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Two Dead
From the acclaimed DC Comics writer and the artist of the #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award–winning illustrated trilogy March comes a stunning crime noir graphic novel exploring the intertwining threads of crime, conspiracy, racism, and insanity in the post-World War II Deep South.
After World War II, tensions rise in a Southern city ruled by organized crime, touching countless residents as they struggle to make sense of the new world. A sudden act of violence sets off a series of bloody events between the police and mafia as they lash out against one another. As the violence worsens, desperation grows to stop it, by any means necessary.
Told in multiple perspectives—from a seemingly untouchable mafia don, to a gun-happy seasoned detective succumbing to the depths of his schizophrenia, to a newly minted police lieutenant haunted by his recent service in the war, and two African-American brothers, one mired in corruption and the other leading a local militia in an effort to see that justice is served— Two Dead is at once a white-knuckled and unputdownable thriller, a roman à clef inspired by true events, and a book about post-traumatic stress disorder and the underlying social traumas of how war and segregation affect their survivors on all fronts.
After World War II, tensions rise in a Southern city ruled by organized crime, touching countless residents as they struggle to make sense of the new world. A sudden act of violence sets off a series of bloody events between the police and mafia as they lash out against one another. As the violence worsens, desperation grows to stop it, by any means necessary.
Told in multiple perspectives—from a seemingly untouchable mafia don, to a gun-happy seasoned detective succumbing to the depths of his schizophrenia, to a newly minted police lieutenant haunted by his recent service in the war, and two African-American brothers, one mired in corruption and the other leading a local militia in an effort to see that justice is served— Two Dead is at once a white-knuckled and unputdownable thriller, a roman à clef inspired by true events, and a book about post-traumatic stress disorder and the underlying social traumas of how war and segregation affect their survivors on all fronts.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2019
8 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Van Jensen
173 books93 followersVan Jensen is the acclaimed author of the award-winning GODFALL trilogy (Grand Central). The sci-fi/thriller genre mashup series is in development for TV with Academy Award winner Ron Howard attached to direct and Jensen serving as executive producer.
Jensen was born and raised in the farm country of Western Nebraska where he wrote and drew stories as soon as he could hold a pencil. He became a newspaper crime reporter, then a magazine editor, and eventually an author of comic books and graphic novels. He has written some of the world’s biggest characters, including James Bond, Godzilla, and The Flash, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern for DC Comics. His original graphic novels include ARCA (IDW), Two Dead (Simon & Schuster/Gallery 13), Two Dead (Dark Horse), and Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer (Top Shelf/IDW).
He also writes and produces for film and TV.
Jensen was born and raised in the farm country of Western Nebraska where he wrote and drew stories as soon as he could hold a pencil. He became a newspaper crime reporter, then a magazine editor, and eventually an author of comic books and graphic novels. He has written some of the world’s biggest characters, including James Bond, Godzilla, and The Flash, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern for DC Comics. His original graphic novels include ARCA (IDW), Two Dead (Simon & Schuster/Gallery 13), Two Dead (Dark Horse), and Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer (Top Shelf/IDW).
He also writes and produces for film and TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 20, 2019
“Stay a cop long enough you go down one of three paths: you become a cynic, a reformer or a drunk.”
I picked this up because it was illustrated (co-told) by Nate Powell, with a Little Rock journalist friend, Van Jensen. As with other works by Powell, it is about madness, specifically ptsd (recalling the madness of teen schizophrenia in Swallow Me Whole, and our racist history (as in March). This one is set in post WWI Little Rock, where Powell grew up, based on a true story of racist violence that happened there, involving veterans haunted by their own war killing. It’s told from multiple perspectives, including a police detective who hears voices, a newly minted police lieutenant who killed one of his own in the war by mistake and is trying to redeem himself in doing the right things in his job, and two black brothers, one working for the (white) cops, the other working for the (white) mob.
All four of the main character stories get intertwined in the swirling sewer of consequences. It’s a moralistic melodramatic tragedy about violence and segregation in the American South in the mid twentieth century. The connection between Powell’s work and Will Eisner’s pen and ink, panel-less, social justice stories is clear, as is his connection to the comics journalism of Joe Sacco. Powell’s signature scrawled lettering and his characteristic black backgrounds feel like they are ripped from journalism/memoirs of one of many sad chapters in American history.
I picked this up because it was illustrated (co-told) by Nate Powell, with a Little Rock journalist friend, Van Jensen. As with other works by Powell, it is about madness, specifically ptsd (recalling the madness of teen schizophrenia in Swallow Me Whole, and our racist history (as in March). This one is set in post WWI Little Rock, where Powell grew up, based on a true story of racist violence that happened there, involving veterans haunted by their own war killing. It’s told from multiple perspectives, including a police detective who hears voices, a newly minted police lieutenant who killed one of his own in the war by mistake and is trying to redeem himself in doing the right things in his job, and two black brothers, one working for the (white) cops, the other working for the (white) mob.
All four of the main character stories get intertwined in the swirling sewer of consequences. It’s a moralistic melodramatic tragedy about violence and segregation in the American South in the mid twentieth century. The connection between Powell’s work and Will Eisner’s pen and ink, panel-less, social justice stories is clear, as is his connection to the comics journalism of Joe Sacco. Powell’s signature scrawled lettering and his characteristic black backgrounds feel like they are ripped from journalism/memoirs of one of many sad chapters in American history.
