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Kill or be Killed
Kill or be Killed, Vol. 2
Brubaker and Phillips best-selling series keeps on hitting, as our vigilante hero goes deeper into the darkness, and the NYPD begin to realize there's a masked man killing bad guys all over town. Both a thriller and a deconstruction of vigilantism, KILL OR BE KILLED is unlike anything this award-winning team has done before.
Collecting: Kill or Be Killed 5-10
Collecting: Kill or Be Killed 5-10
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,818 books3,064 followersEd 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.
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.
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December 4, 2017It’s hard out here for a masked vigilante killer.
The first volume set up the premise of a young man named Dylan saved from an attempted suicide from a demon who now demands that he kill at least one bad person a month or forfeit his own life. While reluctant at first Dylan is getting better, if not downright enthusiastic, about murdering jerkfaces. Unfortunately, this makes him a little cocky and sloppy, and he soon has both the NYPD and the Russian mob on his trail. And of course there’s still a distinct possibility that the cheese is slipping off Dylan’s mental cracker, and that there is no demon.
What I’m really enjoying about this is the way that it pops the fantasy balloon of gun toting vigilantes being the best way to clean up the streets. Dylan may have a certain knack for finding and killing assholes, but it’s always a messy and bloody business that ultimately solves nothing and creates more cycles of escalating violence. Maybe best of all is that Brubaker and Phillips have stripped out any notions that this is ‘cool’. There’s no smirking Charles Bronson blowing away punks nor a Punisher with a bad ass skull logo on his chest dispensing street justice. It’s just a scared and probably disturbed young man with a ski mask and a gun causing a lot of unintentional damage to everyone around him whether they deserve it or not.
The first volume set up the premise of a young man named Dylan saved from an attempted suicide from a demon who now demands that he kill at least one bad person a month or forfeit his own life. While reluctant at first Dylan is getting better, if not downright enthusiastic, about murdering jerkfaces. Unfortunately, this makes him a little cocky and sloppy, and he soon has both the NYPD and the Russian mob on his trail. And of course there’s still a distinct possibility that the cheese is slipping off Dylan’s mental cracker, and that there is no demon.
What I’m really enjoying about this is the way that it pops the fantasy balloon of gun toting vigilantes being the best way to clean up the streets. Dylan may have a certain knack for finding and killing assholes, but it’s always a messy and bloody business that ultimately solves nothing and creates more cycles of escalating violence. Maybe best of all is that Brubaker and Phillips have stripped out any notions that this is ‘cool’. There’s no smirking Charles Bronson blowing away punks nor a Punisher with a bad ass skull logo on his chest dispensing street justice. It’s just a scared and probably disturbed young man with a ski mask and a gun causing a lot of unintentional damage to everyone around him whether they deserve it or not.
March 6, 2023
Is Dylan the victim of mental illness and the wrong meds?
Or is there really a demon out there that's going to take his life away if he doesn't pop off one bad guy a month?
There's a bit more background for Dylan's mental state in this volume but you're never really sure what's happening as far as that goes.
OR ARE YOU?
No, you're not.
There's more of his relationships and the introduction of a smart cop who is starting to put the pieces together.
1 dead pedophile + 1 dead Russian mobster + 1 dead drug dealer = vigilante
His Dad's porn drawing at the end was cool but not entirely unexpected, especially since it was shown in an earlier issue. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
OR DOES IT?
Yeah, I don't know yet.
What do I know?
Nobody does crime like Brubaker & Philips.
Recommended.
Or is there really a demon out there that's going to take his life away if he doesn't pop off one bad guy a month?
There's a bit more background for Dylan's mental state in this volume but you're never really sure what's happening as far as that goes.
OR ARE YOU?
No, you're not.
There's more of his relationships and the introduction of a smart cop who is starting to put the pieces together.
1 dead pedophile + 1 dead Russian mobster + 1 dead drug dealer = vigilante
His Dad's porn drawing at the end was cool but not entirely unexpected, especially since it was shown in an earlier issue. But that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
OR DOES IT?
Yeah, I don't know yet.
What do I know?
Nobody does crime like Brubaker & Philips.
Recommended.
October 1, 2017
Maybe I could write a letter to the press, like the Zodiac Killer did.
Yeah, that’s right.
I’m supposed to be the sympathetic lead in this story and I just compared myself to the Zodiac Killer.—Dylan, in Kill or Be Killed.
What?! The second arc and volume of this wonderful series wraps, and I forget about it for a couple months?! What’s wrong with me? Maybe I’m going a little stir crazy. Maybe I’m distracted by all the things I have to do, my wife and family and my job. Maybe it’s that I force myself to stop thinking about it, and what we once had! Why can’t I sleep? What are these dark images that haunt my dreams? Why did I stop taking my meds?!
“Okay, so obviously I was walking into a trap. Or, you know, taking a subway and then a Lyft into a trap. But I didn’t know that. I’m not lucky like you. I didn’t get a peek at the other side of that phone call with Rex. I didn’t see that scary-looking Russian dude.”
This is the wise-ass cleverness of Brubaker, calling attention in a meta-fictional way to what we readers know that his main character doesn't, calling attention to things we love that maybe have become genre clichés, which still make us smile, sure, but then . . . actual people have to die, again and again! It’s terrible!
Dylan, the loser anti-hero still pining after his lost love Kira, who was once his best friend, and uh, his roommate’s girlfriend, too. Killing a person a month just to stay alive. . . is this just a lie he tells himself? Can he tell KIra what is going on? Oh, who am I kidding to be fooled by this loser?! But she seems to be, too!
