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Hitman #4
Hitman, Vol. 4: Ace of Killers
Super powered hitman Tommy Monaghan enlists the help of Catwoman and The Demon to battle a well armed demon. Angered by Tommy’s previous attack, the Arkannone, a cabal of creatures residing in Hell, send the 10-foot tall skeletal demon Mawzir on a mission of revenge. Realizing that x-ray vision and telepathy are no match for the six-armed, artillerytoting hell spawn, Hitman sends Catwoman and Etrigan the Demon on a quest to hell to retrieve the one weapon that can stop the gun known as the Ace of Killers. Collects HITMAN #15-22!
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
4 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Garth Ennis
2,622 books3,174 followersEnnis began his comic-writing career in 1989 with the series Troubled Souls. Appearing in the short-lived but critically-acclaimed British anthology Crisis and illustrated by McCrea, it told the story of a young, apolitical Protestant man caught up by fate in the violence of the Irish 'Troubles'. It spawned a sequel, For a Few Troubles More, a broad Belfast-based comedy featuring two supporting characters from Troubled Souls, Dougie and Ivor, who would later get their own American comics series, Dicks, from Caliber in 1997, and several follow-ups from Avatar.
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
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January 7, 2021
#ThrowbackThursday - Back in the '90s, I used to write comic book reviews for the website of a now-defunct comic book retailer called Rockem Sockem Comics. From the December 1997 edition with a theme of "Offbeat Superheroes":
INTRODUCTION
Even though the field of comic books is dominated by superheroes, I have yet to write a column devoted entirely to the superfolk. Well, let's get down to it, bunky. Here are a few of the more interesting supertitles being published. Not the best, mind you, just interesting. For the best, pick up Kurt Busiek's ASTRO CITY (Homage/Image Comics)(Grade: A+). Meanwhile, here's the good, the bad and the ugly of comic book superheroes: STARMAN, THUNDERBOLTS, and HITMAN. STARMAN is highbrow; HITMAN is lowbrow; and THUNDERBOLTS would be right in the middle if not for its sinister twist.
KILLER LAUGHS
HITMAN #1-20 (DC Comics)
"Okay," Tommy Monaghan begins. "Now, we got Green Lantern backin' us up -- an' that sounds so freakin' hysterical I'm just gonna say it again, 'We got Green Lantern backin' us up' . . . An' that's fine for special effects, but I ain't puttin' my life in the hands of some Keanu-lookin' goof with a magic ring. What I want is you -- with this [gun] -- at that window -- ready to whack anyone takes a shot at me. You cool with that?" (Hitman#12, page 3).
Tommy "Hitman" Monaghan is a superhero in only the loosest sense of the word. He does have super powers and a rigid code of morals that keep him from hurting people he thinks are good. He teams up with other superheroes, such as Batman and Green Lantern, but they generally end up despising him and his methods. Monaghan kills people, you see. Before getting his powers, he was an assassin. Since getting super powers, well, he is still an assassin. Only now Monaghan specializes in assassinating other people with super powers -- but only bad people. Monaghan doesn't fight bad guys so much as he fights guys worse than he is himself. Monaghan is the epitome of the modern day superantihero.
Monaghan received his powers when he survived a bite from, um, a space vampire during an unsuccessful hit. Now Monaghan possesses telepathy and x-ray vision. Not being extremely imaginative, Monaghan has decided to stick with his original occupation, hoping only to score higher fees so he can one day move to Manhattan from Gotham City. Between hits he hangs out with his fellow hitmen in a neighborhood bar. The only thing worse than Monaghan's luck at gambling is his luck at picking contracts: they usually blow-up in his face, sometimes literally.
In "A Rage in Arkham" (HITMAN #1-3) Monaghan agrees to break into Arkham and snuff the Joker right inside his cell. Little does Monaghan realize (and who would?) that this is a set-up arranged by demons from hell called the Arkannone, the Lords of the Gun, who seek a replacement for their demonic assassin Mawzir. To really complicate matters, Batman shows up, and he's ticked off to find himself in the position of defending the Joker's life.
In "Ten Thousand Bullets" (HITMAN #4-7) Monaghan agrees to hunt down and snuff a dirty superhero named Nightfist. Little does Monaghan realize (and you'd think he would be suspicious by now) that this is a set-up arranged by Moe Dubelz, the surviving half of a Siamese twin that Monaghan killed. To really complicate matters, Dubelz hires hitman-supreme Johnny Navarone to snuff Monaghan.
In "Local Heroes" (HITMAN #9-12) Monaghan does not agree to become the sanctioned terminator for a covert government agency charged with monitoring and controlling superheroes. Little does Monaghan realize (What a moron!) that he's going to be set-up by the disgruntled agents to keep him quiet. To further complicate matters, Green Lantern is the patsy the agents dupe into bringing Monaghan down.
In "Zombie Night at the Gotham Aquarium" (HITMAN #13-14) Monaghan and his buddies shoot a bunch of zombie penguins, seals, sharks, dolphins, and an octopus. Little does Monaghan realize (why ruin a streak?) that the fella who hired him is paying less than the corporation that hired his friend. It's not too complicated really.
In "Ace of Killers" (HITMAN #15-20) Mawzir and the Arkannone return looking for revenge, cornering and trapping Monaghan, his friends, Jason Blood and Catwoman in a church. Monaghan realizes (Finally! A realization!!) their only hope of getting out of this set-up is a shaky deal with the treacherous demon, Etrigan, to obtain the demon-killing rifle known as the Ace of Winchesters. To further complicate matters, Monaghan finds himself falling in love.