October 24, 2020
Loosely based on a true story, a WWII vet with PTSD joins the Little Rock police department where he's saddled with the loose cannon, chief of detectives. On the other side of town are two African American brothers. One a former soldier who wants to do right and his older brother trying to rise through the ranks of the mob. What follows is a story of violated rights and murders swimming in a sewer of lies and backstabbing. This story will not leave you with a happy underglow in your heart.
I didn't care much for Nate Powell's art. It was extremely sloppy at times, especially in action scenes. I often had a difficult time telling characters apart. His panel structure used negative space and didn't work at times, everything just swirling together. Where his art worked best were the flashback scenes. You could tell he spent more time on them and it showed.
I didn't care much for Nate Powell's art. It was extremely sloppy at times, especially in action scenes. I often had a difficult time telling characters apart. His panel structure used negative space and didn't work at times, everything just swirling together. Where his art worked best were the flashback scenes. You could tell he spent more time on them and it showed.
January 20, 2020
One has PTSD, the other is schizophrenic. Together, they fight crime . . . in a downbeat and depressing story about two police detectives unraveling as they pursue a case against organized crime and political corruption in 1940s Little Rock, Arkansas.
Based on a true story, it wanders off in unsatisfying directions at the end and has a whiff of the supernatural for some reason, but it is still pretty well done.
Based on a true story, it wanders off in unsatisfying directions at the end and has a whiff of the supernatural for some reason, but it is still pretty well done.
November 26, 2019
Let’s just get this out of the way: “Two Dead” is a Nate Powell book so OF COURSE I’m going to love it and give it five stars. Like an actor who only appears in excellent films, Powell has an uncanny knack for picking projects that perfectly utilize his boundless talents, from epic historical biographies (the “MARCH” series) to candid viral essays (“About Face”) to intimate personal tales (“Swallow Me Whole,” “Any Empire,” “Come Again,” etc.). What makes “Two Dead” remarkable is that it feels like it pulls from all these disciplines equally and, incredibly, Powell didn’t write it. Van Jensen, a former crime reporter, did and their partnership is seamless. Both grittily noir-ish and heartbreakingly metaphysical, “Two Dead” is a page-turning thriller with a lot to say.
At its core, “Two Dead” is about the aftershocks of violence, how single impulsive - and explosive - moments can feed cycles of death and destruction. Newly partnered Little Rock police officers Gideon Kemp, a PTSD-plagued soldier with a terrible secret, and Abe Bailey, a grizzled veteran of the force with his own considerable demons, know this all too well. In a simmering cauldron of post-war Midwestern racism and institutional corruption, the men are tasked with fighting the presence of the Mafia in Little Rock, a very tall order indeed. Like I said before, “Two Dead” feels like a culmination of Powell’s interests and preferred themes. There’s the struggle against racism (“MARCH” and “The Silence Of Our Friends”), fragile notions of masculinity (“About Face” and “Any Empire”), mental heath battles (“Swallow Me Whole”), and innocence lost (“Come Again”). It totally makes sense then that, freed from exploring these elements on the writing side, “Two Dead” features some of Powell’s most experimental and lovely art work yet (shout out to Erin Tobey’s monochromatic and grimly nostalgic coloring, as well). Jensen’s writing, honed during his time as part of the Fourth Estate, is clear and concise even though there’s a lot going on in the book. Balancing the narratives of several main characters with precision and subtlety, Jensen weaves an hypnotic tale of crime and humanity; it’s relentless in both its brutality and its weary optimism.
Without fail, I always preorder Nate Powell’s latest work (signed and sketched!) and, without fail, I’m never disappointed by his comics. What did surprise me about “Two Dead,” however, is just how perfectly in sync Powell and Jensen worked together. “Two Dead” is a career highlight for both of them, in careers that are virtually all highlights.
At its core, “Two Dead” is about the aftershocks of violence, how single impulsive - and explosive - moments can feed cycles of death and destruction. Newly partnered Little Rock police officers Gideon Kemp, a PTSD-plagued soldier with a terrible secret, and Abe Bailey, a grizzled veteran of the force with his own considerable demons, know this all too well. In a simmering cauldron of post-war Midwestern racism and institutional corruption, the men are tasked with fighting the presence of the Mafia in Little Rock, a very tall order indeed. Like I said before, “Two Dead” feels like a culmination of Powell’s interests and preferred themes. There’s the struggle against racism (“MARCH” and “The Silence Of Our Friends”), fragile notions of masculinity (“About Face” and “Any Empire”), mental heath battles (“Swallow Me Whole”), and innocence lost (“Come Again”). It totally makes sense then that, freed from exploring these elements on the writing side, “Two Dead” features some of Powell’s most experimental and lovely art work yet (shout out to Erin Tobey’s monochromatic and grimly nostalgic coloring, as well). Jensen’s writing, honed during his time as part of the Fourth Estate, is clear and concise even though there’s a lot going on in the book. Balancing the narratives of several main characters with precision and subtlety, Jensen weaves an hypnotic tale of crime and humanity; it’s relentless in both its brutality and its weary optimism.
Without fail, I always preorder Nate Powell’s latest work (signed and sketched!) and, without fail, I’m never disappointed by his comics. What did surprise me about “Two Dead,” however, is just how perfectly in sync Powell and Jensen worked together. “Two Dead” is a career highlight for both of them, in careers that are virtually all highlights.
December 4, 2023
Tagline: “Stunning crime-noir graphic novel exploring the intertwining threads of crime, conspiracy, racism, and insanity in the post-World War II Deep South.”