The questions for readers, for me, in this series include: Is this a vigilante story, where a man kills people we all want the world to be rid of? Is it a demon possession story, where it tells him to kill every month in exchange for his continued existence? Is it a romance, with off again/on again Kira as the soul-mate? How can I be fooled by this ruse? How stupid does he think I am?! My meds, where are they, focus, focus. Is Dylan’s “seeing a demon” to justify a skilling spree? Am I actually seeing a demon? Or, this demon, if it exists, what does it have to do with his father’s art work? And the Russian mob? Why is it I have to know?
The storytelling of Brubaker is sublime as usual, and the artwork of Phillips and Breitweiser is incredible, depicting a New York from Hell. On to volume 3. Okay, the story doesn’t advance that much in volume 2, it probably is a 4 rated volume, but it slips deeper and deeper into Hell, and I love it. Will the Russian mob get to him before the NYPD? Or will Kira save his soul?! Stay tuned…. I know I have to, I can’t look away.
Yeah, that’s right.
I’m supposed to be the sympathetic lead in this story and I just compared myself to the Zodiac Killer.—Dylan, in Kill or Be Killed.
What?! The second arc and volume of this wonderful series wraps, and I forget about it for a couple months?! What’s wrong with me? Maybe I’m going a little stir crazy. Maybe I’m distracted by all the things I have to do, my wife and family and my job. Maybe it’s that I force myself to stop thinking about it, and what we once had! Why can’t I sleep? What are these dark images that haunt my dreams? Why did I stop taking my meds?!
“Okay, so obviously I was walking into a trap. Or, you know, taking a subway and then a Lyft into a trap. But I didn’t know that. I’m not lucky like you. I didn’t get a peek at the other side of that phone call with Rex. I didn’t see that scary-looking Russian dude.”
This is the wise-ass cleverness of Brubaker, calling attention in a meta-fictional way to what we readers know that his main character doesn't, calling attention to things we love that maybe have become genre clichés, which still make us smile, sure, but then . . . actual people have to die, again and again! It’s terrible!
Dylan, the loser anti-hero still pining after his lost love Kira, who was once his best friend, and uh, his roommate’s girlfriend, too. Killing a person a month just to stay alive. . . is this just a lie he tells himself? Can he tell KIra what is going on? Oh, who am I kidding to be fooled by this loser?! But she seems to be, too!
The questions for readers, for me, in this series include: Is this a vigilante story, where a man kills people we all want the world to be rid of? Is it a demon possession story, where it tells him to kill every month in exchange for his continued existence? Is it a romance, with off again/on again Kira as the soul-mate? How can I be fooled by this ruse? How stupid does he think I am?! My meds, where are they, focus, focus. Is Dylan’s “seeing a demon” to justify a skilling spree? Am I actually seeing a demon? Or, this demon, if it exists, what does it have to do with his father’s art work? And the Russian mob? Why is it I have to know?
The storytelling of Brubaker is sublime as usual, and the artwork of Phillips and Breitweiser is incredible, depicting a New York from Hell. On to volume 3. Okay, the story doesn’t advance that much in volume 2, it probably is a 4 rated volume, but it slips deeper and deeper into Hell, and I love it. Will the Russian mob get to him before the NYPD? Or will Kira save his soul?! Stay tuned…. I know I have to, I can’t look away.
August 12, 2017
In the first book we met Dylan, a grad student whose life was saved by a demon. In exchange, he had to kill someone “deserving” (ie. a shithead) each month or he would die - kill or be killed. In the second book… nothing much new happens. Dylan continues to kill and that’s about it!
Not to say that the book’s boring - Dylan shooting bankers is almost cathartic wish-fulfilment, particularly in the wake of the ‘08 crash precipitated by said corporate scumfucks, and the police and Russian mob slowly closing in on him is interesting - but a lot of the stuff outside of the action isn’t very compelling.
Dylan hooks up with an old girlfriend, a new cop character is introduced, and Kira gets an issue of backstory - I wasn’t into any of it. That stuff seemed like pointless filler and dragged down the already-sluggish pacing of the story. Ed Brubaker also leans heavily in one direction on the “Is the Demon real or imagined?” mystery which ruins the ambiguousness of that plot point and makes the overall story rather mundane.
Sean Phillips’ art is pretty darn good and I especially liked Dylan’s dad’s deliberately cheesy pulp art. Elizabeth Breitweiser’s colours are likewise outstanding as always.
This series would really benefit from Dylan having a goal he was driving towards. It seems like he’s too easily settled into murdering someone evil each month. But is that something he’s going to do indefinitely - how about figuring out a way to get out of this absurd deal somehow by outsmarting the demon? Then again the static nature of that plot point ties into the “real or imagined” angle so I guess we’re just waiting for Dylan to finally slip up fatally and get caught/killed. Treading water like that though doesn’t make for exciting reading.
I like the story of a guy in over his head and forced into doing something insane and when Brubaker focuses on that, it’s fun - all that other stuff though with the dull supporting characters I don’t care about is when he loses me. I didn’t dislike Kill or Be Killed, Volume 2 but it’s still not a great title and definitely not one of Brubaker/Phillips’ better collabs.
Not to say that the book’s boring - Dylan shooting bankers is almost cathartic wish-fulfilment, particularly in the wake of the ‘08 crash precipitated by said corporate scumfucks, and the police and Russian mob slowly closing in on him is interesting - but a lot of the stuff outside of the action isn’t very compelling.
Dylan hooks up with an old girlfriend, a new cop character is introduced, and Kira gets an issue of backstory - I wasn’t into any of it. That stuff seemed like pointless filler and dragged down the already-sluggish pacing of the story. Ed Brubaker also leans heavily in one direction on the “Is the Demon real or imagined?” mystery which ruins the ambiguousness of that plot point and makes the overall story rather mundane.