The repetitious simplicity -- simple-mindedness, even -- of the plots might make one wonder how this book could succeed.
What makes HITMAN special are the creators, of course. Writer Garth Ennis and illustrator John McCrea have pulled out the stops to make HITMAN a black comedy thrill ride. To build momentum, they had Monaghan appear for a short time in their previous collaboration, THE DEMON (DC Comics). When THE DEMON wrapped up, HITMAN was ready to rumble. Ennis is infamous for his ultra-violent tales of hitmen in such series as PREACHER (Vertigo/DC Comics, grade: A+), SHADOWMAN (Acclaim Comics, grade: C+), THE DARKNESS (Top Cow/Image Comics), and UNKNOWN SOLDIER (Vertigo/DC Comics). He mixes drama, humor and violence into a volatile chili that burns the roof of your skull. The inevitable comparison: Ennis is the Quentin Tarantino of comic books. McCrea, meanwhile, has a distinctive, outrageous style that suits Ennis' scripts perfectly. With HITMAN, Ennis and McCrea have achieved a level of violence so excessive it is almost cartoonish -- if you can overlook the gore and viscera splashed across every page that is.. That this bloodfest is set smack dab in the DC Universe is the ultimate twist.
The humor in HITMAN deserves special attention. Ennis loves to throw in sick visual gags: a Siamese twin lugging around his dead twin's decaying body, a dead cat thrown on a spotlight to create a "Cat-Signal" for Catwoman, a man bashing zombie baby seals with a bat. Ennis is not afraid to tweak the other heroes in the DC Universe. One issue has bar patrons signing a petition to have Superman cut his long hair. Monaghan pukes on Batman's boots and publicly humiliates Green Lantern. Finally, Ennis loads the books up with rowdy 'n' randy guy talk, focusing frequently on Monaghan and his friends hanging out over poker or pool. These scenes allow Ennis to segue into touching, guy-bonding comedy, such as the buddies talking about coping with death during the "Final Night" crisis in issue #8.
Introduced in DEMON ANNUAL #2, Monaghan is the only successful new character to come from DC Comics' big "Bloodlines" crossover event of 1993. The theory was that DC would introduce a dozen or two new superheroes -- the New Blood -- in their comics' annuals and all would become instant sensations making DC the number one publisher again. (That might be the ultra-optimistic theory, actually.) What they got was HITMAN -- a single on-going title featuring a single member of the New Blood. Considering how unsuccessful most crossover event spinoffs are, I suppose DC is probably quite happy with the results.
I know I am.
Grade: B+
INTRODUCTION
Even though the field of comic books is dominated by superheroes, I have yet to write a column devoted entirely to the superfolk. Well, let's get down to it, bunky. Here are a few of the more interesting supertitles being published. Not the best, mind you, just interesting. For the best, pick up Kurt Busiek's ASTRO CITY (Homage/Image Comics)(Grade: A+). Meanwhile, here's the good, the bad and the ugly of comic book superheroes: STARMAN, THUNDERBOLTS, and HITMAN. STARMAN is highbrow; HITMAN is lowbrow; and THUNDERBOLTS would be right in the middle if not for its sinister twist.
KILLER LAUGHS
HITMAN #1-20 (DC Comics)
"Okay," Tommy Monaghan begins. "Now, we got Green Lantern backin' us up -- an' that sounds so freakin' hysterical I'm just gonna say it again, 'We got Green Lantern backin' us up' . . . An' that's fine for special effects, but I ain't puttin' my life in the hands of some Keanu-lookin' goof with a magic ring. What I want is you -- with this [gun] -- at that window -- ready to whack anyone takes a shot at me. You cool with that?" (Hitman#12, page 3).
Tommy "Hitman" Monaghan is a superhero in only the loosest sense of the word. He does have super powers and a rigid code of morals that keep him from hurting people he thinks are good. He teams up with other superheroes, such as Batman and Green Lantern, but they generally end up despising him and his methods. Monaghan kills people, you see. Before getting his powers, he was an assassin. Since getting super powers, well, he is still an assassin. Only now Monaghan specializes in assassinating other people with super powers -- but only bad people. Monaghan doesn't fight bad guys so much as he fights guys worse than he is himself. Monaghan is the epitome of the modern day superantihero.
Monaghan received his powers when he survived a bite from, um, a space vampire during an unsuccessful hit. Now Monaghan possesses telepathy and x-ray vision. Not being extremely imaginative, Monaghan has decided to stick with his original occupation, hoping only to score higher fees so he can one day move to Manhattan from Gotham City. Between hits he hangs out with his fellow hitmen in a neighborhood bar. The only thing worse than Monaghan's luck at gambling is his luck at picking contracts: they usually blow-up in his face, sometimes literally.
In "A Rage in Arkham" (HITMAN #1-3) Monaghan agrees to break into Arkham and snuff the Joker right inside his cell. Little does Monaghan realize (and who would?) that this is a set-up arranged by demons from hell called the Arkannone, the Lords of the Gun, who seek a replacement for their demonic assassin Mawzir. To really complicate matters, Batman shows up, and he's ticked off to find himself in the position of defending the Joker's life.
In "Ten Thousand Bullets" (HITMAN #4-7) Monaghan agrees to hunt down and snuff a dirty superhero named Nightfist. Little does Monaghan realize (and you'd think he would be suspicious by now) that this is a set-up arranged by Moe Dubelz, the surviving half of a Siamese twin that Monaghan killed. To really complicate matters, Dubelz hires hitman-supreme Johnny Navarone to snuff Monaghan.
