it lacks an emotional core and tends to be so complexly plotted that it occasionally doesn't make a lick of sense - on one hand, those final moments are bravura and on the other, it's just delivering what you'd expect. Glad to have finally got around to reading it so that I could say I've read the majority of the Vertigo "classics" but not sure there's much to this one beyond occasional amusement.
April 10, 2019
Może jako samodzielna część zasługiwałaby na cztery gwiazdki. Ale w tym rzecz, że nie można jej tak oceniać. To ostatni fragment bardzo skomplikowanej fabuły. Nigdy wcześniej czegoś tak złożonego literacko w tej formie nie czytałem. Po dotarciu do finału tylko umocniłem się w zamiarze, aby wrócić do tej fabuły ponownie. I następnym razem przeczytać ją tom po tomie, bez kilkumiesięcznych przerw między nimi.
Nie wiem jeszcze czy finał mi się podobał. Oczywiście, nie oczekiwałem prostego zamknięcia wszystkich wątków. Takie zakończenie byłoby ściemą.
To bez wątpienia jeden z najlepszych komiksów jakie przeczytałem w swoim życiu.
Nie wiem jeszcze czy finał mi się podobał. Oczywiście, nie oczekiwałem prostego zamknięcia wszystkich wątków. Takie zakończenie byłoby ściemą.
To bez wątpienia jeden z najlepszych komiksów jakie przeczytałem w swoim życiu.
December 8, 2020
By far and away, most likely, the best crime fiction I’ll ever read; in comic book form atleast. Though don’t let that take away from its action, cunning, and word play. Once again Brian A. Ties together storylines and comes to an epic conclusion. It was written I. The 90s so the words used are of that time, meaning we simply don’t say those words anymore as society would shun us and understandably so.
The final conclusion was Epic. This is the first of the books that I read through and didn’t take a break between chapters to rest my eyes because I didn’t want the ride to stop. Amazing simply amazing.
The final conclusion was Epic. This is the first of the books that I read through and didn’t take a break between chapters to rest my eyes because I didn’t want the ride to stop. Amazing simply amazing.
July 4, 2022
This final volume picked up the pace as all the pieces from previous issues came together in a mad, blood-soaked race to the end. What has Graves been playing at all this time? What have each of the remaining houses been playing at? Who has really been playing who and what were the grand plans? And who will survive when all the bullets have been fired? The arcs in this volume are some of the most violent of the series. They weave together the final threads of the story, exposing the final secrets before arriving at issue 100, the end of the story, an ending that won’t appeal to everyone, but one I enjoyed. It seemed an appropriate enough way to end it all.
March 15, 2019
I started this series when it first came out and really enjoyed it. I stopped about halfway through after losing a job and not being able to afford comics for awhile and was looking forward to finishing the story. Unfortunately I was not as impressed with it on the second go around. It starts off intriguing but then becomes confusing. The ending is disappointing and I never really understood how all these different stories fit together. Too many characters with mysterious motivations and agendas to keep track of.
September 27, 2025
Off to a good start with issues 80-90. The ending disappointed. The idea of the 100 bullets attaché completely abandoned for a simple intrigue presented as something intricate.
I understand that it is considered a classic, the art has a uniqueness to it, some characters are memorable, some stories nailed it. But for me it should have stayed closer to the original premisse. And it should have been concluded faster instead of stretching it to 100 issues, also leaving out some of the gratuitious sex and violence.
I understand that it is considered a classic, the art has a uniqueness to it, some characters are memorable, some stories nailed it. But for me it should have stayed closer to the original premisse. And it should have been concluded faster instead of stretching it to 100 issues, also leaving out some of the gratuitious sex and violence.
July 18, 2020
The final volume. A lot has led up to this point and expectations on the ending are high. Endings are hard. Especially when you have a bunch of plot threads woven together and it’s clear the writer wants to tie them all up. Being a noir crime drama, I’d say this ties off as well as it could have. The art is still top notch. I’m glad I picked up the first volume and saw this through to the end.
January 5, 2022
I really enjoyed it although I do understand that it's not a perfect series. Towards the end, the story feels a little rushed and the ending leaves a bit to be desired. The peak of the series for me was the middle. I loved exploring the world and the diverse cast of characters Azzarello creates. I can't wait to revisit this again in a couple years once I've spent a bit more time with some other graphic novels.
March 29, 2021
I gotta admit. In both this volume, and the preceding one I started to lose track of the ongoing narrative.
I still enjoyed the characters and particular scenes but I didn't really know what the heck was going on anymore.
I think the whole thing needs an intense re-read from the start. But that will have to wait for another time.
I still enjoyed the characters and particular scenes but I didn't really know what the heck was going on anymore.
I think the whole thing needs an intense re-read from the start. But that will have to wait for another time.
June 17, 2019
What ever ambiguities that Brian built up that you thought were going to be answered is still left unanswered in the end. The ending didn't quite stick with me. So much build up but a bit let down at the end.
January 10, 2022
Really kind of hard to follow and the structural style wore me down after banging through them. Still, some pretty cool stuff. On the other hand, a few issues before the finale I realized I had actually read all this before, but didn't remember one thing except this small moment.
October 2, 2024
The art still deserves a 5/5 but the story and character motivations are too difficult to understand. I enjoyed the ride up to the end but I think stronger writing was needed to pull this together in a spectacular way.
June 3, 2025
Explosive climax (if you can get past the confusion)
Great art by Eduardo Rizzo. However, the flow and layouts left me challenged and confused in understanding the story. Epic scope, perhaps the full details will come to me with a re-read in the future.
Great art by Eduardo Rizzo. However, the flow and layouts left me challenged and confused in understanding the story. Epic scope, perhaps the full details will come to me with a re-read in the future.
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