Sean Phillips’ art is pretty darn good and I especially liked Dylan’s dad’s deliberately cheesy pulp art. Elizabeth Breitweiser’s colours are likewise outstanding as always.
This series would really benefit from Dylan having a goal he was driving towards. It seems like he’s too easily settled into murdering someone evil each month. But is that something he’s going to do indefinitely - how about figuring out a way to get out of this absurd deal somehow by outsmarting the demon? Then again the static nature of that plot point ties into the “real or imagined” angle so I guess we’re just waiting for Dylan to finally slip up fatally and get caught/killed. Treading water like that though doesn’t make for exciting reading.
I like the story of a guy in over his head and forced into doing something insane and when Brubaker focuses on that, it’s fun - all that other stuff though with the dull supporting characters I don’t care about is when he loses me. I didn’t dislike Kill or Be Killed, Volume 2 but it’s still not a great title and definitely not one of Brubaker/Phillips’ better collabs.
August 29, 2017
This is my 300th review of the year! WooOOoooooT! I finally hit my challenge, and way earlier than expected. Anyway...
What a title to finish my 300th title of the year on. Kill or Be Killed continues to be the best new graphic novel of the year. Ed Brubaker brings his motherfucking A game on this title. The first volume was amazing for me. This one? Just as freaking good. I think I need to read more of Ed right now!
So this volume focuses on Dylan killing more and more people but we also see something new. Kira comes back into the picture as the worrying friend. However, the best new feature is getting to see the police side of things. Lily is a powerful woman who isn't stupid but the department sure treats her that way. To her she only wants to prove the case and catch the killer. So the cat and mouse begins and it's starting to get crazy by the end.
What I liked: The art is still AMAZING, the fire fights and characters face really show emotion. I also loved the demon talk with the Dylan. The jumping around the story makes the pacing frantic yet exciting. Lily is awesome and I can't wait for more of her.
What I didn't like: Kira gets a little too much time and kind of hurts the flow just a little.
Overall this is another knock out of the park. Ed continues to give us one of the best crime stories in the last few years. I fucking loved it and giving it a 5/5.
What a title to finish my 300th title of the year on. Kill or Be Killed continues to be the best new graphic novel of the year. Ed Brubaker brings his motherfucking A game on this title. The first volume was amazing for me. This one? Just as freaking good. I think I need to read more of Ed right now!
So this volume focuses on Dylan killing more and more people but we also see something new. Kira comes back into the picture as the worrying friend. However, the best new feature is getting to see the police side of things. Lily is a powerful woman who isn't stupid but the department sure treats her that way. To her she only wants to prove the case and catch the killer. So the cat and mouse begins and it's starting to get crazy by the end.
What I liked: The art is still AMAZING, the fire fights and characters face really show emotion. I also loved the demon talk with the Dylan. The jumping around the story makes the pacing frantic yet exciting. Lily is awesome and I can't wait for more of her.
What I didn't like: Kira gets a little too much time and kind of hurts the flow just a little.
Overall this is another knock out of the park. Ed continues to give us one of the best crime stories in the last few years. I fucking loved it and giving it a 5/5.
November 1, 2017
I have to say I felt a little let down with this volume after the fantastic first volume. The story line with the demon steps in the background and Dylan continues to murder people once a month while living his life and still screwing most of it up. Brubaker borrows a storytelling device often employed by Stephen King where the protagonist alludes to the story being in the past during certain narrations. The story just seems to meander in large sections of the book with little direction. It could have easily have been edited down by an issue or two.
August 6, 2017
Intense and fast-paced, Brubaker is still "killing" it. And pretty sure I know whether the demon is real or not, but I'm not going to ruin it for you.
Phillips and Breitweiser are absolutely incredible, their best work. With their gritty, realistic style, New York is grim, bloody, and creepy as hell.
Check it out!
July 3, 2024
How do Brubaker and Phillips seem to make every new title they do better then their last? This is gripping, and it's easier to follow monthly compared to Fatale and The Fade Out (I think that's from focusing mainly on one character). Great book.
June 10, 2019
3.5 stars
I surprisingly found Kill or be Killed, Vol. 2 was a little more to my liking than Vol. 1. The reason was a trio of female supporting characters - two new, and one returning. (I think they help soften some of the unbearable harshness that was a trademark of the debut.) Kira, Dylan's friend but not-quite-girlfriend from the first volume, returns and is provided with some backstory. The new characters are Daisy, a former flame who resumes a dating relationship with Dylan, and the dogged and determined homicide detective Lily Sharpe. Sharpe (an appropriate name) was of particular interest - a hardworking policewoman in one of New York City's satellite towns, she was the investigator on Dylan's initial killing, and soon realizes the random-seeming vigilante acts are likely the work of the same person. Like the back cover aptly states - "things go from bad to worse for our vigilante."
I surprisingly found Kill or be Killed, Vol. 2 was a little more to my liking than Vol. 1. The reason was a trio of female supporting characters - two new, and one returning. (I think they help soften some of the unbearable harshness that was a trademark of the debut.) Kira, Dylan's friend but not-quite-girlfriend from the first volume, returns and is provided with some backstory. The new characters are Daisy, a former flame who resumes a dating relationship with Dylan, and the dogged and determined homicide detective Lily Sharpe. Sharpe (an appropriate name) was of particular interest - a hardworking policewoman in one of New York City's satellite towns, she was the investigator on Dylan's initial killing, and soon realizes the random-seeming vigilante acts are likely the work of the same person. Like the back cover aptly states - "things go from bad to worse for our vigilante."