In "Local Heroes" (HITMAN #9-12) Monaghan does not agree to become the sanctioned terminator for a covert government agency charged with monitoring and controlling superheroes. Little does Monaghan realize (What a moron!) that he's going to be set-up by the disgruntled agents to keep him quiet. To further complicate matters, Green Lantern is the patsy the agents dupe into bringing Monaghan down.
In "Zombie Night at the Gotham Aquarium" (HITMAN #13-14) Monaghan and his buddies shoot a bunch of zombie penguins, seals, sharks, dolphins, and an octopus. Little does Monaghan realize (why ruin a streak?) that the fella who hired him is paying less than the corporation that hired his friend. It's not too complicated really.
In "Ace of Killers" (HITMAN #15-20) Mawzir and the Arkannone return looking for revenge, cornering and trapping Monaghan, his friends, Jason Blood and Catwoman in a church. Monaghan realizes (Finally! A realization!!) their only hope of getting out of this set-up is a shaky deal with the treacherous demon, Etrigan, to obtain the demon-killing rifle known as the Ace of Winchesters. To further complicate matters, Monaghan finds himself falling in love.
The repetitious simplicity -- simple-mindedness, even -- of the plots might make one wonder how this book could succeed.
What makes HITMAN special are the creators, of course. Writer Garth Ennis and illustrator John McCrea have pulled out the stops to make HITMAN a black comedy thrill ride. To build momentum, they had Monaghan appear for a short time in their previous collaboration, THE DEMON (DC Comics). When THE DEMON wrapped up, HITMAN was ready to rumble. Ennis is infamous for his ultra-violent tales of hitmen in such series as PREACHER (Vertigo/DC Comics, grade: A+), SHADOWMAN (Acclaim Comics, grade: C+), THE DARKNESS (Top Cow/Image Comics), and UNKNOWN SOLDIER (Vertigo/DC Comics). He mixes drama, humor and violence into a volatile chili that burns the roof of your skull. The inevitable comparison: Ennis is the Quentin Tarantino of comic books. McCrea, meanwhile, has a distinctive, outrageous style that suits Ennis' scripts perfectly. With HITMAN, Ennis and McCrea have achieved a level of violence so excessive it is almost cartoonish -- if you can overlook the gore and viscera splashed across every page that is.. That this bloodfest is set smack dab in the DC Universe is the ultimate twist.
The humor in HITMAN deserves special attention. Ennis loves to throw in sick visual gags: a Siamese twin lugging around his dead twin's decaying body, a dead cat thrown on a spotlight to create a "Cat-Signal" for Catwoman, a man bashing zombie baby seals with a bat. Ennis is not afraid to tweak the other heroes in the DC Universe. One issue has bar patrons signing a petition to have Superman cut his long hair. Monaghan pukes on Batman's boots and publicly humiliates Green Lantern. Finally, Ennis loads the books up with rowdy 'n' randy guy talk, focusing frequently on Monaghan and his friends hanging out over poker or pool. These scenes allow Ennis to segue into touching, guy-bonding comedy, such as the buddies talking about coping with death during the "Final Night" crisis in issue #8.
Introduced in DEMON ANNUAL #2, Monaghan is the only successful new character to come from DC Comics' big "Bloodlines" crossover event of 1993. The theory was that DC would introduce a dozen or two new superheroes -- the New Blood -- in their comics' annuals and all would become instant sensations making DC the number one publisher again. (That might be the ultra-optimistic theory, actually.) What they got was HITMAN -- a single on-going title featuring a single member of the New Blood. Considering how unsuccessful most crossover event spinoffs are, I suppose DC is probably quite happy with the results.
I know I am.
Grade: B+
April 19, 2022
A foe from the first volume returns, and Tommy and his crew (now including Catwoman), have to try and fend off the attack while they try to acquire a weapon that can actually stop hell demons.
So the thing I really liked off the bat, is that this is now feeling like one giant story. With the tie ins from the first volume, and the cast evolving to its current form now, the story of Tommy and his adventures doesn't feel like one off's or just short adventures. It's starting to feel like something that has a beginning and end, with a lot of fun plots in between. And I'm having a lot of fun reading this book, so its a bit bitter sweet to realize that this is a narrative arch, where there eventually be an end. But it works so much better for the book because it gives the chronicle of Hitman a focus that is thoroughly engaging.
So in this one, the Mawzir returns in a big bad way. Kudos to Garth Ennis for making you really feel the fury of the Mawzir, he comes in literally guns a blazing, and his initial attack is intense and unrelenting. Ennis really cements the anger and fury of this character, and the initial dread that Tommy feels as he now has to save not only himself, but his friends. This one was full of clever and interesting dialogue, and the cast really melds well with each other. Even Entrigan...
Another thing that seems to either be getting better or is just simply growing on me, is the art by John McCrea. Part of why the aforementioned Mawzir scene feels so intense is because of the art. McCrea does a great job of really showing us his hate and unrelenting attack. Ennis definitely set up the pieces really well, but McCrea knocks those set pieces out of the park with his art.
This is definitely my favorite volume so far, and that's because it builds off of everything that came before. If you're reading this series already, make sure you check out this one.