When I saw this graphic novel was drawn by Nate Powell, the artist of the excellent March trilogy, I knew I wanted to give it a chance just based on that and eagerly requested it from NetGalley. His collaboration with author Van Jensen proved to be strong and I enjoyed this historical drama.
Gideon Kemp is a soldier who is fighting PTSD, who has recently returned from WWII and accepts a job as a police lieutenant detective in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1946. As Gideon is an idealistic rookie, Mayor Sprick warns him against the mob in the city and problematic Chief of Detectives Abraham Bailey. The officers are fighting a sadistic serial killer, and this white police force comes up against Chief Jacob Davis and his black police force when a victim is found in their jurisdiction. Ugly racial prejudices are shown, with postering and threats made, when the two groups should have been working together for the greater good.
Mob action increases and Chief Davis tries to keep his brother Esau out of it, as racial tensions are about to explode. In the midst of this Chief Bailey is shown to be unstable, with lingering effects of guilt and schizophrenia affecting his everyday actions. All four men are caught up in the ugly cycle of violent segregation and are drawn together in an explosive finale. A fellow cop’s statement becomes symbolic, “Stay a cop long enough you go down one of three paths: you become a cynic, a reformer or a drunk” as justice is not always achieved.
Powell helps the books come alive and makes the narrative flow through his powerful black-and-white illustrations. His work is historically accurate and he faithfully duplicates the era. Black backgrounds when there is violence were emblematic, but on the other hand, hard to follow. With a lot of speech bubbles to keep track of, I felt I was missing part of the story, for I was trying so hard to read the conversations that had small lettering. A second read of the story, when it is published, will be necessary to catch what I missed in the online version.
Far from a light read, author Jensen created a layered thriller, that was inspired by true events. I applaud him and Powell for showing how some deep-seated issues resulted in social ills for everyone in the community, and that they didn’t shy away from showing the tragedy that unfolded because of it.
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2019/11/2...
When I saw this graphic novel was drawn by Nate Powell, the artist of the excellent March trilogy, I knew I wanted to give it a chance just based on that and eagerly requested it from NetGalley. His collaboration with author Van Jensen proved to be strong and I enjoyed this historical drama.
Gideon Kemp is a soldier who is fighting PTSD, who has recently returned from WWII and accepts a job as a police lieutenant detective in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1946. As Gideon is an idealistic rookie, Mayor Sprick warns him against the mob in the city and problematic Chief of Detectives Abraham Bailey. The officers are fighting a sadistic serial killer, and this white police force comes up against Chief Jacob Davis and his black police force when a victim is found in their jurisdiction. Ugly racial prejudices are shown, with postering and threats made, when the two groups should have been working together for the greater good.
Mob action increases and Chief Davis tries to keep his brother Esau out of it, as racial tensions are about to explode. In the midst of this Chief Bailey is shown to be unstable, with lingering effects of guilt and schizophrenia affecting his everyday actions. All four men are caught up in the ugly cycle of violent segregation and are drawn together in an explosive finale. A fellow cop’s statement becomes symbolic, “Stay a cop long enough you go down one of three paths: you become a cynic, a reformer or a drunk” as justice is not always achieved.
Powell helps the books come alive and makes the narrative flow through his powerful black-and-white illustrations. His work is historically accurate and he faithfully duplicates the era. Black backgrounds when there is violence were emblematic, but on the other hand, hard to follow. With a lot of speech bubbles to keep track of, I felt I was missing part of the story, for I was trying so hard to read the conversations that had small lettering. A second read of the story, when it is published, will be necessary to catch what I missed in the online version.
Far from a light read, author Jensen created a layered thriller, that was inspired by true events. I applaud him and Powell for showing how some deep-seated issues resulted in social ills for everyone in the community, and that they didn’t shy away from showing the tragedy that unfolded because of it.
This review can also be found on my blog: https://graphicnovelty2.com/2019/11/2...
March 30, 2020
Riveting. Two Dead is about violence, about trauma, about finding peace. It's about war and race and policing and the mob and the South. It's got Nate Powell at the peak of his powers - his swirling, detailed lines and brilliant lettering are as compelling as comic art gets. And beyond the big picture, sales pitch stuff, Van Jensen's tale of troubled Little Rock cops reads like a rocket. This is real good stuff.
A young WWII soldier returns home to Little Rock to a position on the police force. The mayor wants him to keep an eye on the crazy chief detective - the crazy chief detective wants to stomp out crime through any means necessary. Meanwhile, a pair of black brothers on the other side of the tracks get mixed up with the mob, each just trying to stay afloat in the white supremacist south. These characters, plus the local mob kingpin, clash together in a series of violent encounters, betrayals, and juicy twists.
Two Dead is one of those books where the surface level is pure enjoyment - it's an exciting, page-turning read. But the whole time you're reading, you can tell that there's so much more to the narrative. This book is big. Even though it takes place shortly after WWII, the plot and themes feel like they could easily be translated into a modern tale. Two Dead is the reminder I needed that a powerful story can work on many levels - it can be a great read AND it can make you think.
A young WWII soldier returns home to Little Rock to a position on the police force. The mayor wants him to keep an eye on the crazy chief detective - the crazy chief detective wants to stomp out crime through any means necessary. Meanwhile, a pair of black brothers on the other side of the tracks get mixed up with the mob, each just trying to stay afloat in the white supremacist south. These characters, plus the local mob kingpin, clash together in a series of violent encounters, betrayals, and juicy twists.
