Homicide: The Graphic Novel, Part Two

by Philippe Squarzoni (Adapter/Illustrator), David Simon

Homicide, the celebrated true crime book from the creator of HBO's The Wire, is reenvisioned as a gritty, cinematic graphic novel duology. This thrilling second volume concludes the saga.

A woman is stabbed and left to die in her bedroom. A taxi cab driver is killed for a handful of jewelry. A man is gunned down over a debt of $8. As the board fills with red ink, the pressure rises. All the while, detective Pellegrini is haunted by the murder of eleven-year-old Latonya Wallace, a case that is getting colder by the day.

Originally published in 1991, Simon’s Homicide became the basis for the acclaimed television show Homicide: Life on the Street and inspired HBO’s The Wire. Now, this true-crime classic is reenvisioned as a gritty two-part graphic novel series.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Crime, True Crime, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels Comics, History, Comix

400 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, this book (series) is a masterpiece. Second, it’s meant to tell the story of Baltimore from the eyes of Homicide Detectives. If you read the preface of the book that these GNs are derived from (not just based on), the author followed Homicide detectives around for a full year to tell their story. There’s another book about life on the corner that does the same for the residents of Baltimore, and thus I appreciate David Simon all the more. But on to the graphic novel - Mr. Squarzoni did such an amazing job of trimming down a VERY WORDY book… a great book, but man, David Simon introduced over 60 characters in the first 60 pages. I was admittedly overwhelmed reading it trying to keep up with who’s who, on which shift, etc. I did not have that problem w [these] books. The storylines flowed well, the dialogue very succinctly got to the heart of each section, maintaining the core dialogue and descriptions, and was beautifully illustrated. From someone who lived in Baltimore during that time, the Baltimore drawn accurately represents the PARTS of Baltimore referenced in the stories. I love the noir style and limited, muted color palette… I didn’t at first, but the more I read, the more the colors had meaning and evoked emotion for me. There were moments I empathized w the detectives (e.g., on particularly hard cases), and moments I loathed police tactics, but that’s the beauty of the book and the graphic novels…. It paints a broad picture of a complex system and doesn’t strive to make you feel one way or another. This is just what happened at the time. Job well done.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up from the first Homicide volume with no preamble, this second Homicide volume is more of the same... and shows some diminishing returns.

I was fine with unresolved cases in the first volume, assuming we'd get some closure here. But alas, the real world intrudes, and we continue to see mostly cases that flummox our fine detectives. (In particularly, don't get your hopes up for poor Latonya Wallace :( ) We also get more of the same, in that we're seeing deep procedural investigation by a handful of detectives and have a glimpse in their head through the relentless narration. This is perfectly fine and continues to be very absorbing - but maybe two volumes (almost 900 pages total!) is a bit more than enough?

I would guess distilling the original Homicide work into graphic format was a herculean ask, so these are truly minor quibbles. These two volumes are absolutely worth reading, both as unputdownable texts and fascinating deep dives into police culture that has been mostly overwhelmed by the internet's shrillest voices in the past several years.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that inspired two acclaimed TV series, "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "The Wire," gets the graphic novel treatment. I agree with other readers who say that at the book's outset, it is difficult to tell many of the officers apart, but by the end of the book, you've become fully enmeshed in the complicated stories contained within.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the first volume, this book carries itself like a heavyweight

[Paul Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was no way a faithful graphic novel adaptation of David Simon’s 646 page book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets was going to be contracted to a single graphic novel, and Philippe Squarzoni is certainly faithful. Compare the dialogue on the opening spread to page 178 and 179 of the book and it’s exact. So is the conversation on the following spread. However, the placement opening this book is one of very few changes Squarzoni makes, not following Simon’s chronology, but tying events together for a smoother read.

Chapter three here is one of the book’s best known sequences, as Simon describes what it’s like to be interrogated in the Box. Mesmerisingly played on the TV series by Andre Braugher as detective Frank Pembleton, it explains how it feels to be a suspect. “The detective assures you he has informed you of these rights because he wants you to be protected”, writes Simon. “Nothing concerns him more than giving you every possible assistance in this very stressful and confusing moment in your life”. The original description is beautifully eloquent and Squarzoni also delivers the scene masterfully, closing in on faces as the detective prompts doubt and uncertainty in the suspect. The remainder of the chapter is equally compelling in revealing other methods used to ensure a confession.

For all the horrific crimes detailed from start to finish, Homicide is an amalgamation of character studies. Simon delivers the personalities so exactly, and Squarzoni resists the temptation to add by drawing the detectives with an assortment of expressions. They remain impassive throughout, giving nothing away, their thoughts restricted to the narrative captions. Contrary to the public perception of police detectives caring little, these are diligent men (no women then) who deserve your respect.