So the thing I really liked off the bat, is that this is now feeling like one giant story. With the tie ins from the first volume, and the cast evolving to its current form now, the story of Tommy and his adventures doesn't feel like one off's or just short adventures. It's starting to feel like something that has a beginning and end, with a lot of fun plots in between. And I'm having a lot of fun reading this book, so its a bit bitter sweet to realize that this is a narrative arch, where there eventually be an end. But it works so much better for the book because it gives the chronicle of Hitman a focus that is thoroughly engaging.
So in this one, the Mawzir returns in a big bad way. Kudos to Garth Ennis for making you really feel the fury of the Mawzir, he comes in literally guns a blazing, and his initial attack is intense and unrelenting. Ennis really cements the anger and fury of this character, and the initial dread that Tommy feels as he now has to save not only himself, but his friends. This one was full of clever and interesting dialogue, and the cast really melds well with each other. Even Entrigan...
Another thing that seems to either be getting better or is just simply growing on me, is the art by John McCrea. Part of why the aforementioned Mawzir scene feels so intense is because of the art. McCrea does a great job of really showing us his hate and unrelenting attack. Ennis definitely set up the pieces really well, but McCrea knocks those set pieces out of the park with his art.
This is definitely my favorite volume so far, and that's because it builds off of everything that came before. If you're reading this series already, make sure you check out this one.
February 5, 2024
Mawzir is back. He was resurrected by the Arkannone and made even more powerful than before. He had Catwoman steal an antique gun for him, so Tommy contacts her. They make a good team, though both Tommy and Natt are awe-struck by Catwoman's hot costume - it's her purple tights era. The second round with Mawzir involves many side-characters, but will close this vhapter once and for all.
May 10, 2020
2.5 stars. Both of the demons from the first volume ended up annoying me again here, but at least this volume had Bueno Excellente, who “fights evil with the power of perversion.” And the phrase “made sex.” And also the goddamn Defenestrator, who actually brings his own window to fights, just in case one isn’t readily available. Too cute.
February 6, 2020
In this volume we got Catwoman, The Demon, and the return of the Mawzir. We also see the Hitman in a relationship with...a cop??
Plenty of action in this one and as usual plenty of humor. The art keeps getting better, or either it's just growing on me.
Plenty of action in this one and as usual plenty of humor. The art keeps getting better, or either it's just growing on me.
February 10, 2016
What can I say about these comics? They have been consistently good from the start. You can tell that Ennis cared so much for these characters. They feel like people you could have in your life—if you overlook the fantastic elements that these books incorporate. Cut me some slack. They do still live in Gotham City. The stories are great, but the characters really make these books for me. They feel so true. They’re so well fleshed out and written with such dedication and obvious love.
I think this one is probably one of my favorites in the series because Deb and Tommy finally go somewhere with their relationship. And I really like how it was Tommy who set aside the gloves and said that one of them had to stop pretending instead of turning Deb into a quivering female mess and making her fall over into Tommy’s arms. Deb is such a great character, showing time and time again that she can hang with Tommy without him having to worry about protecting a dizzy female.
I also liked seeing “Section 8” (a bootleg version of the Justice League) in action again. They’re repulsive and wrong on so many levels, but so much fun to have in the series. Catwoman was also in this particular arc helping out the gang, and the men acted how I’d expect men to react to her if she were a real person.
Overall, I am still loving these books, and it really does make me sad to know that this is given a definitive ending.
I think this one is probably one of my favorites in the series because Deb and Tommy finally go somewhere with their relationship. And I really like how it was Tommy who set aside the gloves and said that one of them had to stop pretending instead of turning Deb into a quivering female mess and making her fall over into Tommy’s arms. Deb is such a great character, showing time and time again that she can hang with Tommy without him having to worry about protecting a dizzy female.
I also liked seeing “Section 8” (a bootleg version of the Justice League) in action again. They’re repulsive and wrong on so many levels, but so much fun to have in the series. Catwoman was also in this particular arc helping out the gang, and the men acted how I’d expect men to react to her if she were a real person.
Overall, I am still loving these books, and it really does make me sad to know that this is given a definitive ending.
March 9, 2015
This trade contains Hitman #15-22.
The stories here build heavily off of previous volumes. Don't start reading here - go back to the beginning.
This collection opens with the titular six issue Ace of Killers arc. The demons Tommy turned down and their star agent he humiliated are back for revenge. The interplay of characters is a highlight as usual, and in addition to the regular cast and old foes it also features old and new "allies." The various schemes and cross-purposes are well developed and add a good amount of intrigue and development. The touches of humor are as normal - hilarious when integrated into the comic and eye rolling when singled out and Ennis goes overboard.
The remainder of the collection is comprised of two single issue stories. The first is a fantastic "day off" kind of story focusing on Tommy's new quasi-relationship and how trouble always seems to find him. The second is about a job he gets to take out a radioactive evil Santa. Seriously.
Overall Ace of Killers is a great entry in the adventures of Ennis' everyday assassin despite a couple small missteps.
The stories here build heavily off of previous volumes. Don't start reading here - go back to the beginning.
This collection opens with the titular six issue Ace of Killers arc. The demons Tommy turned down and their star agent he humiliated are back for revenge. The interplay of characters is a highlight as usual, and in addition to the regular cast and old foes it also features old and new "allies." The various schemes and cross-purposes are well developed and add a good amount of intrigue and development. The touches of humor are as normal - hilarious when integrated into the comic and eye rolling when singled out and Ennis goes overboard.
The remainder of the collection is comprised of two single issue stories. The first is a fantastic "day off" kind of story focusing on Tommy's new quasi-relationship and how trouble always seems to find him. The second is about a job he gets to take out a radioactive evil Santa. Seriously.
