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Sleeper #3-4
Sleeper Season Two
It's the final SLEEPER collection from the team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Criminal). While spymaster John Lynch slept in a coma, his protégé Holden Carver was trapped undercover. Now that his star has risen in criminal mastermind Tao's organization, Carver is shocked by the news that Lynch is awake. Torn between new loyalties and his original mission, Carver must decide whose side he's really on – and if they're on his.
This collection features SLEEPER SEASON TWO #1-12, the full second year of the critically acclaimed series by Brubaker and Phillips, plus the never-before-collected prequel story from COUP D' AFTERWORD.
"SLEEPER could hold its own against any noir, from any medium...Brubaker is without a doubt the best crime fiction writer in comics today."--AIN'T IT COOL NEWS
This collection features SLEEPER SEASON TWO #1-12, the full second year of the critically acclaimed series by Brubaker and Phillips, plus the never-before-collected prequel story from COUP D' AFTERWORD.
"SLEEPER could hold its own against any noir, from any medium...Brubaker is without a doubt the best crime fiction writer in comics today."--AIN'T IT COOL NEWS
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,798 books3,029 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 12, 2014
This book picks up right off where the first book left off. Lynch is out of his coma..does that mean that all is going to be well for Holden Carver?
Not.
He takes off hoping to stay away from both sides..Tao and his organization and Lynch and his so called good guys. They find him and bring him back into the fray.
And a fucked up mess it is. So much double crossing that at one point it even pissed me off. Enough! I shouted.
These novels do cause your blood pressure to raise. Dirty and gritty..I never would trust anyone in Brubaker's world.
Miss Misery is back in all her own little craziness...Bless her heart. I don't know whether to like her character or take a shower after being in this book's world.
The ending completes the story to perfection though, so it made up for the 37 cuss words I said while reading this book.
Not.
He takes off hoping to stay away from both sides..Tao and his organization and Lynch and his so called good guys. They find him and bring him back into the fray.
And a fucked up mess it is. So much double crossing that at one point it even pissed me off. Enough! I shouted.
These novels do cause your blood pressure to raise. Dirty and gritty..I never would trust anyone in Brubaker's world.
Miss Misery is back in all her own little craziness...Bless her heart. I don't know whether to like her character or take a shower after being in this book's world.
The ending completes the story to perfection though, so it made up for the 37 cuss words I said while reading this book.
June 11, 2019
This book (of two) completes the story arc of this story of Holden Carver, a "sleeper" or double agent In pop culture grand, epic oppositional characters seem to interest/drive us, such as Batman and Joker. In this concluding (omnibus) volume of a noir thriller featuring two epic nemeses where many of the characters have superpowers, Tao is the brilliant, yuppie-appearing bad guy with his pack of criminals, and John Lynch is the brilliant, old-school FBI guy. Stuck in the middle is Holden Carter, a double agent, whom Lynch placed on the inside of Tao’s team. When this happens Lynch has to convince everyone—including Carter’s fiancé—that Carter has gone rogue, having betrayed all the good guys to go to the dark side. And then Lynch is shot, in a coma.
Carter knows Tao is bad, but over time, lost in Lynch’s coma-limbo, or in a kind of state of purgatory, Carter begins to doubt that Lynch was ever a truly good guy. I mean, what’s the real diff between the good and bad guys, at the epic battle level? And, as with Batman, too, Lynch and we begin to doubt that Lynch’s methods are compatible with goodness. In other words, Lynch loses his “religion” about the government’s ultimate purposes and his part in it. In the process, he “falls in love” (okay, lust) with Ms. Misery, a femme fatale killer, who must kill (and do other sinful things) constantly to maintain her equilibrium. How could such a supposedly good man have gotten turned around with such a woman? (Have you seen her? Were you born yesterday?!) Could Carter actually be considering joining Tao for real?
In the second half of Sleeper Lynch comes out of his coma for this epic battle between good and evil, and we see what choices Carter makes. Carter seems like a puppet on a string, or a punching bag, or pawn between these two kings [please god, no more metaphors, Dave! We get the point!].