September 18, 2017
This second volume in Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips's most recent series is just as solid as the first. It grows and expands in interesting ways and the tension rises as Dylan's vigilante exploits have now gained notoriety and the attention of the NYPD. I could've done without so much of the Kira backstory and the series trajectory will need a bit more of an endgame that it's working towards soon, but it's still the top tier comic book work we've expected from this team.
July 16, 2017
Even better than the first volume. It's a classic Brubaker/Phillips — excellently written and engaging story with gorgeous artwork. This is probably the best Image comic right now, and we'll see how the story will unfold, but this may easily become my favorite Brubaker book if it ends just as good as it started. Highly recommended.
March 26, 2018
Bullet Review:
I enjoyed the hell out of that. This volume, IMO, is way better than volume 1. Dylan is still a prick, but Brubkaer and Phillips know how to ramp up the stakes and make this reader totally intrigued on where this series will go.
I enjoyed the hell out of that. This volume, IMO, is way better than volume 1. Dylan is still a prick, but Brubkaer and Phillips know how to ramp up the stakes and make this reader totally intrigued on where this series will go.
December 29, 2018
Volume 2 Of Kill or Be Killed was ....
Superb , Aggressive and captivating
Dylan continue his deal with the demon by taking out the bad guys while a detective following his trail .
it seems normal and we saw it before in a movie or a series but Ed Brubaker did a very good work to make u feel entertain and exciting for more , i love how the story keep surprising me coz it's not just action comic , no the story of Dylan and his relations is good , feel so normal xD
can't wait to start Vol 3 already
Superb , Aggressive and captivating
Dylan continue his deal with the demon by taking out the bad guys while a detective following his trail .
it seems normal and we saw it before in a movie or a series but Ed Brubaker did a very good work to make u feel entertain and exciting for more , i love how the story keep surprising me coz it's not just action comic , no the story of Dylan and his relations is good , feel so normal xD
can't wait to start Vol 3 already
July 17, 2017
Kill or Be Killed, Vol. 1
Wow what an amazing comic! I love the story and can't wait for more!
2017.07.17 Issue #10 this is so creative... and question still stands whether the demon is real or not.
Wow what an amazing comic! I love the story and can't wait for more!
2017.07.17 Issue #10 this is so creative... and question still stands whether the demon is real or not.
October 28, 2018
Ah, finally got around to catching up with this one a bit!
What’s it about?
Taking place a few months after volume one, Dylan is still killing so he doesn’t get killed by the demon that threatens his life.
Pros:
The story is very interesting. A well written crime drama with horror elements. I like that!
The art is fantastic as should be expected from this art team.
There’s some gritty action and bloody kills, I like that!
This book is very suspenseful throughout. I never have any idea what to expect to happen in this series!
The narrative is very well done and well written.
There’s some commentary on various topics of today’s world and while I don’t entirely agree with every single thing it says it’s interesting and well written commentary.
Cons:
The characters are annoying me now, especially the main character. He’s such a douchebag and not an entertaining one that despite being douchey is likable. This guy is just a complete prick who screws everything up.
Despite mostly being interesting there are a few parts that are a bit boring.
The horror elements are sort of weak in this volume.
Overall:
I really enjoyed this. Not as good as the first volume but still a very interesting and suspense filled crime drama. If you’re a fan of Brubaker’s typical work you will most likely enjoy this.
4/5
What’s it about?
Taking place a few months after volume one, Dylan is still killing so he doesn’t get killed by the demon that threatens his life.
Pros:
The story is very interesting. A well written crime drama with horror elements. I like that!
The art is fantastic as should be expected from this art team.
There’s some gritty action and bloody kills, I like that!
This book is very suspenseful throughout. I never have any idea what to expect to happen in this series!
The narrative is very well done and well written.
There’s some commentary on various topics of today’s world and while I don’t entirely agree with every single thing it says it’s interesting and well written commentary.
Cons:
The characters are annoying me now, especially the main character. He’s such a douchebag and not an entertaining one that despite being douchey is likable. This guy is just a complete prick who screws everything up.
Despite mostly being interesting there are a few parts that are a bit boring.
The horror elements are sort of weak in this volume.
Overall:
I really enjoyed this. Not as good as the first volume but still a very interesting and suspense filled crime drama. If you’re a fan of Brubaker’s typical work you will most likely enjoy this.
4/5
September 8, 2018
This book is gritty, well-written, and deliciously drawn and colored. The characters are fleshed out masterfully, and our investment in them only grows deeper. This has that “Dexter” feel to it, or Breaking Bad to a lesser extent, where I know I’m rooting on a villain, but it just fits because of the excellent writing and character development. Not to mention the floodlights showing us how messed up the underbelly of society can be, and our shared unspoken desire for someone to actually do something about it.
It was hard to give only four stars to Vol. 2, but for as great as this book can be, ultimately not a lot happened in this volume. A slow burn, but absolutely worth your time. And I’m still hooked.
It was hard to give only four stars to Vol. 2, but for as great as this book can be, ultimately not a lot happened in this volume. A slow burn, but absolutely worth your time. And I’m still hooked.
August 9, 2017
Consisting of six issues, this volume raises the stakes for our vigilante hero Dylan, who kills once a month under the service of a demon, although it remains a mystery whether this entity actually exists or it’s all in Dylan’s head in order to distract himself from the struggles of his personal life. However, when the NYPD begin to realize to there’s a masked man killing bad guys, a task force is assembled to hunt him down.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
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March 3, 2018No rating. I'm pretty ambivalent about it.
I dispute what one reviewer said, that this was 'fast-paced.' Maybe compared to Sister Carrie, or something, but Ed Brubaker is into circling all his incidents, all his characters. He is good at cliffhangers or twists, though.