Overall Ace of Killers is a great entry in the adventures of Ennis' everyday assassin despite a couple small missteps.
Read
February 13, 2021In this volume we see Catwoman, Etrigan, Baytor, Mawzir, and Six Pack’s parody superhero team, Section 8. Tommy and Tiegel start dating, while he and Natt stop a radioactive Santa from ruining Christmas. Honestly, this series is very shallow, more in line with Ennis’ humorous books, but its offbeat nature is endearing. The characters are also a colorful, memorable bunch (“I am Baytor!”). And the hints of depth and fact that Tommy has remained relatively happy-go-lucky so far make me think Ennis is going to pull some real gut-punches later on.
March 8, 2023
The fat jokes and the creepy weirdos of Section 8 just aren't as funny to me as they were in my 20s.
September 15, 2020
I guess I gave it a fair shot, but this is where I sign off from this series. And I would feel relieved, if it wasn't for an adorable short "Kiss me" standing out in this otherwise tiresome book. Instead I just regret Hitman didn't turn out what I expected it to be, especially as there are glimpses proving it could have.
September 30, 2016
I have enjoyed this volume and cannot believe that people have fallen asleep on this title. The series take place in Gotham City and has interesting characters from Bar Owner Sean Noonan to Sixpack. It was great to see a rematch between The Demon and Tommy Monaghan including another demon from Hell who also hates Monaghan and wants him to pay dearly.
The other 2 stories was great with Monaghan's date with Deborah Tiegel. The Christmas penned story is my personal favorite. I couldn't help but laugh at the humor that came unexpectedly from the pages that was hard to contain. It reminded me of Pulp Fiction but went further than the film. Although Hitman isn't currently published on an ongoing basis, it is a must read for any fan who loves good comic storytelling and comic books that break the mold.
The other 2 stories was great with Monaghan's date with Deborah Tiegel. The Christmas penned story is my personal favorite. I couldn't help but laugh at the humor that came unexpectedly from the pages that was hard to contain. It reminded me of Pulp Fiction but went further than the film. Although Hitman isn't currently published on an ongoing basis, it is a must read for any fan who loves good comic storytelling and comic books that break the mold.
May 13, 2016
I think this is the first time I've read a Garth Ennis story that just oozes with fun. It's not too dark and demented, not too pervy and gross, it's just a fun blast from start to finish. Before this I wasn't familiar at all with Tommy Monaghan or Etrigan or the rest of the cast so it took a second to get to know the characters and kind of story I was reading, but by the end I had definitely found a new great set of stories to get into. Not to mention I adore Baytor who is most definitely my favorite Ennis comedic character next to Preacher's Arseface as well as have a new Christmas comic to read every December (next to Scarlet Spider #12, aka Kaine vs Robber Santas, and Batman: Noel) with the final issue in this book, Hitman #22 The Santa Contract!
July 29, 2018
Volume 4 collects "Ace of Killers", "Kiss Me" and "The Santa Contract".
The first story is a continuation of the previous "10,000 Bullets", and brings together a greater number of awesome characters, including the hilarious Section 8, Six-Pac's raggedy band of heroes. "Kiss Me" progresses the relationship between Tommy and Tiegel, and the last story is comic wholly comic relief.
The first story is a continuation of the previous "10,000 Bullets", and brings together a greater number of awesome characters, including the hilarious Section 8, Six-Pac's raggedy band of heroes. "Kiss Me" progresses the relationship between Tommy and Tiegel, and the last story is comic wholly comic relief.
January 7, 2025
Повертаємося до пригод Томмі Монаґана у першому відгуку за 2025 рік.
У номерах з 15 по 20 відбувається сюжет "Ace of Killers" в якому Мавзір повертається для того, щоб вбити нашого протагоніста. В результаті Томмі доводиться заручитися підтримкою з боку Нета, Тіґель, Жінки Кішки, Джейсона Блада та його демона Етріґана, щоб перемогти демона, який взяв під контроль місцеву банду злочинців. Історія швидко зводиться до того, що нашим героям доводиться сховатися в церкві, в яку Мавзір не здатен зайти інакше за ним прийдуть ангели, і відбиватися від мафіозі, в той час, як Етріґан вирушає в пекло для того, щоб відібрати зброю здатну вбити Мавзірв у його творців.
Цікавий факт, щодо неї. Енніс придумав її ще під час свого рану на серію "Hellblazer" і її поява тут є одним з тих рідкісних випадків коли тривалка Константина мала зв'язок з основним всесвітом ДС. А також серед фанатів давно ходить теорія, що шоуранер серіалу Надприродне взяв ідею кольта для серіалу саме звідси.
Повертаючись до історії то вона мені дуже сподобалася. Тут були як веселі моменти (як, наприклад кішко-сигнал який Томмі та Нет зробили з дохлого кота) так і напружені, так і екшен. Мене тут порадував Етріґан, який плів свої інтриги для того, щоб повернути своє серце. Мені взагалі аж захотілося почитати ран Енніса на Демоні. З того, що також вартує виділити це поява демона Бейтора, який збожеволів та постійно викрикує своє ім'я, у кінці історії він починає жити в барі Нунана. А також тут вперше з'являється команда Восьма Секція, яку збирає Сикс Пак для того, щоб допомогти Томмі. Сама команда складається з максимально дивакуватих та божевільних персонажів, які вважають себе супергероями, серед учасників є такі смарагди як Собачий Зварювальник, який приварює мертвих собак до облич злочинців, Дружній Вогонь, який здатен атакувати тільки своїх товаришів, а також Буено Екселенте який бореться зі злочинністю за допомогою сексуального насильства (просто згадайте хто є автором цієї серії і не дивуйтеся).
