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Eight Million Ways to Die
In crime-ravaged 1980s New York, a troubled ex-cop turned unlicensed detective takes on his most dangerous case, hunting down a serial killer-hitman, and ultimately coming face-to-face with his deadliest enemy, himself, in this graphic novel adaptation of the book by Lawrence Block.
Matthew Scudder is dying, one bottle at a time. A young prostitute named Kim Dakkinen is dying too, her life measured out in tricks. She wanted out, had asked for Scudder's help, but suddenly she wasn't dying anymore, she was just dead. The former cop turned P.I. promised to protect her, but he failed. Now his atonement is to find her killer. But the secrets in the dead hooker's past are dirtier than her living, and searching for a killer in a city where everyone's a victim is a good way to make the role permanent.
Steeped in traditional pulp, Block's writing has a true gift for capturing the art of conversation between his characters. These are the lowlifes of society, for whom Block occasionally finds redemption, but who are more often among the vilest beings in human existence. Snyder's art both encapsulates and elevates these rough-cut gems in a graphic, grainy, and moody setting that evokes the dark, noir magazine covers of the period.
The first graphic novel adaptation of world-renowned writer Lawrence Block's work and his character Matthew Scudder, and featuring highly detailed, full-color artwork from John K. Snyder III to perfectly complement the noir aesthetic of Block's writing.
Matthew Scudder is dying, one bottle at a time. A young prostitute named Kim Dakkinen is dying too, her life measured out in tricks. She wanted out, had asked for Scudder's help, but suddenly she wasn't dying anymore, she was just dead. The former cop turned P.I. promised to protect her, but he failed. Now his atonement is to find her killer. But the secrets in the dead hooker's past are dirtier than her living, and searching for a killer in a city where everyone's a victim is a good way to make the role permanent.
Steeped in traditional pulp, Block's writing has a true gift for capturing the art of conversation between his characters. These are the lowlifes of society, for whom Block occasionally finds redemption, but who are more often among the vilest beings in human existence. Snyder's art both encapsulates and elevates these rough-cut gems in a graphic, grainy, and moody setting that evokes the dark, noir magazine covers of the period.
The first graphic novel adaptation of world-renowned writer Lawrence Block's work and his character Matthew Scudder, and featuring highly detailed, full-color artwork from John K. Snyder III to perfectly complement the noir aesthetic of Block's writing.
140 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
19 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
John K. Snyder III
45 books4 followersJohn K Snyder III is an Eisner Award nominated illustrator and writer, with decades of experience in the comics industry. He has worked for numerous publishers including DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and Dark Horse Comics, on iconic titles ranging from Suicide Squad to Grendel. Snyder is also the creator of the groundbreaking Fashion In Action, an acclaimed adventure series first published by Eclipse Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 8, 2025
Ok, I again made the mistake of reading the graphic novel adaptation of a book before the actual book. But this is by reputation the masterpiece of the series, so as it turns out it was a good place for John Snyder to kind of capture the essence of this hard-boiled detective's story. And I liked it a lot.
Matt is a Manhattan P.I., and an alcoholic. His life isn't going so well. His stray bullet a few years ago killed a seven year old girl. He then left the police force, left his wife and kid, and married himself to a bottle. He goes to AA meetings, but he never speaks there.
"I don't think I could do it. Hell, I can't even say I'm an alcoholic."
Not even a licensed detective, he's approached by Kim, a prostitute, who wants help getting out of the life. He meets with the pimp, a guy named Chance, who lets her go. Easy. Then Kim dies at the end of a machete. So much for being paid to protect her. And another death he might see himself responsible for. Along the way he meets Danny Boy, an albino informant; Donna, a poet prostitute, and an array of other interesting and compelling characters. And gets hired by Chance to find Kim's killer. He doesn't carry a gun, because of the stray bullet incident, but then someone gives one to him. Will he use it?
I like Snyder's grimy, dark illustration, perfect for the seamy side of life, and even Block loves it as an adaptation of his story. Great dialogue, classic story.