I think the art is good, but I notice Kira has the same wry expressions she did in volume one.. the *exact same* wry expressions.
Volume one:
Volume two:
IF Sean Phillips were a writer, I'd tell him to get a thesaurus. I don't know what advice to give an artist. I'm sure it's my problem, not his.
I dispute what one reviewer said, that this was 'fast-paced.' Maybe compared to Sister Carrie, or something, but Ed Brubaker is into circling all his incidents, all his characters. He is good at cliffhangers or twists, though.
I think the art is good, but I notice Kira has the same wry expressions she did in volume one.. the *exact same* wry expressions.
Volume one:
Volume two:
IF Sean Phillips were a writer, I'd tell him to get a thesaurus. I don't know what advice to give an artist. I'm sure it's my problem, not his.
February 18, 2018
Second book of the new amazing series by the criminally excellent Brubaker/Philipps duo.
This one shows what happens in the few weeks after Dylan started his vigilante stint. As most people he's good at lying to himself and kind of finds some balance, justifications and the impression to be in control. No such luck.
Everything quickly goes haywire and now (the masked mugshot of) Dylan is on the paper's front pages and in the crosshairs of both the NYPD and the russian Mob. Some control, eh?
The story is still excellent, going even more meta than in the previous volume, overtly violent with a twist of refreshing dark humor that counterbalances the grimness of the story.
Each issue closes perfectly, some cliffhangers (issue 5) being particularly good. Brubaker can tell a story and deftly manage points of tension.
New characters are introduced, notably an NYPD female cop who seems very promising and will certainly influence future events in some way.
4* stars instead of 5 because of the unnecessarily long Kira issue- a character I don't like much. What with the blue hairdo anyway?
Artwise Philipps and Breitweiser are once again this close to perfection, just read it and weep tears of joy.
This one shows what happens in the few weeks after Dylan started his vigilante stint. As most people he's good at lying to himself and kind of finds some balance, justifications and the impression to be in control. No such luck.
Everything quickly goes haywire and now (the masked mugshot of) Dylan is on the paper's front pages and in the crosshairs of both the NYPD and the russian Mob. Some control, eh?
The story is still excellent, going even more meta than in the previous volume, overtly violent with a twist of refreshing dark humor that counterbalances the grimness of the story.
Each issue closes perfectly, some cliffhangers (issue 5) being particularly good. Brubaker can tell a story and deftly manage points of tension.
New characters are introduced, notably an NYPD female cop who seems very promising and will certainly influence future events in some way.
4* stars instead of 5 because of the unnecessarily long Kira issue- a character I don't like much. What with the blue hairdo anyway?
Artwise Philipps and Breitweiser are once again this close to perfection, just read it and weep tears of joy.
February 19, 2018
For the most part, I found this to be a worthy follow up the first in the series. Our protagonist Dylan is back as a mystic-drug addict-vigilante scouring the streets of New York for his next victim just as much he is trying to live his life. Overlaps between the fictional and the believable make for an enjoyable read.
Lush art animates a story just a textured and detailed. Well placed details add great value to a narrative brimming with vitality and violence. The details were great and so were the expanded upon back stories for Kira and Agent Sharpe. I really like it when (comic) books delve deep into characters' psyches and I felt this edition performed admirably in this department.
All in all I really enjoyed this. My only gripe is the . Solid read and I look forward to reading the third when it lands at my local library soon.
Lush art animates a story just a textured and detailed. Well placed details add great value to a narrative brimming with vitality and violence. The details were great and so were the expanded upon back stories for Kira and Agent Sharpe. I really like it when (comic) books delve deep into characters' psyches and I felt this edition performed admirably in this department.
All in all I really enjoyed this. My only gripe is the . Solid read and I look forward to reading the third when it lands at my local library soon.
October 31, 2021
This was a pretty good volume!
It starts with Ethan and him now becoming comfortable with killing and thinking its a crusade and then a couple of stories first with Kira and her fucked up childhood and then a new Police detective Lily sharpe who seems like she will be a major player going forward and I love the way the focus is on Ethan as he takes down bankers and russian mob after him but the big thing is the police and the Joint task force which leads to some thrilling scenes but I still miss those big explosive vigilante takedowns and this book is too much flashbacks and that hampers the storytelling for me but still its building to something big for sure and finally Ethan learns more about the demon and I love the focus on Kira and how she is becoming a central part in all of this and the art is hauntingly beautiful!
It starts with Ethan and him now becoming comfortable with killing and thinking its a crusade and then a couple of stories first with Kira and her fucked up childhood and then a new Police detective Lily sharpe who seems like she will be a major player going forward and I love the way the focus is on Ethan as he takes down bankers and russian mob after him but the big thing is the police and the Joint task force which leads to some thrilling scenes but I still miss those big explosive vigilante takedowns and this book is too much flashbacks and that hampers the storytelling for me but still its building to something big for sure and finally Ethan learns more about the demon and I love the focus on Kira and how she is becoming a central part in all of this and the art is hauntingly beautiful!
November 1, 2017
Kill or be Killed has crossed into must read territory. I was already loving this series, but the second volume steps in with some amazing dramatic tension, and a great concept issue, which truly elevate the already impressive series. Some much needed character growth is at play, turning Dylan into more than the sum of his parts, and while the "big question" still lingers by the volume's end, Brubaker and Phillips do an amazing job getting your head elsewhere, and utterly involved in the immediate action. The long-game for this book could be absolutely game changing, depending on which direction the creative team goes. Either way, this book is one of the best I've read this year, and I will be pushing it on absolutely everyone seeking recommendations.