21 номер розповідає про побачення Томмі та Тіґель, в якому йде також обговорення Гітмена, як персонажа, що так Томмі нехай і є найманим вбивцею, який не жалкує про те, що вбиває поганцем, однак як людина він не такий вже й поганий хлопець. Під кінець номера Томмі потрапляє в комедійну перестрілку, оскільки Тіґель була змушена вигнати його з квартири через повернення її матері та дідуся.
У 22 номері Томмі та Нет отримують завдання вбити радіоактивного чоловіка який збожеволів та одягнувся в костюм Санти. Головним гайлайтом є те, що оповідь у цьому номері це пародія на "Як Ґрінч вкрав Різдво".
У підсумку можу сказати, що серія продовжує тримати планку, вона все ще неймовірно весела, персонажі продовжують бути класними і я продовжую кайфувати від неї.
У номерах з 15 по 20 відбувається сюжет "Ace of Killers" в якому Мавзір повертається для того, щоб вбити нашого протагоніста. В результаті Томмі доводиться заручитися підтримкою з боку Нета, Тіґель, Жінки Кішки, Джейсона Блада та його демона Етріґана, щоб перемогти демона, який взяв під контроль місцеву банду злочинців. Історія швидко зводиться до того, що нашим героям доводиться сховатися в церкві, в яку Мавзір не здатен зайти інакше за ним прийдуть ангели, і відбиватися від мафіозі, в той час, як Етріґан вирушає в пекло для того, щоб відібрати зброю здатну вбити Мавзірв у його творців.
Цікавий факт, щодо неї. Енніс придумав її ще під час свого рану на серію "Hellblazer" і її поява тут є одним з тих рідкісних випадків коли тривалка Константина мала зв'язок з основним всесвітом ДС. А також серед фанатів давно ходить теорія, що шоуранер серіалу Надприродне взяв ідею кольта для серіалу саме звідси.
Повертаючись до історії то вона мені дуже сподобалася. Тут були як веселі моменти (як, наприклад кішко-сигнал який Томмі та Нет зробили з дохлого кота) так і напружені, так і екшен. Мене тут порадував Етріґан, який плів свої інтриги для того, щоб повернути своє серце. Мені взагалі аж захотілося почитати ран Енніса на Демоні. З того, що також вартує виділити це поява демона Бейтора, який збожеволів та постійно викрикує своє ім'я, у кінці історії він починає жити в барі Нунана. А також тут вперше з'являється команда Восьма Секція, яку збирає Сикс Пак для того, щоб допомогти Томмі. Сама команда складається з максимально дивакуватих та божевільних персонажів, які вважають себе супергероями, серед учасників є такі смарагди як Собачий Зварювальник, який приварює мертвих собак до облич злочинців, Дружній Вогонь, який здатен атакувати тільки своїх товаришів, а також Буено Екселенте який бореться зі злочинністю за допомогою сексуального насильства (просто згадайте хто є автором цієї серії і не дивуйтеся).
21 номер розповідає про побачення Томмі та Тіґель, в якому йде також обговорення Гітмена, як персонажа, що так Томмі нехай і є найманим вбивцею, який не жалкує про те, що вбиває поганцем, однак як людина він не такий вже й поганий хлопець. Під кінець номера Томмі потрапляє в комедійну перестрілку, оскільки Тіґель була змушена вигнати його з квартири через повернення її матері та дідуся.
У 22 номері Томмі та Нет отримують завдання вбити радіоактивного чоловіка який збожеволів та одягнувся в костюм Санти. Головним гайлайтом є те, що оповідь у цьому номері це пародія на "Як Ґрінч вкрав Різдво".
У підсумку можу сказати, що серія продовжує тримати планку, вона все ще неймовірно весела, персонажі продовжують бути класними і я продовжую кайфувати від неї.
May 20, 2025
Another fun collection of this relatively overlooked series from the 1990s. This one collects the 8 original issue #s 15 through 22 from back in 1997.
The first six comprise the "Ace of Killers" arc, in which the villainous demon The Mawzir returns to exact vengeance on Tommy "Hitman" Monaghan for what Tommy did to him in the series' very first story arc. This tale has plenty of bullets flying, but the real fun comes from two sources: one is the involvement of Catwoman, who induces much childish and humorous drooling from the boys. The other is the (re)assembling of Section Eight - one of the most hilarious and wildly inappropriate "superhero groups" that has probably ever been published on the pages of a "mainstream" comic book. Seriously, one of the members' names is "Dog Welder." Tells you everything you need to know.
The last two issues are each stand-alones, one that has Tommy finally cozying up with the dismissed cop Tiegel and the other a "Christmas" issue. The former has shades of some of the slower, more personal moments that Ennis would pen into his megahit series Preacher, which adds a dash of heart and depth to what is mostly just a fun, wild romp of a series. The Christmas issue is something that could only have come from the mind and drawing hand of Ennis and McCrea, complete with a saucy Christmas rhyme and some pretty graphic violence.
If you read and enjoyed any of the earlier issues or collected editions of this series, then you'll like this one.