So what makes this worth reading? The writing—the dialogue, the characterization—are really compelling. We begin to wonder whether we can ever believe anything anyone ever says. As with some thrillers, we enter the domain of the double-cross. And you will not be able to predict precisely how this concludes, which is what you want with a noir mystery thriller involving criminals with superpowers.
A reread for me.
Carter knows Tao is bad, but over time, lost in Lynch’s coma-limbo, or in a kind of state of purgatory, Carter begins to doubt that Lynch was ever a truly good guy. I mean, what’s the real diff between the good and bad guys, at the epic battle level? And, as with Batman, too, Lynch and we begin to doubt that Lynch’s methods are compatible with goodness. In other words, Lynch loses his “religion” about the government’s ultimate purposes and his part in it. In the process, he “falls in love” (okay, lust) with Ms. Misery, a femme fatale killer, who must kill (and do other sinful things) constantly to maintain her equilibrium. How could such a supposedly good man have gotten turned around with such a woman? (Have you seen her? Were you born yesterday?!) Could Carter actually be considering joining Tao for real?
In the second half of Sleeper Lynch comes out of his coma for this epic battle between good and evil, and we see what choices Carter makes. Carter seems like a puppet on a string, or a punching bag, or pawn between these two kings [please god, no more metaphors, Dave! We get the point!].
So what makes this worth reading? The writing—the dialogue, the characterization—are really compelling. We begin to wonder whether we can ever believe anything anyone ever says. As with some thrillers, we enter the domain of the double-cross. And you will not be able to predict precisely how this concludes, which is what you want with a noir mystery thriller involving criminals with superpowers.
A reread for me.
March 28, 2012
I had a feeling I wouldn't be disappointed. That being said, considering how strong season one had been, the doubt still lingered in the back of my mind. Could Phillips and Brubaker create something as strong as the original?
The answer: Yes!
Season one ends with Holden Carver's own personal Empire Strikes Back. All hope is gone for an eventual escape. The documents that could've saved him have been destroyed and the only man who could lift him from enemy territory has been shot, falling into a coma.
Holden realizes that he wants out of this life once and for all, intending to do whatever he can to accomplish it. Who can he trust in making his break? Can he trust anyone? Will he be able to take Miss Misery with him? All the answers are in this second volume.
The quality of season two is remarkable. Not only is it as strong as the original but it's surprising to be told it wasn't even supposed to happen. In the acknowledgements, Brubaker reveals that he was content in leaving the series as it was following the finish of season one. After being swayed by others to continue the story, he put together an outline and a series conclusion within minutes.
The depth here is ridiculous with multiple double crosses, keeping the reader in the dark for the majority of the second half. Considering how much is going on at anytime, Brubaker and Phillips manage to make it easy to follow.
Brubaker and Phillips are a team not to be ignored. They're far and above my favorite collaborative team working in comics and I look forward to reading anything and everything they put out.
The answer: Yes!
Season one ends with Holden Carver's own personal Empire Strikes Back. All hope is gone for an eventual escape. The documents that could've saved him have been destroyed and the only man who could lift him from enemy territory has been shot, falling into a coma.
Holden realizes that he wants out of this life once and for all, intending to do whatever he can to accomplish it. Who can he trust in making his break? Can he trust anyone? Will he be able to take Miss Misery with him? All the answers are in this second volume.
The quality of season two is remarkable. Not only is it as strong as the original but it's surprising to be told it wasn't even supposed to happen. In the acknowledgements, Brubaker reveals that he was content in leaving the series as it was following the finish of season one. After being swayed by others to continue the story, he put together an outline and a series conclusion within minutes.
The depth here is ridiculous with multiple double crosses, keeping the reader in the dark for the majority of the second half. Considering how much is going on at anytime, Brubaker and Phillips manage to make it easy to follow.
Brubaker and Phillips are a team not to be ignored. They're far and above my favorite collaborative team working in comics and I look forward to reading anything and everything they put out.