As with Part One, Squarzoni delivers a mass of information, personalities and locations with precision, always mindful of the original book. Like that, it’s a powerful evocation of time and place, and of the pressures everyone is under, never mind processing the horror of so frequently confronting death in appalling circumstances.

The constant frustration of unsolved cases and the imperative to clear them are emphasized throughout both volumes. It nevertheless bears noting that as this follows real cases, Homicide isn’t like a novel or TV show where everything is tied up neatly by the end. There are examples of diligent deduction paying off, and some strokes of luck, but Squarzoni omits Simon’s epilogue following up on cases and people after his year shadowing the Baltimore police. The distressing case of Latonya Wallace remains unsolved to this day.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's nonfiction is on Homicide: The Graphic Novel, Part Two by Philippe Squarzoni (Adapter/Illustrator) and David Simon. It is 400 pages long and is published by First Second. The cover has the back of one of the detectives looking at a murder board. As it is the second volume in the series, you need have read the first volume to understand the story. The intended reader is someone who likes true crime and graphic novels. There is foul language, no sex, and discussion of violence in this graphic novel. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the dust jacket- A woman is stabbed and left to die in her bedroom. A taxi cab driver is killed for a handful of jewelry. A man is gunned down over a debt of $8. As the board fills with red ink, the pressure rises. All the while, detective Pellegrini is haunted by the murder of eleven-year-old Latonya Wallace, a case that is getting colder by the day.

Review- A great conclusion. Not everything is closed at the end of the book, the Wallace case is still officially unsolved, there still is trouble with the city and higher ups but the homicide unit is still moving forward. The narrative style continues to be strongest point of the graphic. This was a fascinating way to take a nonfiction book and recreate for it for a new audience. I recommend this graphic novel highly.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this graphic novel from my local library.

[Abigail Pankau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very gritty perspective of the end of a year in Baltimore’s homicide department. It’s a good graphic novel adaptation of a very compelling story, of how messy the cases can be and how these investigations are not like they are portrayed in movies or on TV, with many going unsolved and the few that are are usually either through luck or forced confession.

It’s an interesting look at the mindset of the police officers. The detectives feel they are absolutely correct in their arrests. They coerce confessions to finalize cases, and feel completely justified in doing so. They despise juries, for they feel they are incompetent for finding so many defendants innocent at trial. How there is pressure to keep the numbers of solved cases high, and so sometimes they massage the numbers to make themselves look better. How the unsolved cases weigh so heavily on them, even though so many cases are solved simply through luck or carelessness of the perpetrator.

It is a very well-crafted graphic novel, but just be aware that it is biased towards showing the police as being “right” no matter what.

Content warning: murder, abuse, racism, transphobia, sexism, police brutality, suicide, drug use, discussions of rape, etc.

[Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the graphic novel version of the excellent book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets. This book was originally written as articles by David Simon, a reporter for the Baltimore Sun. From the book it was turned into an award winning television show, Homicide, Life on the Street (now streaming on Peacock). With this graphic novel, you get the feel of the homicide detectives in their day-to-day procedures of solving murders. There are murders, but no car chases or gun battles, it is simply crime solving.

The artwork very well done. I do recommend you read Homicide: The Graphic Novel, Part One and then read this. Very well done.

[Nate]

The second half of Philippe Squarzoni's adaptation of David Simon's Homicide. It's much like the first, with disjointed, dull storytelling, too many characters that are not given enough page time, too much narration, and not enough dialogue. I imagine the narration works better in the prose book than in a comic. I think Squarzoni was too reliant on Simon's original text, because the story never really comes alive without much dialogue. He could have come up with some dialogue in lieu of Simon's narration.

The Latonya Wallace case and the chapter about the crazy aunt were engrossing. The rest was not. Excellent art aside*, this whole project didn't work for me. Might read the original book and watch the 90s show though.

*The art looks great, but Squarzoni exhibits one of my pet peeves of reusing panels and figures.