Two Dead is one of those books where the surface level is pure enjoyment - it's an exciting, page-turning read. But the whole time you're reading, you can tell that there's so much more to the narrative. This book is big. Even though it takes place shortly after WWII, the plot and themes feel like they could easily be translated into a modern tale. Two Dead is the reminder I needed that a powerful story can work on many levels - it can be a great read AND it can make you think.
December 11, 2025
I really liked this, it was so up my alley, but the ending was inconclusive and disappointing. 3.something, rounded up.
This is a crime story that takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas in the period after WW2 and before the Civil Rights era, following four characters. There's Gideon Kemp, an idealistic rookie cop who became a pacisfist after the war and Chief of Detectives, Abraham Bailey, a tough as hickory old man past retirement who justifies his brutality as a necessary evil in a battle between good and evil. Parallel to Kemp and Bailey's war on the Mob, is the story of African American brothers Jacob and Esau Davis. Jacob, the younger, is the dutiful son and upright cop (kind of, he's part of a volunteer militia protecting the black side of town since the all-white police can't be bothered) while Esau, the older brother, is working for the Mob.
There's a fight against the Mob, which has had a foothold in the area ever since Al Capone vacationers there for the hot springs. There are corrupt politicians and officials, and even the cops on the good side are racist brutes. It's pretty good, the pacing is good, the twists and turns are compelling, the characters have developed backstories. It should be a solid 4 stars, except for the ending, which was very inconclusive and substandard.
Some unorganized notes: I love how the city is as much a character as our protagonists. I love the histry of organized crime in a part of America that isn't Chicago, New York, or Vegas. I wish the ghost was real instead of an old man descending into dementia. Maybe this is unfair, but since Nathan Powell worked on March: Book One, I expected more, but African American life was depicted entirely in relation to segregation and oppression.
I wish the ending didn't leave us hanging. I really didn't like it (the ending; the rest was promising).
This is a crime story that takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas in the period after WW2 and before the Civil Rights era, following four characters. There's Gideon Kemp, an idealistic rookie cop who became a pacisfist after the war and Chief of Detectives, Abraham Bailey, a tough as hickory old man past retirement who justifies his brutality as a necessary evil in a battle between good and evil. Parallel to Kemp and Bailey's war on the Mob, is the story of African American brothers Jacob and Esau Davis. Jacob, the younger, is the dutiful son and upright cop (kind of, he's part of a volunteer militia protecting the black side of town since the all-white police can't be bothered) while Esau, the older brother, is working for the Mob.
There's a fight against the Mob, which has had a foothold in the area ever since Al Capone vacationers there for the hot springs. There are corrupt politicians and officials, and even the cops on the good side are racist brutes. It's pretty good, the pacing is good, the twists and turns are compelling, the characters have developed backstories. It should be a solid 4 stars, except for the ending, which was very inconclusive and substandard.
Some unorganized notes: I love how the city is as much a character as our protagonists. I love the histry of organized crime in a part of America that isn't Chicago, New York, or Vegas. I wish the ghost was real instead of an old man descending into dementia. Maybe this is unfair, but since Nathan Powell worked on March: Book One, I expected more, but African American life was depicted entirely in relation to segregation and oppression.
I wish the ending didn't leave us hanging. I really didn't like it (the ending; the rest was promising).
February 10, 2020
Well developed and entertaining without being preachy or political - a rare feat for a comic with a racially motivated plot.
May 16, 2020
Van Jensen was a crime reporter for an Arkansas newspaper. When he started reading the history of the city, he noticed how crazy Little Rock used to be. It was strictly separated and had a serious presence of organized crime. Police tended to solve problems with their service gun. A certain bizarre crime inspired him to create the story for 'Two Dead'. It was so impressive because the police themselves were drawn into a whirlpool of race and mental illness.
Van Jensen worked with one of my favorite comic artists, Nate Powell, someone whose work I admire since the release of 'Swallow me whole' in 2008. The man was born and largely raised in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Both Van Jensen & Powell are at the top of their game: we get a heavy-hitting, tense crime story + beautiful artwork with perfect coloring and lettering. It is a pity that this jewel of a graphic novel did not receive more attention when it was released.
Van Jensen worked with one of my favorite comic artists, Nate Powell, someone whose work I admire since the release of 'Swallow me whole' in 2008. The man was born and largely raised in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Both Van Jensen & Powell are at the top of their game: we get a heavy-hitting, tense crime story + beautiful artwork with perfect coloring and lettering. It is a pity that this jewel of a graphic novel did not receive more attention when it was released.
December 17, 2023
Character-driven crime drama set in Jim Crow Little Rock, Arkansas.
--A tremendously popular detective who keeps a trophy case of his many kills. Dementia has Chief Bailey more triggerhappy than ever, full of rage and seeing ghosts, and he's desperate to destroy the local mafia at any cost before his mind deserts him. He's frequently sidetracked by his own rabid racism.
--Brothers Jacob (cop) and Esau (gangster) Davis, who take opposite paths in response to the vicious, mindless bigotry they have to contend with.
--A fresh, young, overachieving, war hero police lieutenant. He's tasked by the mayor with bringing down Chief Bailey, he's tasked by Chief Bailey with rooting out corrupt government officials and the burgeoning mafia presence, and he just wants to do honest, modern policing that prosecutes criminals instead of murdering them.
I picked this up partly because I've enjoyed Nate Powell's nonfiction so much. This isn't his best illustration work. The monochrome pale brown is supposed to evoke old sepia photographs, I think, but it tends to look incomplete or even unsightly. I prefer his straight b&w work.