October 30, 2020
This reader was initially apprehensive about starting a story half-way, but finding a reading copy at an attractive price in a secondhand bookstore and the great reviews and feedback I've heard, made this an easy choice to pick up and I wasn't disappointed.
Season 2 started where Season 1 ended, Holden Carver sinking deeper into the criminal organization he was tasked to infiltrate undercover. The death of his handler complicated things because no else knew Carver was on a job. Based on hints and flashback scenes in Season 2, Carver was totally out in the cold. Season 2 mixed the story up by returning Carver's handler and him dangling a lifeline back into Carver's old life.
I knew writer Brubaker could write cloak and dagger stories with his work on Captain America and Winter Soldier, but Sleeper predated his Marvel work and it's just as good.
I couldn't see it from Captain America because he brought several characters from the Cap mythos but it is in full display in Sleeper: Brubaker hates superheroes. The cape-hate is full-blown here. Carver and his crew maim or kill several supers in Sleeper. Even Grifter, the most recognizable character is without his signature mask. It is almost a spiritual predecessor to Garth Ennis' The Boys, especially with the depiction of the excesses of super-crime culture.
If I could find a major fault in this story, it's probably because Brubaker comes from the Bendis school of caption boxes. There's a lot of it, which hampered artist Sean Phillips strong graphic storytelling.
This was a great read and I would definitely be looking for Season 1 and read the whole story.
Season 2 started where Season 1 ended, Holden Carver sinking deeper into the criminal organization he was tasked to infiltrate undercover. The death of his handler complicated things because no else knew Carver was on a job. Based on hints and flashback scenes in Season 2, Carver was totally out in the cold. Season 2 mixed the story up by returning Carver's handler and him dangling a lifeline back into Carver's old life.
I knew writer Brubaker could write cloak and dagger stories with his work on Captain America and Winter Soldier, but Sleeper predated his Marvel work and it's just as good.
I couldn't see it from Captain America because he brought several characters from the Cap mythos but it is in full display in Sleeper: Brubaker hates superheroes. The cape-hate is full-blown here. Carver and his crew maim or kill several supers in Sleeper. Even Grifter, the most recognizable character is without his signature mask. It is almost a spiritual predecessor to Garth Ennis' The Boys, especially with the depiction of the excesses of super-crime culture.
If I could find a major fault in this story, it's probably because Brubaker comes from the Bendis school of caption boxes. There's a lot of it, which hampered artist Sean Phillips strong graphic storytelling.
This was a great read and I would definitely be looking for Season 1 and read the whole story.
November 29, 2023
The thrilling conclusion to Brubaker/Phillips' miniseries masterpiece.
Carver leads Tao and Lynch each to believe he's doubling for them against the other, while in fact he plots to get free of them both, and of the alien artifact inhabiting his nervous system. His former fiancee and his current sort-of-girlfriend Miss Misery figure prominently in these plans.
Season Two differs a bit from Season One in that it feels like one long issue, a single extended sequence of backstabbing and doubledealing while Holden puts the pieces in place for his great escape. I slightly preferred the multiple shorter story arcs of the previous volume.
Brubaker hit on the perfect ending to the series. I'm both saddened that there's not more Sleeper and gladdened that it knew exactly when to stop.
Plot points:
------------------------------------
NTH READ
I'm impressed by the speech patterns, habits, and tones Brubaker gives to his characters. Tao is always calm, always in command, no matter the circumstances. But it's subtle, it registers almost subconsciously, and the character comes to life because of it. Similarly, Genocide Jones's temper and contempt for pretty much everyone except Holden, for whom he has deep, casual (if coarse) respect. Again, subtle, but unmistakable, and it makes the characters come right out of the pages.
Carver leads Tao and Lynch each to believe he's doubling for them against the other, while in fact he plots to get free of them both, and of the alien artifact inhabiting his nervous system. His former fiancee and his current sort-of-girlfriend Miss Misery figure prominently in these plans.
Season Two differs a bit from Season One in that it feels like one long issue, a single extended sequence of backstabbing and doubledealing while Holden puts the pieces in place for his great escape. I slightly preferred the multiple shorter story arcs of the previous volume.