Hmm, maybe I didn't make a mistake, after all. Maybe I'll push back from the bar and leave that bourbon right where it sits, waiting to tempt me. Maybe I'll walk right out of here and get to a library to pick up the first book in Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder series. Or maybe I'll pick up the fifth book in that series, Eight Million Ways to Die. Maybe I will.
Matt is a Manhattan P.I., and an alcoholic. His life isn't going so well. His stray bullet a few years ago killed a seven year old girl. He then left the police force, left his wife and kid, and married himself to a bottle. He goes to AA meetings, but he never speaks there.
"I don't think I could do it. Hell, I can't even say I'm an alcoholic."
Not even a licensed detective, he's approached by Kim, a prostitute, who wants help getting out of the life. He meets with the pimp, a guy named Chance, who lets her go. Easy. Then Kim dies at the end of a machete. So much for being paid to protect her. And another death he might see himself responsible for. Along the way he meets Danny Boy, an albino informant; Donna, a poet prostitute, and an array of other interesting and compelling characters. And gets hired by Chance to find Kim's killer. He doesn't carry a gun, because of the stray bullet incident, but then someone gives one to him. Will he use it?
I like Snyder's grimy, dark illustration, perfect for the seamy side of life, and even Block loves it as an adaptation of his story. Great dialogue, classic story.
Hmm, maybe I didn't make a mistake, after all. Maybe I'll push back from the bar and leave that bourbon right where it sits, waiting to tempt me. Maybe I'll walk right out of here and get to a library to pick up the first book in Lawrence Block's Matthew Scudder series. Or maybe I'll pick up the fifth book in that series, Eight Million Ways to Die. Maybe I will.
April 1, 2019
I had started reading Block’s Scudder books way back in 2011 and when I finally got to the fifth installment - Eight Million Ways to Die - I knew I had just read a game changer for the series. In his foreword, Block says that in the original novel, he was trying to tell three stories: the overarching case involving the disappearance of Kim, the hopelessness of life in New York where death lurks around every corner, and finally Scudder’s struggle to stay sober. He managed to blend all three together seamlessly to craft the first truly “great” book in the series.
IDW received praise for its work in publishing Darwyn Cooke’s Parker passion project - his series of adaptations of Richard Stark’s tough-guy noirs from the 60s - so it’s not surprising they would again wish to walk down that dark alley and showcase another hard-boiled story. For Eight Million Ways to Die, John K. Snyder III (Grendel, Suicide Squad) is a one man show in adapting Block’s critically acclaimed novel to the comics format. And the results are tremendous.
I think Snyder really nailed the look of 1980s New York - a point in history where The Big Apple was at its most rotten. He paints the landscape in dark colors with rough edges and heavy shading. It all feels very murky and nihilistic - perfect for a story where the main character is nearly devoid of hope for humanity. It was neat to see Snyder’s versions of characters I’ve imagined over the course of nearly twenty novels. Scudder himself looked to be about how I’d picture him; same goes for Danny Boy Bell. I’d love for Snyder to adapt another Scudder novel just so I can see his vision of Mick Ballou come to life.
This version of Eight Million Ways To Die is easily one of my favorite graphic novel adaptations and I’d hold it up next to the aforementioned Parker series as examples of how to properly transfer mystery novels to comics - especially one as dialogue heavy as Block’s story.
IDW received praise for its work in publishing Darwyn Cooke’s Parker passion project - his series of adaptations of Richard Stark’s tough-guy noirs from the 60s - so it’s not surprising they would again wish to walk down that dark alley and showcase another hard-boiled story. For Eight Million Ways to Die, John K. Snyder III (Grendel, Suicide Squad) is a one man show in adapting Block’s critically acclaimed novel to the comics format. And the results are tremendous.