The first six comprise the "Ace of Killers" arc, in which the villainous demon The Mawzir returns to exact vengeance on Tommy "Hitman" Monaghan for what Tommy did to him in the series' very first story arc. This tale has plenty of bullets flying, but the real fun comes from two sources: one is the involvement of Catwoman, who induces much childish and humorous drooling from the boys. The other is the (re)assembling of Section Eight - one of the most hilarious and wildly inappropriate "superhero groups" that has probably ever been published on the pages of a "mainstream" comic book. Seriously, one of the members' names is "Dog Welder." Tells you everything you need to know.
The last two issues are each stand-alones, one that has Tommy finally cozying up with the dismissed cop Tiegel and the other a "Christmas" issue. The former has shades of some of the slower, more personal moments that Ennis would pen into his megahit series Preacher, which adds a dash of heart and depth to what is mostly just a fun, wild romp of a series. The Christmas issue is something that could only have come from the mind and drawing hand of Ennis and McCrea, complete with a saucy Christmas rhyme and some pretty graphic violence.
If you read and enjoyed any of the earlier issues or collected editions of this series, then you'll like this one.
September 6, 2023
Another volume of Hitman and more fun hi-jinks. This one is mainly made up of a 5 part (6?) called the Ace of Killers. It involves the return of the Demon and Catwoman making an appearance.
Ennis leans a lot more into the humour and cartoon violence in this volume and it does get a bit extreme at times but overall it is fun. I still don't love McCrea's art - and when a fill in artist came in (Steve Pugh) it was actually my fav issue in this volume.
I won't claim this is the best series ever and it is more a 3.5 than a 4 star review but Ennis knows how to keep things exciting and moving and makes the characters fun to hang with. There was also a brief appearance by his super group Section Eight which felt like him trying to do Grant Morrison's "weirdest super heroes ever" ala Doom Patrol. But they were a lot of fun. And I have a new fav line in comics "Kill them with the power of your Frenchness!!"
Overall, I am still happy with this series, happy to see the Demon come back (who Ennis wrote for during this time) and happy a Hitman Omnibus is due out next year.
Ennis leans a lot more into the humour and cartoon violence in this volume and it does get a bit extreme at times but overall it is fun. I still don't love McCrea's art - and when a fill in artist came in (Steve Pugh) it was actually my fav issue in this volume.
I won't claim this is the best series ever and it is more a 3.5 than a 4 star review but Ennis knows how to keep things exciting and moving and makes the characters fun to hang with. There was also a brief appearance by his super group Section Eight which felt like him trying to do Grant Morrison's "weirdest super heroes ever" ala Doom Patrol. But they were a lot of fun. And I have a new fav line in comics "Kill them with the power of your Frenchness!!"
Overall, I am still happy with this series, happy to see the Demon come back (who Ennis wrote for during this time) and happy a Hitman Omnibus is due out next year.
March 16, 2024
The Arkannone, also known as the Lords of the Gun, were humiliated by Tommy Monaghan when he turns down their offer to be their assassin. Sending forth Mawzir, the Ace of Killers, to hunt down Tommy in Hitman, Vol. 1: A Rage in Gotham. Here, Mawzir makes a return and Tommy finds himself in a tenuous alliance with Catwoman. Tommy also finds himself paired up with Etrigan again after he calls on Jason Blood to pay off his debt to Tommy. It's through Etrigan that Tommy gets his hands on a demon-smiting rifle known as the Ace of Winchesters, which serves as his trump card against Mawzir.
This volume really takes the slapstick, black humor to another level, but it works fairly well. I found this to be the most enjoyable volume of Hitman since the first one, and the blend of magic with noir works surprisingly well. McCrea is one of my favorite artists to draw the Demon, and that probably compounds my overall enjoyment of this volume.
This volume really takes the slapstick, black humor to another level, but it works fairly well. I found this to be the most enjoyable volume of Hitman since the first one, and the blend of magic with noir works surprisingly well. McCrea is one of my favorite artists to draw the Demon, and that probably compounds my overall enjoyment of this volume.
July 17, 2025
The book contains three stories: "Ace of Killers", "The Kiss", and "The Santa Contract".
Ace of Killers
In this story, our hero once again faces his old enemy Mawzir, who comes from Hell. To defeat him, he forms a team with Catwoman, Tiegel, Natt, and Jason Blood. They need a special gun that can kill demons from Hell, which becomes central to the mission. The story has a good pace. Personally, I was never a big fan of the Mawzir character, so I appreciated that they killed him off. Also, the tension between ex-cop Tiegel and Tommy is handled quite well.
The Kiss
In this story, we finally see something starting between Tiegel and Tommy. 😉
The Santa Contract
This one feels like a filler episode made for Christmas. A janitor at a nuclear facility accidentally falls into a nuclear tank and gains superpowers. The facility owner then hires Tommy to eliminate him. Not much to say—it's a fun and simple story.
Ace of Killers
In this story, our hero once again faces his old enemy Mawzir, who comes from Hell. To defeat him, he forms a team with Catwoman, Tiegel, Natt, and Jason Blood. They need a special gun that can kill demons from Hell, which becomes central to the mission. The story has a good pace. Personally, I was never a big fan of the Mawzir character, so I appreciated that they killed him off. Also, the tension between ex-cop Tiegel and Tommy is handled quite well.
The Kiss
In this story, we finally see something starting between Tiegel and Tommy. 😉
The Santa Contract
This one feels like a filler episode made for Christmas. A janitor at a nuclear facility accidentally falls into a nuclear tank and gains superpowers. The facility owner then hires Tommy to eliminate him. Not much to say—it's a fun and simple story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2019
This is a pretty good natured book for a gun-driven violent comic with sex never too far from its mind (although not frequently explicitly in the pages). It just feels like all the characters are having a good time.