I dug the story, which incorporated a lot of historical and modern social problems but is foremost about policing. "The thing about being a cop.. You have so much damn power. You can make someone disappear, hurt them, kill them. And it's all legal." Jensen writes in the afterword that he took that line from an interview with a cop who unapologetically described targeting young black men and creating pretenses for searching their vehicles. Because "that's how policing works."
--A tremendously popular detective who keeps a trophy case of his many kills. Dementia has Chief Bailey more triggerhappy than ever, full of rage and seeing ghosts, and he's desperate to destroy the local mafia at any cost before his mind deserts him. He's frequently sidetracked by his own rabid racism.
--Brothers Jacob (cop) and Esau (gangster) Davis, who take opposite paths in response to the vicious, mindless bigotry they have to contend with.
--A fresh, young, overachieving, war hero police lieutenant. He's tasked by the mayor with bringing down Chief Bailey, he's tasked by Chief Bailey with rooting out corrupt government officials and the burgeoning mafia presence, and he just wants to do honest, modern policing that prosecutes criminals instead of murdering them.
I picked this up partly because I've enjoyed Nate Powell's nonfiction so much. This isn't his best illustration work. The monochrome pale brown is supposed to evoke old sepia photographs, I think, but it tends to look incomplete or even unsightly. I prefer his straight b&w work.
I dug the story, which incorporated a lot of historical and modern social problems but is foremost about policing. "The thing about being a cop.. You have so much damn power. You can make someone disappear, hurt them, kill them. And it's all legal." Jensen writes in the afterword that he took that line from an interview with a cop who unapologetically described targeting young black men and creating pretenses for searching their vehicles. Because "that's how policing works."
August 16, 2021
Two Dead is a graphic novel written by Van Jensen and illustrated by Nate Powell. It is a kinetic noir graphic novel about the cost of war and guilt as a straight-arrow soldier with blood on his hands returns from World War II to restore order in his hometown, plunging into a volatile mix of police corruption, racism, and the mob.
The graphic novel starts in 1946 with clean-cut, but haunted war hero Gideon joining the Little Rock, Arkansas police force. He’s tossed into a car with his opposite: Chief Bailey, a cigar-puffing volcano of an officer, whose mind is unraveling. Together, the men knock the legs out from under the sadistic Mafia psychopath running Little Rock’s seamy criminal underbelly.
Two Dead is written and constructed rather well. The standard buddy cop narrative is given fresh weight by Bailey's delusional mania. Told in parallel is the tortured family history of African-American brothers Jacob and Esau, who are operating on either side of the law, and yet must both face the biblical fury and collateral damage of Bailey's vendetta. Jensen further tangles the narrative with vividly depicted historical detailing, such as the militia-like black police force that operated in tandem with the white police. The noir like, harshly shadowed art from Powell is particularly well done.
All in all, Two Dead is a wonderful pulp fiction graphic novel about the tensions of the southern states shortly after the Second World War.
The graphic novel starts in 1946 with clean-cut, but haunted war hero Gideon joining the Little Rock, Arkansas police force. He’s tossed into a car with his opposite: Chief Bailey, a cigar-puffing volcano of an officer, whose mind is unraveling. Together, the men knock the legs out from under the sadistic Mafia psychopath running Little Rock’s seamy criminal underbelly.
Two Dead is written and constructed rather well. The standard buddy cop narrative is given fresh weight by Bailey's delusional mania. Told in parallel is the tortured family history of African-American brothers Jacob and Esau, who are operating on either side of the law, and yet must both face the biblical fury and collateral damage of Bailey's vendetta. Jensen further tangles the narrative with vividly depicted historical detailing, such as the militia-like black police force that operated in tandem with the white police. The noir like, harshly shadowed art from Powell is particularly well done.
All in all, Two Dead is a wonderful pulp fiction graphic novel about the tensions of the southern states shortly after the Second World War.
June 2, 2020
This was a hard book for me in many ways. It took me longer than usual to finish this graphic novel due to the heavy subject matter, my quarantine emotional rollercoaster, and how it all of a sudden had even more relevance with the protests currently going on. This story had many themes to wrap your head around - racism, PTSD, police corruption, mental illness...the fact that its based on a true story makes it pack an even more emotional punch. The drawings were a bit confusing at times in the action sequences, but overall I really enjoyed this when I was in the right mindset.
April 30, 2020
I had no idea I needed a graphic novel about the Arkansas mob during set post WWII, but this is a fantastic read. I loved the retro quality to the drawings and felt like it really added to the story. And the story...wow! So much to think about packed into this one--mental health, race relations, PTSD, family issues...it's amazing.
If you've ever doubted the depth and thoughtfulness of the graphic novel genre, this should convince you otherwise.
If you've ever doubted the depth and thoughtfulness of the graphic novel genre, this should convince you otherwise.
May 6, 2021
An enjoyable, straightforward read about police officers in racially charged and segregated Little Rock, AR. Powell's artwork is stunning as always, and Jensen's past work as a journalist and the research he did for the story add a true crime feel.
December 12, 2019
That ended exactly the way I DIDN’T want it to.
November 22, 2019
Disclaimer on the rating: I work for the publisher and actually worked on this book. It's real damn good, though. Part of my job involves looking at color proofs and it definitely took me much longer than it should have because I kept reading the pages.