September 9, 2017
Based on other work by this creative team--Fatale, The Fade-Out, Sleeper, etc.--Kill or Be Killed seems like Brubaker and Phillips are slumming it a bit. This story just doesn't seem like it is up to their usual level. I mean, this is basically a retread of Brian Michael Bendis' Scarlet, except this time the vigilante is a male grad student who may or may not be mentally ill. The artwork is up to Sean Phillips' usual high standard, but this story just isn't that compelling. I guess I'll be back for vol. 3, but I won't be holding my breath or anything.
September 6, 2017
I'm still enjoying this strong mix of supernatural, psychological and crime elements in this vigilante saga.
April 29, 2026
Другий том «Вбий або будь убитим» не розвалює інтригу поспішними відповідями, не перетворює концепт на механічний атракціон із маскою й пістолетом, а повільно затягує петлю.
Брубейкер бере знайомий жанровий каркас (месник у масці карає «поганих людей») і послідовно вибиває з нього романтичний героїзм. Тут немає відчуття очищення вулиць, немає солодкої фантазії про справедливість, яка приходить із дулом пістолета. Кожне вбивство в цьому томі виглядає не як перемога над злом, а як новий вузол у клубку наслідків. Ділан начебто знаходить цілі, начебто карає тих, кого легко ненавидіти, але після пострілу світ не стає кращим. Просто з’являється ще трохи крові, страху, помилок і людей, які тепер дивляться в його бік.
Найцікавіше в другому томі — психологічний портрет головного героя. Ділан уже не такий розгублений, як на початку, але це не розвиток у бік сили. Радше навпаки. Його впевненість лякає більше, ніж попередня паніка. Він починає поводитися так, ніби знайшов у насильстві певний порядок, майже ритуал. Раз на місяць треба когось убити, інакше помре він сам. Звучить як демонічна угода, але Брубейкер постійно тримає поруч інший, значно неприємніший варіант: а що, як демон — лише виправдання? Що, як перед читачем не проклятий обранець, а травмований, самотній, психічно нестабільний хлопець, який знайшов для власного розпаду дуже зручну міфологію?
Ця двозначність працює не завжди ідеально. У певні моменти історія ніби трохи сильніше схиляється до одного трактування, ніж хотілося б, через що напруга між «демон справжній» і «демон у голові» місцями втрачає гостроту. Але навіть тоді серія лишається переконливою, бо її цікавить не стільки відповідь, скільки стан людини, яка вже навчилася жити з можливістю будь-якої відповіді. Ділан не героїчний. Не крутий. Не харизматичний месник із красивим костюмом. Він нервовий, егоцентричний, часто жалюгідний, іноді дотепний, часом майже симпатичний. І саме тому небезпечний. Бо в ньому легко впізнати не супергероя, а людину, яка весь час знаходить причини не зупинятися.
Окремо варто згадати поліцейську лінію. Поява оперативної групи додає історії потрібного тиску. Адже тепер Ділан не просто воює з власною головою, демоном і випадковими мішенями, а лишає слід, який хтось починає читати. Слідча Лілі Шарп, нова важлива фігура з боку поліції, добре врівноважує оповідь. Її присутність робить погоню не абстрактною, а людською. Це вже не «система шукає месника», а конкретна жінка намагається зібрати докази, пробитися крізь скепсис і довести, що за кривавими випадками стоїть закономірність.
Лінія Кіри, своєю чергою, працює м’якше. Вона важлива для розуміння Ділана, бо показує його не лише як вбивцю в масці, а як людину, застряглу в старих прив’язаностях, образах і фантазіях про близькість. Але інколи ці фрагменти справді пригальмовують основний рух вперед. Не руйнують його, не перетворюють на нудне читання, проте змінюють температуру сцени. Там, де сюжет уже набирає параноїдального ритму, романтично-побутові відступи можуть здатися трохи затягнутими. Втім, без них Ділан був би пласкішим, а його падіння надто банальним на мій погляд.
Це сильний, похмурий і дуже людський том. Не без дрібних провисань, не без моментів, де хочеться різкішого просування вперед, але з тією щільністю атмосфери, яку я починаю влолювати у роботах Брубейкера й Філіпса. Вже маючи за плечима прочитаний перший том цієї серії та перший делюскс «Злочинців», починаєш розуміти, що їхні кримніальні історії це розмова про провину, самообман і насильство, яке завжди повертається до того, хто натиснув на гачок.
Брубейкер бере знайомий жанровий каркас (месник у масці карає «поганих людей») і послідовно вибиває з нього романтичний героїзм. Тут немає відчуття очищення вулиць, немає солодкої фантазії про справедливість, яка приходить із дулом пістолета. Кожне вбивство в цьому томі виглядає не як перемога над злом, а як новий вузол у клубку наслідків. Ділан начебто знаходить цілі, начебто карає тих, кого легко ненавидіти, але після пострілу світ не стає кращим. Просто з’являється ще трохи крові, страху, помилок і людей, які тепер дивляться в його бік.
Найцікавіше в другому томі — психологічний портрет головного героя. Ділан уже не такий розгублений, як на початку, але це не розвиток у бік сили. Радше навпаки. Його впевненість лякає більше, ніж попередня паніка. Він починає поводитися так, ніби знайшов у насильстві певний порядок, майже ритуал. Раз на місяць треба когось убити, інакше помре він сам. Звучить як демонічна угода, але Брубейкер постійно тримає поруч інший, значно неприємніший варіант: а що, як демон — лише виправдання? Що, як перед читачем не проклятий обранець, а травмований, самотній, психічно нестабільний хлопець, який знайшов для власного розпаду дуже зручну міфологію?