Brubaker hit on the perfect ending to the series. I'm both saddened that there's not more Sleeper and gladdened that it knew exactly when to stop.
Plot points:
------------------------------------
NTH READ
I'm impressed by the speech patterns, habits, and tones Brubaker gives to his characters. Tao is always calm, always in command, no matter the circumstances. But it's subtle, it registers almost subconsciously, and the character comes to life because of it. Similarly, Genocide Jones's temper and contempt for pretty much everyone except Holden, for whom he has deep, casual (if coarse) respect. Again, subtle, but unmistakable, and it makes the characters come right out of the pages.
June 29, 2012
Season two of Sleeper brings Holden Carver's journey to a close. I think I may have liked the first season a little better. There's an almost manic energy that takes up much of this volume, with Carver being pulled between Lynch and Tao and deciding to play them both. Tough game, and I spent much of the book wondering if he'd lost it, and what nasty end he would meet. The ending was satisfying, complete, and as good as it could be.
September 23, 2015
Deep throat this spy-sicle. It's that icy cold delicious. I didn't think it'd be possible to top season one. Well, the story took (another) welcomed twist, the action cranked up, the sex remained fully aroused, vibrating all the way to a satisfying end.
I have nothing to complain about. Miss Misery and Peter Grimm are genius characters. I mean, Miss Misery.....DAMN!! What a character. I'm sad that there's no more Sleeper. This goes up there as an all time favorite.
And more boobs.
I have nothing to complain about. Miss Misery and Peter Grimm are genius characters. I mean, Miss Misery.....DAMN!! What a character. I'm sad that there's no more Sleeper. This goes up there as an all time favorite.
And more boobs.
May 6, 2020
The second season of Sleeper sees the official return of Lynch and the involvement of the WILDC.a.t.s. Grifter in the final fates of Tao, Carver, Misery and Grimm. More clever crime noir style cape-related drama from this great creative team. I read the digital comics Sleeper s02 #1 -12, and the Coup D'Etat limited series. 7 ot of 12
November 6, 2015
Sleeper Season 2 was a great end too the series, it's very different very fresh idea for a Guy who doesn't really leave the superhero genre. I really liked the writing Ed Brubaker is a genius writer, this is a very deep and engaging story you really feel like you're part of what's going on. The story has a great ending and alot of action where it needs to be if I have one complaint its that a lot of the filler stuff is unnecessary I mean its not bad but I could have lived with the book being an issue shorter. overall great read I recommend both volumes. 4/5
December 30, 2021
Sleeper is definitely one of my favorite graphic novels.
This is Season Two - you have to begin with Season One to get the whole picture.
Holden Carver has gone under deep cover in TAO's criminal organization, rising through the ranks to effectively become his righthand man. The problem is that the one person who could get Carver out of deep cover is now in a coma after an attack. There's nobody in his own organization who doesn't think he's a traitor, and TAO is onto the fact that Carver is undercover. What's a guy to do?
To make matters worse Carver now has feelings for Miss Misery and it appears to be mutual...
This is an impossible situation, and it's fascinating to read. There are crosses and double-crosses, and Carver is sick of it all. At this point, if he's offered an out, would he even take it? What is the one thing he would want enough to give up everything - and is that even possible to get?
I was riveted to the page reading all of this. Couldn't really put it down. The artwork is stellar, the storytelling tight and wasting no time at all. As tempted as I am to say it would make a great mini-series, I'm just so happy it exists in this format in general.
If you've not read Sleeper yet, read it.
This is Season Two - you have to begin with Season One to get the whole picture.
Holden Carver has gone under deep cover in TAO's criminal organization, rising through the ranks to effectively become his righthand man. The problem is that the one person who could get Carver out of deep cover is now in a coma after an attack. There's nobody in his own organization who doesn't think he's a traitor, and TAO is onto the fact that Carver is undercover. What's a guy to do?
To make matters worse Carver now has feelings for Miss Misery and it appears to be mutual...
This is an impossible situation, and it's fascinating to read. There are crosses and double-crosses, and Carver is sick of it all. At this point, if he's offered an out, would he even take it? What is the one thing he would want enough to give up everything - and is that even possible to get?