February 22, 2020
Two Dead is a compelling noir story set mostly in Little Rock, Arkansas inspired by true events where in personal and systemic corruption, racism, the mafia, and a schizophrenic police chief all intersect on a path towards inevitable violence and tragedy. Gideon Kemp, a decorated World War II army sergeant, forgoes a career as a lawyer and joins the Little Rock police force as a detective against the advice of his wife. Both the mayor and a city councilman personally enlist him to keep aging de facto police chief Abraham Bailey in line. Bailey has earned a reputation as a rogue crusader too eager to resort to violence rather than the rule of law. We soon learn that Bailey is haunted by ghosts from his past and Kemp quickly discovers just how steeply corrupt the police department he just joined has truly become. Add the violent chaos caused by the local mafia into the fray and the thrillingly nuanced nature of Two Dead takes on a certain complexity that those of us who enjoy crime stories can appreciate on multiple levels.
One end of this story offers a very unique look at how un-diagnosed mental illness and PTSD can tragically factor into the actions of police officers. There's a recurring theme in the dialogue where Kemp is told that if you remain a cop long enough you either become a cynic, a reformer, or a drunk. Kemp is clearly torn in this regard as he bonds with the very man he is meant to stop and possibly replace. Bailey made his own choices long ago and we see the personal consequences he's had to deal with as a result. Both characters are explored in such a way that helps the reader understand where each of them are coming from and what has led them each to where we find them in the story. The lingering question throughout this story is not whether either character can change. It's clear that neither can and neither could the world they inhabit. The question is really how long can either function in a world where corruption is the rule rather than the exception. Bailey's approach is to succumb to the corruption in order to weed it out and destroy it while casting himself as a self-serving hero. Kemp's approach is to remain principled and resist the corruption. Idealistically, one is on the side of good while the other one isn't. The problem is that the world they inhabit has messy consequences for each.
The other major focal point is how prejudice and biases factor into policing. Since black police offers were largely un-welcomed in the LRPD, they formed their own unsanctioned police force to police black neighborhoods. Two Dead offers us a look at the life of two black brothers, Jacob who went on to found the black police force in Little Rock, and Esau who works for the local mafia boss who Bailey wants to take down. As with Bailey and Kemp, both characters had previously made choices that determined where we find them in this story. Author Van Jensen examines the conflict both between these brothers as well as their respective inner conflicts in a way that resonates on multiple levels. This part of the story functions as an effective social commentary exploring many of the dynamics at play when it comes to the nature of racial profiling and policing. Sadly, the struggles that both Jacob and Esau are faced with are the same kinds of struggles people of color are faced with on an everyday basis today.
This book really spoke to me as a unique exploration of justice that delves deep beyond the surface of its crime narrative. Van Jensen weaves together a nuanced and compelling story. Artist Nate Powell, who did the artwork for John Lewis's March trilogy, transports us to the world of this story with a distinctive noir aesthetic I enjoyed connecting with. This was a compelling read on many levels. The level of craftsmanship at play in both the story and the artwork is simply exemplary. I highly recommend Two Dead not just as a crime thriller, at which it exceeds, but also as an effective social commentary.
One end of this story offers a very unique look at how un-diagnosed mental illness and PTSD can tragically factor into the actions of police officers. There's a recurring theme in the dialogue where Kemp is told that if you remain a cop long enough you either become a cynic, a reformer, or a drunk. Kemp is clearly torn in this regard as he bonds with the very man he is meant to stop and possibly replace. Bailey made his own choices long ago and we see the personal consequences he's had to deal with as a result. Both characters are explored in such a way that helps the reader understand where each of them are coming from and what has led them each to where we find them in the story. The lingering question throughout this story is not whether either character can change. It's clear that neither can and neither could the world they inhabit. The question is really how long can either function in a world where corruption is the rule rather than the exception. Bailey's approach is to succumb to the corruption in order to weed it out and destroy it while casting himself as a self-serving hero. Kemp's approach is to remain principled and resist the corruption. Idealistically, one is on the side of good while the other one isn't. The problem is that the world they inhabit has messy consequences for each.
The other major focal point is how prejudice and biases factor into policing. Since black police offers were largely un-welcomed in the LRPD, they formed their own unsanctioned police force to police black neighborhoods. Two Dead offers us a look at the life of two black brothers, Jacob who went on to found the black police force in Little Rock, and Esau who works for the local mafia boss who Bailey wants to take down. As with Bailey and Kemp, both characters had previously made choices that determined where we find them in this story. Author Van Jensen examines the conflict both between these brothers as well as their respective inner conflicts in a way that resonates on multiple levels. This part of the story functions as an effective social commentary exploring many of the dynamics at play when it comes to the nature of racial profiling and policing. Sadly, the struggles that both Jacob and Esau are faced with are the same kinds of struggles people of color are faced with on an everyday basis today.
This book really spoke to me as a unique exploration of justice that delves deep beyond the surface of its crime narrative. Van Jensen weaves together a nuanced and compelling story. Artist Nate Powell, who did the artwork for John Lewis's March trilogy, transports us to the world of this story with a distinctive noir aesthetic I enjoyed connecting with. This was a compelling read on many levels. The level of craftsmanship at play in both the story and the artwork is simply exemplary. I highly recommend Two Dead not just as a crime thriller, at which it exceeds, but also as an effective social commentary.
December 17, 2022
Jensen succeeds in writing a graphic novel for adults in this book in a way that most attempts don't manage: i.e. he does it without mistaking the meaning of comics for adults as including greater quantities of nudity and gore.
Don't get me wrong--I love comics, and I'm a huge science-fiction and fantasy guy so mainstream genre books and superheroes are right up my alley. But this is something different. An attempt at only slightly heightened realism, where the heightening is meant to indicate the troubled mental state as experienced by two of the characters rather than a full-fledged fantastic element.