I think Snyder really nailed the look of 1980s New York - a point in history where The Big Apple was at its most rotten. He paints the landscape in dark colors with rough edges and heavy shading. It all feels very murky and nihilistic - perfect for a story where the main character is nearly devoid of hope for humanity. It was neat to see Snyder’s versions of characters I’ve imagined over the course of nearly twenty novels. Scudder himself looked to be about how I’d picture him; same goes for Danny Boy Bell. I’d love for Snyder to adapt another Scudder novel just so I can see his vision of Mick Ballou come to life.
This version of Eight Million Ways To Die is easily one of my favorite graphic novel adaptations and I’d hold it up next to the aforementioned Parker series as examples of how to properly transfer mystery novels to comics - especially one as dialogue heavy as Block’s story.
March 18, 2019
Block's Matt Scudder has been drinking himself to death one day at a time. Consumed by guilt over a stray bullet that wiped out a seven-year-old's life, he quit the force, quit his marriage, and pulled up to a stool at the bar. These days, he goes to meetings in church basements, generally passing when it's his turn. And, doing favors for friends. Like Kim the blonde Nordic goddess of a hooker who wants out of the Life but doesn't know how to break it to her pimp. Scudder breaks the news and it's all peachy keen but then somehow the wires got crossed and Kim ends up in a puddle of blood. Matt is wracked with guilt that he didn't do his job and protect her.
Graphic novels are their own unique species and rarely do justice as an adaptation of a novel. Hold onto your horses 🐴! Cause this one does every trick in the book and checks every box on the judge's scorecards. The artwork and storytelling do a great job of evoking the feel and the tension of Block's Scudder novels and make you want to return to read the whole series again.
Graphic novels are their own unique species and rarely do justice as an adaptation of a novel. Hold onto your horses 🐴! Cause this one does every trick in the book and checks every box on the judge's scorecards. The artwork and storytelling do a great job of evoking the feel and the tension of Block's Scudder novels and make you want to return to read the whole series again.
January 11, 2022
The graphic novel adaption captures the essence of New York as well as meticulously depicting the trials and tribulations of Matthew Scudder in a true hat tip to noir and gets bonus points for some great horror slasher inspired artwork, prevalent in the later stages of the book. Read this even if you haven’t read the source material.
February 25, 2019
The novel version of this turned me into the crime and noir fan I am today and there was no chance of me missing the comic book adaptation of the same. It brought back my feelings for the novel and had me pining to read that again. It's funny how your interpretation of characters can differ from someone else's and the artist's rendering of the likes of Joe Durkin and Danny Boy Bell were cool.
The art throughout is great and I particularly like the way alcohol and drinks were depicted in Matt's mind. The constant changing colour palette depending on who Matt is with was cool too.
I'd always recommend the novel of this first, but this adaptation gives you the same feelings.
The art throughout is great and I particularly like the way alcohol and drinks were depicted in Matt's mind. The constant changing colour palette depending on who Matt is with was cool too.
I'd always recommend the novel of this first, but this adaptation gives you the same feelings.
October 7, 2021
Great fun
It has a pimp name Chance, which is tough to dislike. And lots of Bartlebyan 'I would prefer not to' mood. Everyone knows the plot is necessary, and yet of no great concern.
It has a pimp name Chance, which is tough to dislike. And lots of Bartlebyan 'I would prefer not to' mood. Everyone knows the plot is necessary, and yet of no great concern.
October 15, 2019
A solid adaptation of Block's novel, very well done and respectful of the book. Art's a bit stiff and the colors chart too dark and monochromatic for my taste but that's more personal opinion than anything else.
July 24, 2018
As most of my noir friends know, I’m a huge fan of the Matthew Scudder mystery series by Lawrence Block. The series is up to something like 18 books. I’ve not only read every one, I’ve also collected signed first editions of each one. From Block’s effortless writing and plotting, to the incredible character of Scudder (who changes in age, ability, and levels of alcoholism throughout the years), I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who will listen.