November 11, 2020
I didn’t like the ‘Ace of Killers’-story so much. The two excellent one-shots that finish this collection show the real potential of the Hitman-series.
July 2, 2021
I had some good chuckles. No emotional stuff here, just good, bloody fun.
November 11, 2022
Gets a lot better with "I am Baylor!"
March 26, 2024
A step up, the Mawzir is still a crap villain but I enjoyed the whole plotline with Catwoman and Etrigan. And we get Section Eight. Christmas story was dumb though.
April 9, 2013
This was a thoroughly entertaining read. You have to appreciate dark humor and gun violence to enjoy it, though. I apparently own the first volume of the series but have no recollection of it, so some of the plot points and characters in this volume were a bit confusing but nothing too distracting.
The dark corners of the DC comics universe are usually pretty entertaining (e.g. John Constantine) but can also be too slow (e.g. Swamp Thing). Hitman's ties to the DC universe can be tenuous but that allows much more freedom with the setting of Gotham City. I'm usually not a fan of the demon Etrigan but here he and his rhyming shtick actually work amidst all the other chaos and demons. Catwoman's appearance, though, felt like nothing more than giving the men someone to ogle, although that does provide a nice contrast to Tommy Monaghan's interactions with Deborah Tiegel.
The last issue is a standalone story about a worker at a nuclear power plant who gets irradiated on Christmas Eve and goes on a killing spree at the mall. There were some very funny moments in this issue, although some of the references are dated so I didn't get them.
By Garth Ennis standards this is actually pretty tame, especially for a book with the title "Hitman." But that's not a bad thing, since some Ennis stuff can be a bit much (e.g. parts of The Boys).
The dark corners of the DC comics universe are usually pretty entertaining (e.g. John Constantine) but can also be too slow (e.g. Swamp Thing). Hitman's ties to the DC universe can be tenuous but that allows much more freedom with the setting of Gotham City. I'm usually not a fan of the demon Etrigan but here he and his rhyming shtick actually work amidst all the other chaos and demons. Catwoman's appearance, though, felt like nothing more than giving the men someone to ogle, although that does provide a nice contrast to Tommy Monaghan's interactions with Deborah Tiegel.
The last issue is a standalone story about a worker at a nuclear power plant who gets irradiated on Christmas Eve and goes on a killing spree at the mall. There were some very funny moments in this issue, although some of the references are dated so I didn't get them.
By Garth Ennis standards this is actually pretty tame, especially for a book with the title "Hitman." But that's not a bad thing, since some Ennis stuff can be a bit much (e.g. parts of The Boys).
July 11, 2015
It's hard to believe that even during its grim and gritty 90's period, DC published this book under the DC imprint. It's vintage Ennis, which means lots of over-the-top violence, satirical superheroes (this is the volume that introduces Section Eight, an utterly dysfunctional 'hero' team, more swearing than I thought they would be allowed to get away with, all built around a pretty interesting story, with Tommy Monaghan pulling in Catwoman and Etrigan in an attempt to defeat a demon with a grudge. The main story works pretty well, and has lots of action. There are two backup stories, which actually work as well if not better than the main story; a date gone wrong between Monaghan and love interest ex-cop Tiegel, and then a very messed up Christmas story where Monaghan has to take out an irradiated Santa. The book also shows Ennis' impressive character work; these characters feel deeper than you'd expect in a mainstream comic. It's not up to his Preacher work, but it's as close as you're going to get (and actually closer than you'd expect) under the main DC heading.
July 3, 2015
I am really liking Garth Ennis and Hitman, Ace of Killers is fun story that teams Tommy up with Catwoman and Etragan,( I had to ask my husband how to say it. Tommy and the gang are being hunted doen by Mawzir and his new gang of mobsters. There is a gun that can kill demons and Catwoman steals it to get it out of the way, but Jason Blood has ordered Etragan to retrieve it. All of this takes place in a church so the demon Mawzir can't get them. I enjoyed this very much, now on to the next few issues.
August 15, 2015
Yeah it's over he top violent but this has so much heart and humor for something so brutal and insane. Truly one of the most irreverent "superhero" books I've read. This was the best yet- the ace of killers story was excellent, and not just for having Etrigan in it. Hell! Section 8! And issues 20-22 we're just outstanding, especially 21 which has vaultin up to being one of my favorites ummm..ever. Eminently readable and smart in spite of itself. 4.5/5
August 27, 2014
More pulpy goodness, but it's weird how Ennis' non-Preacher stuff has aged so poorly when compared to the work of the other leading UK lights of the 80s and 90s (Ellis' Transmet and Morrison's Invisibles actually read far better than I'd remembered). He's clearly hitting his stride as far as the Hitman series goes, though, and there are a number of good storylines ahead.
April 24, 2009
I love Hitman. My rating on this particular volume may not show much of that love, but believe me, it's just this volume. I don't much care for the character Mawzir, nor the Lords of the Gun.
Good Master Bay-tor, however, amuses me!
Good Master Bay-tor, however, amuses me!
December 24, 2015
This book was pretty good. I mean with the demon from hell seeking revenge and all the wacky stuff that happens during the story.The ending Christmas story was pretty good. Overall worth a read and glance at the artwork,which is kinda average,but doo-able for the story.
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