[Merin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of the first book can pretty much sum up my thoughts on this one as well, although I didn't like the second installment quite as much as the first. Some standouts from this volume included a chapter taking place solely in the Medical Examiner's office - with appropriately brutal, somewhat gory artwork to accompany it, so be forewarned - and a chapter taking place at the courthouse, wherein the truth about criminal cases and their less than ideal outcomes was detailed. We also have the continuation of the murder of Latonya Wallace, which gets one more gasp of life before once again being shut away in a drawer unsolved. Again, I feel like you'll need to have a connection to the source material, whether the original book or the TV show, in order to truly enjoy this. For me, it worked, and I'm glad I gave it a read.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not remember if I gave the first in the series a 3 or a 4. Probably a bit low due to the cues in how to follow the storyline. Having solved that conundrum this read went much smoother. I really like the graphics. While somewhat dark they lend to the gritty side of the stories presented. I really feel this is a unique series. With one murder in particular carrying over into #2. I like how this murder comes up in #2. I will not write any spoilers so if you want to see what is played out you will have to read the two books. Now with all that said, I have another book on the hot plate. Take care readers and lets dive into some good books.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nuanced look at police work in the Baltimore Homicide Unit. Every story thread is an emotional roller coaster. Why would anyone be compelled to do this job? But when you rage against inhumanity, how could you not do this job? For all the flack and all the criticism and all the disparagement police work gets across the nation, it is good to be reminded of why we have a police force and that good, determined people do work in the force. Against the prevalent public scrutiny, there is daily sacrifice.

[Eric Piotrowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up adaptation to Volume 1. The storytelling is just as compelling as the first bit, and the art continues to shine in its precision and emotional resonance. The use of color is especially notable, with red appearing in tiny heartbreaking moments of anguish.

Had to take off one star for the odd shadow patterns on some faces. The blotches and jagged shapes often feel like a cross between Rorschach and a domino mask. Distracting to say the least, and at times they feel like a subtraction from the characters' humanity.

Otherwise, nearly perfect. Huge thumbs up.

[Sue Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel is an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Not only because if follows the first without changing styles or colours, but because it's a true continuation of the first graphic novel. It is just as gritty as the first, just as hard hitting and just as austere, and leaves you wanting it to keep going, I'm not sure if it's because the palette is so limited or if it's because of the graphic style, but it catches hold of you and makes you want to keep reading.

Definitely worth picking this one up. And I, for one, am hoping there will be more.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This is very hard to find on goodreads if you search by author name). The words are David Simon's. The pictures enhance the words. These 2 books are the best comics I have read. You don't have to figure out what is taking place through a whirl of colors and fonts. The scenes are quiet, devastating.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing graphic novel interpretation. My concentration wasn't 100 percent so I had a little trouble keeping the investigators straight. The graphics of a real life action sequence is pretty awesome. Black and white with a touch of colour lends a suitable seriousness to the story line.
An impressive job on a gritty story line.

[Esme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, so they ended the series with the murder that opened the television show. The murder that introduced Munch to the world shouting, "I am NOT Montel Williams!" The actor playing the bleeding murderer being Wood Harris's brother (aka Avon Barksdale from the Wire.)

Nicely done. Made me remember why I loved Homicide and David Simon.

[Nilendu Misra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure genius. Any fan of police procedurals cannot put this one down. It does deep into things like how cops once used Xerox machine as “polygraph” with suspects beings interrogated. This is the raw material of “The Wire” and far far better at it.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think these books didn’t translate well as graphic novels. There are to many characters to track. This is more a character study than it is a novel or procedural. So interesting but not quite in depth enough to be good

[Bryce Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, but I bet I would've enjoyed the actual book more. Why do so many graphic novel artists think we can obviously tell characters apart? Especially if they are all in black and white? The art was cool but did not add to the reading experience. (It rarely does for me, though.)

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been meaning to read David Simon's book for a long time before I came across these graphic novel adaptations. They're both impressive in the way they present the story and the major players from Baltimore PD's Homicide division. An incredible achievement.

[Kristen Barenthaler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part One of this graphic novel series kept my attention a lot more than this one did. I made it about 30% of the way through before I had to give up. The characters get confusing, the storyline seems choppy, and nothing much happens from chapter to chapter.

[Kass · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. I didn’t finish it, which probably isn’t a fair review of the book.
It wasn't what I was expecting. I got halfway through and it seemed more of a documentary than a crime novel.
Most likely my fault thinking it was meant to be something it wasn’t.

The art is really cool.

[Blane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clinically and very straightforwardly presented; sometimes cases are resolved, sometimes they are not. And the beat goes on.

[Sonic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting writing married to expert graphic storytelling.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just really enjoyed the look of this. And it’s interesting how timely some things still are, such as a chapter on how hard it is to obtain convictions.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done, an absolute must-read for any fans of police procedurals, the Wire, or just solid graphic storytelling.

[Izy Lusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would call it just fine. Definitely not as good as the first one, but still super interesting.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good graphic novel.