This graphic novel by John K. Snyder III is an excellent adaptation of Block’s fifth - and in many ways, most important- Scudder novel, EIGHT MILLION WAYS TO DIE. As Block writes in a foreword of the graphic novel, the book was the longest of the series at the time because it really told three stories: Scudder’s investigation of the murder of Kim Dakkinen; the perilous nature of life in New York City; and Scudder’s struggle to come to terms with his alcoholism.
Ex-cop private eyes, random violence to prostitutes, alcohol abuse, these are some of the most tired and overused cliches of the mystery genre, but in the hands of a grandmaster like Block, the transformation that Scudder experiences through the series - and especially in this book - is sensational. I was pleased with the way Snyder adapted the novel, maintaining the key transformations of Scudder, while depicting the City as a bleak character in and of itself.
This book will appeal to everyone from die hard Scudder followers to fans of noir graphic novels. Perhaps my only quibble is with a few grammatical errors and misspellings in the lettering that will hopefully get fixed in later editions.
My copy of this book is signed by both Block and Snyder, and I’m happy to report that Block just recently announced that he has wrapped up a new Scudder. I can hardly wait.
This graphic novel by John K. Snyder III is an excellent adaptation of Block’s fifth - and in many ways, most important- Scudder novel, EIGHT MILLION WAYS TO DIE. As Block writes in a foreword of the graphic novel, the book was the longest of the series at the time because it really told three stories: Scudder’s investigation of the murder of Kim Dakkinen; the perilous nature of life in New York City; and Scudder’s struggle to come to terms with his alcoholism.
Ex-cop private eyes, random violence to prostitutes, alcohol abuse, these are some of the most tired and overused cliches of the mystery genre, but in the hands of a grandmaster like Block, the transformation that Scudder experiences through the series - and especially in this book - is sensational. I was pleased with the way Snyder adapted the novel, maintaining the key transformations of Scudder, while depicting the City as a bleak character in and of itself.
This book will appeal to everyone from die hard Scudder followers to fans of noir graphic novels. Perhaps my only quibble is with a few grammatical errors and misspellings in the lettering that will hopefully get fixed in later editions.
My copy of this book is signed by both Block and Snyder, and I’m happy to report that Block just recently announced that he has wrapped up a new Scudder. I can hardly wait.
September 4, 2018
Always appreciate Mr. Block's stories and Mr. Snyder's illustrations beautifully captures a gritty 1980's NYC
September 25, 2019
Loved it. How detailed it was. Like I was watching a movie
August 11, 2024
A decent enough detective noir but it didnt do much for me.
Did a good job, portraying the detective trying to beat alcoholism while having a case with a serial killer who is going about killing prostitutes.
Paneling is fine, so is the writing but was largely indifferent to it. Maybe such just arent my type of stories.
Did a good job, portraying the detective trying to beat alcoholism while having a case with a serial killer who is going about killing prostitutes.
Paneling is fine, so is the writing but was largely indifferent to it. Maybe such just arent my type of stories.
October 23, 2021
A great Scudder story from Lawrence Block and an all-around great graphic novelization. I loved this. The stylization was superb and added a great deal to an already great story. This one was very, very well done. Bravo!
July 19, 2018
Snyder's adaptation is very good. He made sure that all the best scenes are covered and he also retained all the best dialogue and narration. I've read the novel a few times and this was a great way to revisit it. Lawrence Block's Scudder series is a masterpiece and this story is pivotal to the arc of the character. The novel has always gotten me with its perfect last line...and Snyder highlights that line's emotional impact.
The only other graphic-anything I've read was Fun Home, so I'm not sure how the art work really compares with other graphic-novels. I found the cityscapes to be perfectly rendered. He captures the grittiness of the novel. A couple of the action scenes felt a bit cartoony to me, but that's a minor quibble.
I think this would be a good introduction to the series for someone unfamiliar with Scudder.
The only other graphic-anything I've read was Fun Home, so I'm not sure how the art work really compares with other graphic-novels. I found the cityscapes to be perfectly rendered. He captures the grittiness of the novel. A couple of the action scenes felt a bit cartoony to me, but that's a minor quibble.