I was riveted to the page reading all of this. Couldn't really put it down. The artwork is stellar, the storytelling tight and wasting no time at all. As tempted as I am to say it would make a great mini-series, I'm just so happy it exists in this format in general.
If you've not read Sleeper yet, read it.
January 25, 2020
I have to admit, for a second there, I thought they were going for a cop out ending, put all their toys back in the box and undo everything they had build up, only to deliver the gloriously bleak final that I didn't see coming but in hindsight seems like the only right choice. Brubaker describes it as a happy ending in his outro, but that is just one way of looking at it.
September 14, 2022
This got all sorts of awards but meh. It feels dated and a whole bit misogynistic which ultimately makes this tiresome. But it was a comic book and I liked that…
April 19, 2023
3.4 biblio
July 17, 2010
Excellent! Seriously, this is so good. I think at some point reading it I must have stopped breathing.
Sleeper: Season Two continues from Sleeper: Season One (I know, who would've guessed). Where Season One dealt mostly with Holden trying to get out from his position as undercover agent, Season Two finds him very much entangled in the plans of Tao and Lynch. There are conspiracies and double-crosses and triple-crosses, and a wonderfully fucked up romance. This book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time, and there quite a few unexpected twists and turns.
The only thing I didn't like was the origin story of one particular villain in this one, but it didn't have any impact on the rest of the story (which may be part of why it bugged me? I don't know.). Other than that, a really great book.
Sleeper: Season Two continues from Sleeper: Season One (I know, who would've guessed). Where Season One dealt mostly with Holden trying to get out from his position as undercover agent, Season Two finds him very much entangled in the plans of Tao and Lynch. There are conspiracies and double-crosses and triple-crosses, and a wonderfully fucked up romance. This book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time, and there quite a few unexpected twists and turns.
The only thing I didn't like was the origin story of one particular villain in this one, but it didn't have any impact on the rest of the story (which may be part of why it bugged me? I don't know.). Other than that, a really great book.
December 27, 2015
That rare treasure - a sequel that I enjoyed even more than the original (when I loved the original to begin with). In this volume, there is even more uncertainty over the loyalties of all of the characters. Brubaker pulls this off as well as I've seen it done in any medium. Sean Phillips' art work even grew on me as the series continued. Highly recommended (as long as you don't mind a little over-the-top sex and violence).
December 8, 2009
Brubaker and Phillips ratchet the stakes and expand the scope with this last book. Red herrings abound and build to an ending that proved happy compared to my expectations. This is one of my favorites.
June 29, 2015
Un buen final. No se porqué pero tenía miedo de que la serie fuera a bajar en calidad en este segundo tomo, pero Brubaker cierra la historia de manera muy efectiva.
Serie que probablemente relea una y otra vez ya que la disfruté muchísimo.
Serie que probablemente relea una y otra vez ya que la disfruté muchísimo.
April 28, 2012
A very solid noir. This is book two, and it doesn't disappoint with a stellar ending.
January 6, 2017
A solid conclusion to a satisfying series
December 28, 2021
(Zero spoiler review for the whole series) 4.5/5
My Boy Brubaker does it again. I've had the Sleeper sitting on my shelf for something like a year now, after purchasing it at considerable expense on the secondary market, which is the only place and the only price you'll pick up this book for, at the moment at least. And like every other really good book I have sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, I was doing all within my power to not read it. Each time I read a few average books in a row, I knew all I had to do was pick up a Brubaker book and all the bad story blues would just fade out, pun intended. But seeing as how you can only read something for the first time, once, I was admirably succeeding in keeping this little, no doubt gem, unread. But what the hell, it's Christmas, and I deserve it. And I do have a few other Brubaker books sitting there I haven't spoiled yet. Though for how long...
Whilst it took a little while to get going, I really wasn't a fan of the first five issues. Neither Brubaker's writing or Jim Lee's art were really clicking for me. All that changed once the book got going proper, and Mr Sean Philips entered the scene, to smear his beautiful noir chops all over the pages. These two men really do make beautiful music together, and the rest of us get to sit back and admire the results.