The crime story told here--based on true, if altered events according the creators--is a solid look at the effects of violence, racism, crime etc. on the town of Little Rock in the period immediately following World War II. A newly hired police officer, a survivor who served in the war, comes into town at a moment when racial disparities, a growing mob presence, and a damaged, corrupt police chief of detectives are ready to explode in violence.
The art captures the emotional weight of the story, and it's all the more remarkable for the insistence on a rather unique color scheme, neither black and white, nor full color that I don't know I've seen used before. It depends on the superior line work of the art team to convey emotions, but they make it stick, and I don't know that I've seen lettering used so effectively as a narrative element in comics in a long time and I read a LOT of comics.
Anyway we see the battle play out with careful attention to the race situation at the time, police violence, police integrity, political corruption, organized crime, small town politics, marital relationships, PTSD--it hits all kinds of "of-the-moment" issues without ever turning its story over to preaching. It's a great example of what serious comics creators can do in any genre--no pandering, no loss of narrative power...wonderful book.
Don't get me wrong--I love comics, and I'm a huge science-fiction and fantasy guy so mainstream genre books and superheroes are right up my alley. But this is something different. An attempt at only slightly heightened realism, where the heightening is meant to indicate the troubled mental state as experienced by two of the characters rather than a full-fledged fantastic element.
The crime story told here--based on true, if altered events according the creators--is a solid look at the effects of violence, racism, crime etc. on the town of Little Rock in the period immediately following World War II. A newly hired police officer, a survivor who served in the war, comes into town at a moment when racial disparities, a growing mob presence, and a damaged, corrupt police chief of detectives are ready to explode in violence.
The art captures the emotional weight of the story, and it's all the more remarkable for the insistence on a rather unique color scheme, neither black and white, nor full color that I don't know I've seen used before. It depends on the superior line work of the art team to convey emotions, but they make it stick, and I don't know that I've seen lettering used so effectively as a narrative element in comics in a long time and I read a LOT of comics.
Anyway we see the battle play out with careful attention to the race situation at the time, police violence, police integrity, political corruption, organized crime, small town politics, marital relationships, PTSD--it hits all kinds of "of-the-moment" issues without ever turning its story over to preaching. It's a great example of what serious comics creators can do in any genre--no pandering, no loss of narrative power...wonderful book.
May 17, 2020
Quite the book. Doesn't pack the same emotional punch of March (that's kind of an unfair comparison since March is so amazing, and it's probably not fair to compare anything to it), but still a fierce commentary on racism in the postwar-1940s... maybe made all the stronger because not a whole hell of a lot has changed since then. Eighty years and we still have the same issues with race and police (and the mafia/organized crime). C'mon, America. Also a good look at how just a single event in your life can shape everything that comes after.
Powell's art worked well with the story, and the coloring Erin Tobey did is perfect—particularly with the way they visually displayed Bailey's schizophrenia. It's all kind of dark and brooding—which the story is also. I also liked the paper colors—black, white, beige, depending on the illustrations. I think it worked well!
I will say, though, that the two-tone coloring did make the characters a little bit hard to follow occasionally. I found myself flipping back a lot to make sure/check if this character was the same as that character, etc. But I think Powell did a good job giving everyone a unique look—you just had to be looking for that thing someone had that would distinguish them from someone similar looking.
I LOVE the end, the last few pages. I mean...it's hard, but also perfect.
Good read, though it's probably not what you're looking for if what you're in the mood for is a little light reading.
Powell's art worked well with the story, and the coloring Erin Tobey did is perfect—particularly with the way they visually displayed Bailey's schizophrenia. It's all kind of dark and brooding—which the story is also. I also liked the paper colors—black, white, beige, depending on the illustrations. I think it worked well!
I will say, though, that the two-tone coloring did make the characters a little bit hard to follow occasionally. I found myself flipping back a lot to make sure/check if this character was the same as that character, etc. But I think Powell did a good job giving everyone a unique look—you just had to be looking for that thing someone had that would distinguish them from someone similar looking.
I LOVE the end, the last few pages. I mean...it's hard, but also perfect.
Good read, though it's probably not what you're looking for if what you're in the mood for is a little light reading.
October 3, 2020
“Stay a cop long enough, you go down one of three paths: you become a cynic, a reformer, or a drunk.”
Gideon returns from fighting on the frontlines of WWII and picks up a gun & a badge in Little Rock. He finds himself deep in a mire of segregation & racism and mob-rule. Calling on his FBI training, the mayor hopes Gideon can use his skills to bring order and peace to Little Rock while keeping an eye on the police department and schizophrenic Chief Bailey.
How many readers pick up this novel because of Nate Powell’s name on the cover? For sure, that is why it landed in my own TBR pile. Powell’s artwork continues to make my jaw drop. So much emotion and story ooze from his brushstrokes. This is a complicated story with so many facets: mobsters, racism, segregation, mental illness, PTSD, home life. The perspectives meld, the stories flow, and the ending will … well, you need to read it to see what the ending will be. For me, the ending Turns out there is a fourth path.
Gideon returns from fighting on the frontlines of WWII and picks up a gun & a badge in Little Rock. He finds himself deep in a mire of segregation & racism and mob-rule. Calling on his FBI training, the mayor hopes Gideon can use his skills to bring order and peace to Little Rock while keeping an eye on the police department and schizophrenic Chief Bailey.