Ця двозначність працює не завжди ідеально. У певні моменти історія ніби трохи сильніше схиляється до одного трактування, ніж хотілося б, через що напруга між «демон справжній» і «демон у голові» місцями втрачає гостроту. Але навіть тоді серія лишається переконливою, бо її цікавить не стільки відповідь, скільки стан людини, яка вже навчилася жити з можливістю будь-якої відповіді. Ділан не героїчний. Не крутий. Не харизматичний месник із красивим костюмом. Він нервовий, егоцентричний, часто жалюгідний, іноді дотепний, часом майже симпатичний. І саме тому небезпечний. Бо в ньому легко впізнати не супергероя, а людину, яка весь час знаходить причини не зупинятися.
Окремо варто згадати поліцейську лінію. Поява оперативної групи додає історії потрібного тиску. Адже тепер Ділан не просто воює з власною головою, демоном і випадковими мішенями, а лишає слід, який хтось починає читати. Слідча Лілі Шарп, нова важлива фігура з боку поліції, добре врівноважує оповідь. Її присутність робить погоню не абстрактною, а людською. Це вже не «система шукає месника», а конкретна жінка намагається зібрати докази, пробитися крізь скепсис і довести, що за кривавими випадками стоїть закономірність.
Лінія Кіри, своєю чергою, працює м’якше. Вона важлива для розуміння Ділана, бо показує його не лише як вбивцю в масці, а як людину, застряглу в старих прив’язаностях, образах і фантазіях про близькість. Але інколи ці фрагменти справді пригальмовують основний рух вперед. Не руйнують його, не перетворюють на нудне читання, проте змінюють температуру сцени. Там, де сюжет уже набирає параноїдального ритму, романтично-побутові відступи можуть здатися трохи затягнутими. Втім, без них Ділан був би пласкішим, а його падіння надто банальним на мій погляд.
Це сильний, похмурий і дуже людський том. Не без дрібних провисань, не без моментів, де хочеться різкішого просування вперед, але з тією щільністю атмосфери, яку я починаю влолювати у роботах Брубейкера й Філіпса. Вже маючи за плечима прочитаний перший том цієї серії та перший делюскс «Злочинців», починаєш розуміти, що їхні кримніальні історії це розмова про провину, самообман і насильство, яке завжди повертається до того, хто натиснув на гачок.
February 6, 2023
A great continuation of the series!
This one finds the 'demon' getting a little sloppy. Or perhaps it's more like our guy has more moments of lucidity to realize that things aren't going to plan and he needs to find a plan to get out of it alive. Or sans demon-haunting anyways.
He also has quite a few women that are in his circle of influence. One that is circling the problem trying to find him out by way of his -uh -body count and murder map. One that had him, lost him and now wants him back - so as an unknown quantity in his life, she may help or hinder him. And one that is his present girl that definitely has distracted him, but isn't helping his 'issue'.
Great segue at the ending of the book to the next episode of the series! And as always, the graphic elements in this series are superb. Love the red 'chapter' change pages.
This one finds the 'demon' getting a little sloppy. Or perhaps it's more like our guy has more moments of lucidity to realize that things aren't going to plan and he needs to find a plan to get out of it alive. Or sans demon-haunting anyways.
He also has quite a few women that are in his circle of influence. One that is circling the problem trying to find him out by way of his -uh -body count and murder map. One that had him, lost him and now wants him back - so as an unknown quantity in his life, she may help or hinder him. And one that is his present girl that definitely has distracted him, but isn't helping his 'issue'.
Great segue at the ending of the book to the next episode of the series! And as always, the graphic elements in this series are superb. Love the red 'chapter' change pages.
August 14, 2017
Volume 2 retains the narrative style of the previous book by jumping far ahead before retracing back for the build up. I like this approach as it fits well with the series.
After what happened with the Russians at the end of Volume 1, Dylan learns to defend himself through training. There's mention of him being on meds. So probably he's not even right in the head.
Dylan's amateurish accomplishment adds to the realism.
Trouble begins when his lack of luck and clumsiness start attracting too much attention. From the media. From the police. From the mob.
Oh, to top it off, a former girlfriend reappears to further complicate his already messed up life.
After what happened with the Russians at the end of Volume 1, Dylan learns to defend himself through training. There's mention of him being on meds. So probably he's not even right in the head.
Dylan's amateurish accomplishment adds to the realism.
Trouble begins when his lack of luck and clumsiness start attracting too much attention. From the media. From the police. From the mob.
Oh, to top it off, a former girlfriend reappears to further complicate his already messed up life.
November 29, 2018
A really strong second act.
World: The art is great, it's one of the reasons to read the book and this creative team has always been gorgeous. The noir and tone that comes from the art really informs the book and gives the world a distinct real life feel. The world building is also fantastic. It's simple and it's an escalation and that's all it is. I love that we still get the point of view of Dylan making this world not really reality...or is it?
Story: Well paced and a nice natural progression of the story. The characters and the drama move into another level and the hard boiled noir feel of the gritty tale makes it more interesting overall. I liked that readers are still not sure how real the main drive for Dylan is and I like that look into characters and their psych. I am not saying much, just read it.
Characters: Dylan is an interesting character, his journey is great drama and a wonderful deep look at a person and how they become the way they are. It's not glorified and it's not a condemnation, his narration makes for an interesting read ripe for discussion. The rest of the character are wonderful, they are not set dressing but rather great in their own right, I loved the issue in the point of view of an interesting characters readers will enjoy.
I really liked this second book, the escalation was nice.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is great, it's one of the reasons to read the book and this creative team has always been gorgeous. The noir and tone that comes from the art really informs the book and gives the world a distinct real life feel. The world building is also fantastic. It's simple and it's an escalation and that's all it is. I love that we still get the point of view of Dylan making this world not really reality...or is it?