Whilst I wasn't the biggest fan of the superhero aspect of this book, finding it a unnecessary, a little ham fisted at times, especially during the (pretty bad) origin stories. Though Ol Ed might have been writing them with tongue firmly in cheek, everything else was pretty much pure gold, and gave me one of the greatest characters to grace the pages of a comic book in Miss Misery. Never before has a Femme been so Fatale, pun intended. I obviously won't spoil anything about her, but hot damn! Whilst she worked amazingly as a secondary character in this story, and likely wouldn't quite come off the same way in her own spin off series, I would kill for some Jennifer Blood type Sleeper spin off starring this twisted and titillating little lady.
Slight gripes aside, this is just yet more proof why Brubaker is the greatest writer still working in comics today. Or still performing at his peak, anyway. Aa few of the old guard float in and out, although most are past their prime. Sleeper might not be my favourite Brubaker story. Hell, it might not even crack the top three, although the fact that its still fucking awesome just goes to show the strength of this man's back catalogue. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
My Boy Brubaker does it again. I've had the Sleeper sitting on my shelf for something like a year now, after purchasing it at considerable expense on the secondary market, which is the only place and the only price you'll pick up this book for, at the moment at least. And like every other really good book I have sitting on my shelf waiting to be read, I was doing all within my power to not read it. Each time I read a few average books in a row, I knew all I had to do was pick up a Brubaker book and all the bad story blues would just fade out, pun intended. But seeing as how you can only read something for the first time, once, I was admirably succeeding in keeping this little, no doubt gem, unread. But what the hell, it's Christmas, and I deserve it. And I do have a few other Brubaker books sitting there I haven't spoiled yet. Though for how long...
Whilst it took a little while to get going, I really wasn't a fan of the first five issues. Neither Brubaker's writing or Jim Lee's art were really clicking for me. All that changed once the book got going proper, and Mr Sean Philips entered the scene, to smear his beautiful noir chops all over the pages. These two men really do make beautiful music together, and the rest of us get to sit back and admire the results.
Whilst I wasn't the biggest fan of the superhero aspect of this book, finding it a unnecessary, a little ham fisted at times, especially during the (pretty bad) origin stories. Though Ol Ed might have been writing them with tongue firmly in cheek, everything else was pretty much pure gold, and gave me one of the greatest characters to grace the pages of a comic book in Miss Misery. Never before has a Femme been so Fatale, pun intended. I obviously won't spoil anything about her, but hot damn! Whilst she worked amazingly as a secondary character in this story, and likely wouldn't quite come off the same way in her own spin off series, I would kill for some Jennifer Blood type Sleeper spin off starring this twisted and titillating little lady.
Slight gripes aside, this is just yet more proof why Brubaker is the greatest writer still working in comics today. Or still performing at his peak, anyway. Aa few of the old guard float in and out, although most are past their prime. Sleeper might not be my favourite Brubaker story. Hell, it might not even crack the top three, although the fact that its still fucking awesome just goes to show the strength of this man's back catalogue. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
September 20, 2019
Season two seemed to be more interesting from few angles. First one was, the introduction of few new characters with their beyond-the-universe capabilities. Second was, interesting twist-and-turn keeps the reader's curiosity awake for almost all the chapters. Third one, Holden coming out of in a controlled state by Lynch and Tao, to figuring out his own way out.
The only part I couldn't take it was How helpless TAO was shown in last few chapters, even though after showing him completely opposite throughout both the series. Sort of like beyond the life character to a dumb one who couldn't gain the control back from Holden in the end. Just couldn't take that one.
The storyline was quite engrossing to keep the reader hooked until they finish it.
Definitely recommended!
The only part I couldn't take it was How helpless TAO was shown in last few chapters, even though after showing him completely opposite throughout both the series. Sort of like beyond the life character to a dumb one who couldn't gain the control back from Holden in the end. Just couldn't take that one.
The storyline was quite engrossing to keep the reader hooked until they finish it.