How many readers pick up this novel because of Nate Powell’s name on the cover? For sure, that is why it landed in my own TBR pile. Powell’s artwork continues to make my jaw drop. So much emotion and story ooze from his brushstrokes. This is a complicated story with so many facets: mobsters, racism, segregation, mental illness, PTSD, home life. The perspectives meld, the stories flow, and the ending will … well, you need to read it to see what the ending will be. For me, the ending Turns out there is a fourth path.
February 24, 2020
Beautifully inked, dark and fast-paced, the story of a small town in the throes of organized crime and racial tension focuses on two cops: the older cop, Bailey, is hearing voices and is on a mission to eradicate the criminal elements, though he himself is a criminal in the way he abuses his power, and a younger, new cop, Kemp, who's suffering PTSD and is hired by the mayor to try to oust Bailey. Big Mike, the criminal boss in town, leaves a trail of bodies, employs the brother of the head of the black police (who eventually recruits all the black cops who are sick of the disrespect from the whites to work under him for Big Mike from under his brother...), and looks to collect canine teeth of his trophy jar. With corruption running deep, the good cops play as dirty as the bad, and though Kemp tries to keep above it all, he's not spared in the end. Recommended for those who like card games, car chases and changing diapers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
good. a good one.
a cop drama where there are no good cops. a story about police brutality and organized crime where the only people who come out winners on the other side are the two victims.
if you take this one for what it is, it’s a good book.
“If you stay a cop long enough, you’ll become either a cynic, a reformer, or a drunk.”
At the end of the novel, a side character (gay for some reason, but sure, whatever) remarks that there’s a fourth path, by which he means that you die trying to stray from the first three.
I think it’s true, although maybe not in the way the author set out to say— if you stay a cop and hope to do anything other than inch the needle forward in a positive direction, you’re in the wrong line of work.
a cop drama where there are no good cops. a story about police brutality and organized crime where the only people who come out winners on the other side are the two victims.
if you take this one for what it is, it’s a good book.
“If you stay a cop long enough, you’ll become either a cynic, a reformer, or a drunk.”
At the end of the novel, a side character (gay for some reason, but sure, whatever) remarks that there’s a fourth path, by which he means that you die trying to stray from the first three.
I think it’s true, although maybe not in the way the author set out to say— if you stay a cop and hope to do anything other than inch the needle forward in a positive direction, you’re in the wrong line of work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2019
3.5 stars. This graphic crime thriller follows a new policeman in Little Rock, recently returned from WWII and haunted by his experiences as a soldier. As a policeman, he is faced daily with racial tensions and corruption as he tries to make sense of his life and find a way to do the right thing. This really explores violence in all forms and how it circles around and can follow someone from one stage of their life to the next. Two Dead was a harrowing read - and the artwork served to build the tension and drama. The artist, Nate Powell, also did the March series. He is extremely good at creating images that enhance the story and the emotional impact of the reading experience.
September 9, 2020
I received this book in exchange for a honest review from NetGalley.
I liked this story overall and it really resonated with our current times, what with shady cops, racism, and overall mental illness within law enforcement being the main themes. It felt like it was, one a little long and could have told the same story more succinctly and it was overwhelming sad and depressing. So if you don't want a bummer stay away from this story.
I liked this story overall and it really resonated with our current times, what with shady cops, racism, and overall mental illness within law enforcement being the main themes. It felt like it was, one a little long and could have told the same story more succinctly and it was overwhelming sad and depressing. So if you don't want a bummer stay away from this story.
August 17, 2023
7/10
The main thing that enticed me to read this was the art style. Sometimes it could've used the use of color, but most of the time, the lack of color just added to the experience. It's definitely one of the best looking graphic novels I've read.
I feel like out of everything, Van Jensen did the best job at establishing an atmosphere. The story was good, but the atmosphere was really the best part for me.
There wasn't really anything that I didn't like. Overall, A solid graphic novel.
The main thing that enticed me to read this was the art style. Sometimes it could've used the use of color, but most of the time, the lack of color just added to the experience. It's definitely one of the best looking graphic novels I've read.
I feel like out of everything, Van Jensen did the best job at establishing an atmosphere. The story was good, but the atmosphere was really the best part for me.
There wasn't really anything that I didn't like. Overall, A solid graphic novel.
December 31, 2019
Very quick page turner involving two police partners with different ideas of how a police officer should approach his job involving a town overrun by corruption and crime. Lots of action, lots of guessing as to what each character was going to do next, who they were going to side with, etc. Fun read.
November 1, 2021
This story is compelling, highlighting the impact of violence on individuals and communities as well as pointing to racism in the police.
Nate Powell’s illustrations always support a story and this time is no different. The illustrations give a gritty feel and convey the story’s murky grim mood.
If you like Walter Mosley, you will likely like this.
Nate Powell’s illustrations always support a story and this time is no different. The illustrations give a gritty feel and convey the story’s murky grim mood.
If you like Walter Mosley, you will likely like this.
May 31, 2022
I enjoyed this a decent amount. A decent southern crime story set right after WWII in Arkansas. I dug the art alot but sometimes had trouble telling some of the faces apart. But probably because it was just black and white. This still made me interested to check out those March comics by the artist so i'll have to do that sometime.
July 23, 2024
This was a really interesting and blunt read. The ending took me a little by surprise, but ultimately seems like the best way to communicate the book's discussion towards the power imbalance between cops and everyday people. An interesting exploration of history and race, alongside working as a tribute for veterans, I found the book to be thought provoking and worth the read.
May 29, 2020
Fantastic art from Nate Powell and snappy writing from Van Jensen. This could very easily be a screenplay. Plenty of interwoven character stories that keep you wondering what will happen next. The story resonates strongly today.
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