Story: Well paced and a nice natural progression of the story. The characters and the drama move into another level and the hard boiled noir feel of the gritty tale makes it more interesting overall. I liked that readers are still not sure how real the main drive for Dylan is and I like that look into characters and their psych. I am not saying much, just read it.
Characters: Dylan is an interesting character, his journey is great drama and a wonderful deep look at a person and how they become the way they are. It's not glorified and it's not a condemnation, his narration makes for an interesting read ripe for discussion. The rest of the character are wonderful, they are not set dressing but rather great in their own right, I loved the issue in the point of view of an interesting characters readers will enjoy.
I really liked this second book, the escalation was nice.
Onward to the next book!
December 8, 2018
Ο Brubaker είναι ένας προσωπικός μου αγαπημένος δημιουργός κόμικς, καθώς προσεγγίζει την διήγηση με την φροντίδα και τις ανησυχίες ενός μυθιστοριογράφου. Η δική του εκδοχή του Daredevil, που έβγαλε τον ήρωα από την αφάνεια ενός μασκοφόρου της σειράς σ' έναν ήρωα "πρώτης γραμμής", μ' έκανε πιστό ακόλουθό του.
Ο πρώτος τόμος έδειχνε πως τελούσε χρέη εισαγωγής και πως άλλα ωραία πράματα θα ακολουθούσαν. Και τούτος εδώ ο τόμος το αποδειλνύει περίτρανα. Η αφηγηματική του προσέγγιση θυμίζει έντονα σύγχρονη τηλεοπτική σειρά. Ο ήρωας φαίνεται να εξιστορεί την εξέλιξή του σε τιμωρού από ένα απροσδιόριστο μέλλον, καθώς γνωρίζει καλά τι τον περιμένει σε κάθε γωνία της μοίρας του. Σταματάει την δράση με σαρκαστικό τόνο, διακόπτει την ροή, σχολιάζει μ' έναν ρυθμό που φαίνεται πως εξιστορεί μια ιστορία με την οποία δεν ξεμπερδεύει κανείς στα γρήγορα. Έχει να πει πράματα και θα τα πει.
Δεν είναι αυτά που συμβαίνουν -είνια πράματα που έχουμε ξαναδει πολλάκις και οBrubaker επίτηδες αποφασίζει να μιλήσει για μια ιστορία πάταξης και εξιλέωσης που στηρίζεται σε γνώριμα μοτίβα. Είναι, όμως, ο τρόπος που μας παρουσιάζει την ιστορία του, που κάνει αυτό το κόμικς τόσο εθιστικό. Μαζί με τα εξαίσια σχέδια Philips, που είναι καταφανώς επηρεασμένα από την αισθητική του '80, παραδίδουν μια κομψή, πage-turner, ιστορία.
Ο πρώτος τόμος έδειχνε πως τελούσε χρέη εισαγωγής και πως άλλα ωραία πράματα θα ακολουθούσαν. Και τούτος εδώ ο τόμος το αποδειλνύει περίτρανα. Η αφηγηματική του προσέγγιση θυμίζει έντονα σύγχρονη τηλεοπτική σειρά. Ο ήρωας φαίνεται να εξιστορεί την εξέλιξή του σε τιμωρού από ένα απροσδιόριστο μέλλον, καθώς γνωρίζει καλά τι τον περιμένει σε κάθε γωνία της μοίρας του. Σταματάει την δράση με σαρκαστικό τόνο, διακόπτει την ροή, σχολιάζει μ' έναν ρυθμό που φαίνεται πως εξιστορεί μια ιστορία με την οποία δεν ξεμπερδεύει κανείς στα γρήγορα. Έχει να πει πράματα και θα τα πει.
Δεν είναι αυτά που συμβαίνουν -είνια πράματα που έχουμε ξαναδει πολλάκις και οBrubaker επίτηδες αποφασίζει να μιλήσει για μια ιστορία πάταξης και εξιλέωσης που στηρίζεται σε γνώριμα μοτίβα. Είναι, όμως, ο τρόπος που μας παρουσιάζει την ιστορία του, που κάνει αυτό το κόμικς τόσο εθιστικό. Μαζί με τα εξαίσια σχέδια Philips, που είναι καταφανώς επηρεασμένα από την αισθητική του '80, παραδίδουν μια κομψή, πage-turner, ιστορία.
August 22, 2017
I'm not liking this series as much as Brubaker's other works. It's powerful, but the protagonist is even less likable - it's a more realistic take on vigilante violence, with things going wrong and bystanders getting involved, and the whole question of his mental state getting more confused. There's not really anyone to like here, and Dylan's narration just seems so... smarmy and self-absorbed. The introduction of Lily as a police officer obsessed with the case makes for a decent second story, but I admit to briefly getting her confused with Kira, who also has a presence here. And some of the incidents feel a bit too coincidental.
But even with all of that, it's still a compelling read, with narrative heft and believable characters. Just no one I'd like to spend time around personally. The art is effective without being showy, with muted colors serving well. One issue sparingly uses the concept of a photo album to good effect. Compared to other crime comics I've read, it's really strong. But it doesn't quite stand up when compared to Brubaker's personal high bar.
But even with all of that, it's still a compelling read, with narrative heft and believable characters. Just no one I'd like to spend time around personally. The art is effective without being showy, with muted colors serving well. One issue sparingly uses the concept of a photo album to good effect. Compared to other crime comics I've read, it's really strong. But it doesn't quite stand up when compared to Brubaker's personal high bar.
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