Definitely recommended!
June 9, 2018
I still think it would be better without super powers.
In this volume, the main character is playing quintuple agent. It seems like most of the time is spent waiting for Lynch and Tao to make their respective moves. And few of the characters seem to really matter. They become more instrumental to Lynch and Tao's decisions. And why do they even need Holden. It seems like they should just fight each other to the death directly.
Part of the problem with powers. Powers seem like they're more important than authority and, moreover, planning itself is a power. So you can't really plan around powers. Because that's a power. I don't think I explained this well.
In this volume, the main character is playing quintuple agent. It seems like most of the time is spent waiting for Lynch and Tao to make their respective moves. And few of the characters seem to really matter. They become more instrumental to Lynch and Tao's decisions. And why do they even need Holden. It seems like they should just fight each other to the death directly.
Part of the problem with powers. Powers seem like they're more important than authority and, moreover, planning itself is a power. So you can't really plan around powers. Because that's a power. I don't think I explained this well.
Read
October 30, 2019To me, it’s not as good as the first series. I think the twists and turns become a little erratic, and the storytelling isn’t as tight as it was before. I was never on the edge of my seat like I was reading volume one. The set-up, however, is great: now that Lynch is out of his coma, Tao enlists Carver to go after his former mentor. Meanwhile, Lynch has it out for Carver. So he’s caught between these two powerful men in a supremely unenviable position, but one rife with juicy storytelling possibilities. And Brubaker delivers a satisfying conclusion here. I’m definitely pleased, though I’ll look back on Sleeper as a series that started out amazing and finished merely very good.
July 7, 2025
(4,2 of 5 for simple "spy" chess between evil and lesser evil)
As we head to the finale, is all about Lynch vs Tao and Holden trying not to get milled between them. We get there slowly, but steadily. As I enjoyed it, and Brubaker is a fantastic author, I admit even that didn't help to some level of boredom as it started to feel a bit repetitive (especially when reading both Incognito and Sleeper). Still, it's quite excellent and something that Brubaker/noir/crime fans should not miss.
As we head to the finale, is all about Lynch vs Tao and Holden trying not to get milled between them. We get there slowly, but steadily. As I enjoyed it, and Brubaker is a fantastic author, I admit even that didn't help to some level of boredom as it started to feel a bit repetitive (especially when reading both Incognito and Sleeper). Still, it's quite excellent and something that Brubaker/noir/crime fans should not miss.
February 15, 2018
Brubaker and Phillips continue their solid work from the first trade, only slightly hampered by the sudden importance of a superhero character named Grifter who was apparently important in events preceding the book (and a key player in the climax here). It gets explained in a big info dump so you kinda get the gist, but it's still bullshit and clunky.
November 18, 2020
W pierwszej, obszerniejszej części już i tak pogmatwana fabuła doszła do mocnego kulminacyjnego punktu. W części drugiej, finałowej nie było nawet odrobinę prościej. Do samego finału działo się wiele i łatwo się zgubić w gąszczu akcji i intrygi. Szkoda, że sam finał nie był tak mroczny jak się zanosiło. Ale to nieznacząca... niedogodność.
August 11, 2021
Sleeper isn’t the best limited series by Brubaker & Phillips (their first longform collaboration) but like almost everything they did together : it’s really, really good, even if you don’t know anything about the Wildstorm universe. Brubaker continually manages to surprise the reader with this story in which every main character seems to be deceiving everyone around them.
January 21, 2022
Yep, this is about 20% more complicated than I want from a Brubaker and Phillips (partly because it's calling heavily at times on Wildstorm continuity), but it's still wonderfully dark and screwed up at times. It's a good ending for the series, if by good you mean intensely violent and full of tragedy.
December 16, 2024
The Second half of Sleeper is even better than the first half with even more mysteries and this time Holden Carver finds himself at a crossroads with what he thought he understood even more confusing than before.
This comic is incredible it's a recommend from me, Especially if you are looking for a neo noir superhero story.
This comic is incredible it's a recommend from me, Especially if you are looking for a neo noir superhero story.
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