I think this would be a good introduction to the series for someone unfamiliar with Scudder.
July 3, 2018
John Snyder has taken Lawrence Block’s masterpiece, Eight Million Ways to Die, and adapted it into this beautiful, compelling graphic novel. This is a must-have for all mystery fans. Highly recommended.
June 16, 2019
Matt Scudder is a private detective with a guilty conscience (he killed a seven-year old girl by accident) and an out of control drinking problem (he just checked himself out of Roosevelt Hospital against medical advice).
When he is approached by a beautiful prostitute who wants help leaving her pimp, he takes the job because he needs the money and it gives him something to do other than drink. When the same lady is hacked to pieces a few days later in a hotel room, finding her killer becomes a journey of self-destruction.
I read Lawrence Block’s novel Eight Million Ways to Die over a decade ago. I thought it was excellent, on many levels, and in fact it led me to read the entire 19-book Matthew Scudder series.
This new graphic novel adaptation by John Snyder III is amazing in its own right. It is not just a fun tribute or a way to reexperience the novel. If there is such a thing as an award for best crime comic, this should be on the short list.
The art is simply stunning: dark, moody, gritty panels that perfectly capture the noir feel of Scudder’s point of view.
Certain characters are marked by contrasting color schemes: the albino Danny Boy Bell is highlighted in icy blue tones; Kim Danniken in warm browns and oranges; Joe Durkin in greys and shadows.
Use of bright spot colors – red for violence, emerald green for money—are effective and memorable.
I am not sure if this was a scene-by-scene adaptation, but Snyder devotes attention to the three storylines and themes of the novel—the murder mystery itself, the rumination on the many ways death can find a person, and the detective’s futile attempts to keep his relationship with alcohol in check.
Dialog is lifted straight from the page so that it “feels” like Lawrence Block, with his distinctive tone and cadence. This feels very much like Scudder's world, from the opening scene when Kim walks into the bar to the haunting, hopeful final line.
This book is a gem. I hope Snyder will adapt future Scudder stories in the future. I would really like to see what he can do with When the Sacred Gin Mill Closes, A Long Line of Dead Men, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, A Drop of the Hard Stuff, and A Time to Scatter Stones.
When he is approached by a beautiful prostitute who wants help leaving her pimp, he takes the job because he needs the money and it gives him something to do other than drink. When the same lady is hacked to pieces a few days later in a hotel room, finding her killer becomes a journey of self-destruction.
I read Lawrence Block’s novel Eight Million Ways to Die over a decade ago. I thought it was excellent, on many levels, and in fact it led me to read the entire 19-book Matthew Scudder series.
This new graphic novel adaptation by John Snyder III is amazing in its own right. It is not just a fun tribute or a way to reexperience the novel. If there is such a thing as an award for best crime comic, this should be on the short list.
The art is simply stunning: dark, moody, gritty panels that perfectly capture the noir feel of Scudder’s point of view.
Certain characters are marked by contrasting color schemes: the albino Danny Boy Bell is highlighted in icy blue tones; Kim Danniken in warm browns and oranges; Joe Durkin in greys and shadows.
Use of bright spot colors – red for violence, emerald green for money—are effective and memorable.
I am not sure if this was a scene-by-scene adaptation, but Snyder devotes attention to the three storylines and themes of the novel—the murder mystery itself, the rumination on the many ways death can find a person, and the detective’s futile attempts to keep his relationship with alcohol in check.
Dialog is lifted straight from the page so that it “feels” like Lawrence Block, with his distinctive tone and cadence. This feels very much like Scudder's world, from the opening scene when Kim walks into the bar to the haunting, hopeful final line.
This book is a gem. I hope Snyder will adapt future Scudder stories in the future. I would really like to see what he can do with When the Sacred Gin Mill Closes, A Long Line of Dead Men, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, A Drop of the Hard Stuff, and A Time to Scatter Stones.
September 10, 2022
So, I wasn't even planning to read this but I looked through a few pages and ended up reading the whole thing. 5 stars because of the amazing artwork. Honestly, this noir detective story combined with the gorgeous illustrations truly made my day, easiest 5 stars to give.
Forget about the plot for a second, I really enjoyed the artwork in here. The art direction is captivating, the dark moody palette is perfect in capturing the shady 80s New York setting. The vibe is immaculate. I almost wished I listened to jazz while reading this. I also love the character design and how the artist depicts the main character in different ways depending on his emotions and well-being. Like I could just flip through and enjoy each panel for its storytelling value even without any dialogue.
I gushed about Batman Year One and I think I actually prefer the art style of this book than Batman! Which is saying a lot.
I think what made this a more enjoyable read than Batman ia that the plot is pretty solid. It is noir so yes there are prostitutes and pimps and alcoholics but that's exactly what I came for. I enjoy the fact that the detective here, despite never being sober for more than 2 weeks, is a good investigator and there's a lot of sleuthing involved. I realised a lot of the crime thrillers I read recently do not really show actual crime solving like finding clues etc. There is no shocking plot twists but the big reveal lets me enjoy all the small hints dropped along the way.
Anyway, if you're wondering why I'm reading a lot is because I finally got onto the Libby app and now can borrow ebooks from my local library.
Forget about the plot for a second, I really enjoyed the artwork in here. The art direction is captivating, the dark moody palette is perfect in capturing the shady 80s New York setting. The vibe is immaculate. I almost wished I listened to jazz while reading this. I also love the character design and how the artist depicts the main character in different ways depending on his emotions and well-being. Like I could just flip through and enjoy each panel for its storytelling value even without any dialogue.
I gushed about Batman Year One and I think I actually prefer the art style of this book than Batman! Which is saying a lot.
I think what made this a more enjoyable read than Batman ia that the plot is pretty solid. It is noir so yes there are prostitutes and pimps and alcoholics but that's exactly what I came for. I enjoy the fact that the detective here, despite never being sober for more than 2 weeks, is a good investigator and there's a lot of sleuthing involved. I realised a lot of the crime thrillers I read recently do not really show actual crime solving like finding clues etc. There is no shocking plot twists but the big reveal lets me enjoy all the small hints dropped along the way.
Anyway, if you're wondering why I'm reading a lot is because I finally got onto the Libby app and now can borrow ebooks from my local library.
October 31, 2018
Skim the pages of Eight Million Ways to Die and, like me, you might find yourself a little fearful that another prose author has stumbled into the graphic format and left far too much text behind. This edition of the (classic?) P.I. story is positively dense with text. Matthew Scudder, the P.I., is constantly narrating events and just as constantly having thoughtful conversations with others. There are words everywhere, and it's completely understandable that a reader might be worried this graphic novel will be a slog.
Fortunately, I am here to report that it's the opposite of a slog - Eight Million Ways to Die is absolutely enthralling. Scudder is a vicious character, unkind to himself to a troubling degree, but dedicated to solving the case, no matter where that case takes him. An alcoholic, a great deal of the novel is spent reviewing Scudder's tentative steps towards recovery. That portion of the book alone is a worthwhile read - the author digs deep into the psyche of an alcoholic, revealing thrilling and terrifying truths.
The author (and perhaps an editor) has also trimmed the original novel down to only the best scenes, best dialogue, best narration, so the story positively zips along, even with all that text. Better yet, the text doesn't come at the expense of the artwork, which is precise, gloomy, and noirish. The layout adds to the propulsiveness of what could have been a slow story. Regardless of whether you've read the original novel, Eight Million Ways to Die is worth picking up.
Fortunately, I am here to report that it's the opposite of a slog - Eight Million Ways to Die is absolutely enthralling. Scudder is a vicious character, unkind to himself to a troubling degree, but dedicated to solving the case, no matter where that case takes him. An alcoholic, a great deal of the novel is spent reviewing Scudder's tentative steps towards recovery. That portion of the book alone is a worthwhile read - the author digs deep into the psyche of an alcoholic, revealing thrilling and terrifying truths.
The author (and perhaps an editor) has also trimmed the original novel down to only the best scenes, best dialogue, best narration, so the story positively zips along, even with all that text. Better yet, the text doesn't come at the expense of the artwork, which is precise, gloomy, and noirish. The layout adds to the propulsiveness of what could have been a slow story. Regardless of whether you've read the original novel, Eight Million Ways to Die is worth picking up.
April 20, 2020
I really didn't expect this to be as good as it was.
I liked the book version of Eight Million Ways To Die well enough when I read it last year but I wouldn't say I loved it. It hit on a lot of cliches that I can't stand and that made me put off Scudder novels for a while. Alcoholic ex-cop-turned-PI, slashed prostitutes, New York as Babylon, etc. But Lawrence Block used the story to build a world and I've really come to like Matthew's world and how he inhabits it. So I respect the tale without being overly fond of its familiarity.
And yet, the art in this one perfectly captured Matthew Scudder's world. And they got enough of the story right to make it come alive. It was like reading the story again with new eyes, especially as Matt pushes himself closer to a real attempt at sobriety. When he finally gets there, the emotional payoff is worth it. It feels earned.
There really needs to be more graphic novel adaptations of good crime tales. I find myself enjoying almost all of the ones I read.
I liked the book version of Eight Million Ways To Die well enough when I read it last year but I wouldn't say I loved it. It hit on a lot of cliches that I can't stand and that made me put off Scudder novels for a while. Alcoholic ex-cop-turned-PI, slashed prostitutes, New York as Babylon, etc. But Lawrence Block used the story to build a world and I've really come to like Matthew's world and how he inhabits it. So I respect the tale without being overly fond of its familiarity.
And yet, the art in this one perfectly captured Matthew Scudder's world. And they got enough of the story right to make it come alive. It was like reading the story again with new eyes, especially as Matt pushes himself closer to a real attempt at sobriety. When he finally gets there, the emotional payoff is worth it. It feels earned.
There really needs to be more graphic novel adaptations of good crime tales. I find myself enjoying almost all of the ones I read.
October 20, 2018
This is a graphic novel of one of Block’s more famous Mathew Scudder series. Scudder was a cop, but an accidental shooting of a child caused him to start drinking and to retire. Now he is an unlicensed PI who “does favors” for people. Here he is approached by a hooker who wants to leave the life and hires him to intercede with her pimp. When she is murdered, Scudder initially thinks the pimp is the killer and works with a police detective to try to solve the crime. Subsequent deaths and key clues suggest someone else did the deed and our hero solves the case while fighting his personal booze demons. The hook about this book is the graphic design. John Snyder’s art adds real dimension to the story. A rendering of a dark Brooklyn alley is worth at least a thousand words in creating atmosphere. I really enjoyed this read and think I will look for more of this type. I have enjoyed four graphic travel books by Guy Delisle.
September 1, 2018
It takes a lot to impress me with a graphic novel these days. I almost didn't order this as it was a genre I really don't read often, but I saw John K. Snyder's name attached to it and took a chance. I was curious to check out his work. I liked his Fashion In Action work for Eclipse.
A pitch perfect crime graphic novel! John's art didn't disappoint. He has really elevated his hyper angular design and infused it with a realistic texture. The panel layouts were a delight.
This is a dense read, but I found that I didn't skip over the text. I wanted to read it.
I'd love to see more work from Snyder and soon. Maybe a sci-fi project.
A pitch perfect crime graphic novel! John's art didn't disappoint. He has really elevated his hyper angular design and infused it with a realistic texture. The panel layouts were a delight.
This is a dense read, but I found that I didn't skip over the text. I wanted to read it.
I'd love to see more work from Snyder and soon. Maybe a sci-fi project.
January 13, 2021
I will preface this by saying that I am by no means a graphic novel connoisseur nor even have read them extensively. I am just an artist who loves to read crime novels & noir, & visually I know what I like.
Not only is this a great story, but it is beautifully adapted & drawn in a way that managed to capture the grittiness of New York, the inner turmoil & imperfections of all the characters (particularly the protagonist), & the peculiarities of dialogue. The colour palette is really well used & the illustrations exceptionally well crafted.
Really well worth the effort, even if you’ve not read a graphic novel before.
Not only is this a great story, but it is beautifully adapted & drawn in a way that managed to capture the grittiness of New York, the inner turmoil & imperfections of all the characters (particularly the protagonist), & the peculiarities of dialogue. The colour palette is really well used & the illustrations exceptionally well crafted.
Really well worth the effort, even if you’ve not read a graphic novel before.
November 20, 2018
“There are eight million stories in the naked city.”
“You got eight million ways to die.”
A decent, hard-boiled detective story! Matthew Scudder is hired to get a prostitute out of the business, which he does. But then - she's murdered. Now, Scudder wants to know who dunnit, and why? Can he find the killer, and maintain his sobriety? Well, you gotta read it!
I liked the story, the format, and the artwork. Not a big fan of the ending. But three outta four ain't bad. And neither is this read!
“You got eight million ways to die.”
A decent, hard-boiled detective story! Matthew Scudder is hired to get a prostitute out of the business, which he does. But then - she's murdered. Now, Scudder wants to know who dunnit, and why? Can he find the killer, and maintain his sobriety? Well, you gotta read it!
I liked the story, the format, and the artwork. Not a big fan of the ending. But three outta four ain't bad. And neither is this read!
August 10, 2019
Great hard-boiled neo-noir crime/mystery story, excellently executed in graphic novel form. The artwork is incredible, and the panels and collages were laid out deliberately and thoughtfully to flow well with the story and the dialogue. I usually avoid reading graphic novel adaptations of prose books, at least until I've read the original first, but this stands on it's own as a very satisfying read, and I don't regret reading this first. I don't think you will, either. I'm planning to track down a copy of Block's original.
January 7, 2019
Thirty-seven years on and I'm reading a comic book? Yep. Lawrence Block published "Eight Million Ways to Die" in 1982 and I read it. His string of Scudder novels marks a high point in the tradition and scored some of the best titles ever. Now we have 'graphic novels'. This is an example of how they can triumph. Take a terrific story and combine it with genre-busting art; savor.
Recommended.
Recommended.
December 7, 2019
A classic detective noir retold in graphic novel form. I haven't read the original, but the graphic presentation was excellent. It helped to set the mood and setting; it captured the tension felt by Scudder and his relationship to alcohol. The story was well-plotted and interesting; though the resolution came rather quickly. I wish there were more graphic novel adaptations like this.
July 2, 2018
I've enjoyed Scudder novels, but this graphic novel added the element of gritty art to the pulpy/noir story. While not sure any book is a bull blown five, this one comes so very close. It's 3 a.m. because I couldn't put it down until I was finished. Most excellent.
July 3, 2018
John Snyder has taken Lawrence Block’s masterpiece, Eight Million Ways to Die, and adapted it into this beautiful, compelling graphic novel. This is a must-have for all mystery fans. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2018
This was a wonderful graphic novel adaptation of one Lawrence Block's best Matt Scudder books. Tough and gritty in the best pulp tradition. Great adaptation by John K. Snyder III. A worthy addition to any crime fiction book shelf.
October 29, 2018
This is possibly my favorite of Block's Matthew Scudder tales (certainly it was my first) and done magnificent justice in graphic novel form. John K Snyder III gives the pitch perfect Parker adaptations by the genius and greatly missed Darwyn Cooke a run for their money.
November 13, 2018
A very faithful adaptation of one of Lawrence Block's mysteries featuring alcoholic detective Matt Scudder. The artwork is excellent--both effective in telling the story and in setting the grim tone of the tale.
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