
Kill or Be Killed – 2016-2018 (Image Comics) – Crime, Thriller
Author: Ed Brubaker
Art: Sean Phillips
Series Contents: Kill or Be Killed #1-20
The pulse-pounding Kill or Be Killed reads like a fast-paced movie, with some insane action and stymieing moral dilemmas. One of the best crime authors Ed Brubaker brings a twist to vigilante justice in a hauntingly grey tale of good versus evil.

Story:
I simply cannot get too deep into the story, as reading and interpreting the events spinning out of the comic is one of the best parts of the whole experience. I will keep it light, but the main premise focuses on a young graduate student Dylan and his flirtations with mental health, crime, love, power, lust, friendship, revenge, family, and sanity.
There are many elements involved in Dylan’s tale, as he struggles with his studies, his roommate, his crush on said roommates’ girlfriend, his overall feelings of disconnection from society, and his soul crushing depression. As Dylan fails to shake his dark cloud, eventually it drives him to a suicide attempt.
From here, the story takes off, as Dylan’s suicide is unsuccessful, yet leads to some unintended consequences. Tensions run high, and suddenly there is danger around every corner. Asking the comic’s titular question also becomes a main focus of the story, when does one kill versus being killed?
The pacing is perfect, jumping into the established tale before pulling back to catch up. Opening with some insanity pulls the reader into the full experience, and sets up a million questions. As the story flashes back, some of these mysteries are answered, while some stay strong through the conclusion of the story. The frenetic action of the comic is like a train crash, you simply cannot look away and must know what happens next.
Kill or Be Killed obviously dives into some pretty dark territory, however every aspect of the tale is fully nurtured by attentive and meticulous writing. The seriousness of the subject matter reflects multiple human elements, which help enhance its other more fantasy-type aspects. The story and conclusion being somewhat open to interpretation is also a thing of beauty.
Art:
Sean Phillips and Ed Brubaker have done a zillion things together, and I like every single one of them. Their productions are like reading movies, with the art like a well balanced and beautiful story board. Phillips is no different here, infusing the methodical story boarding with some serious energy and movement to match the stories bonkers pace and slick action.
Phillips’ art is simple at times, but nuanced in all the right ways. Color is used sparingly in most all of this creative pair’s creations, and in this story it contributes to the moody setting.
Reasons to Read:
Excellent action and stellar writing is combined with an ambiguous and sharp tale of vigilante justice unlike most anything else. The book’s story quality will rush the reader to its conclusion while forcing them to ponder many moral quandaries.
This is one of those comic events that really should not be missed, and it’s a fast and furious read.
Similar Titles:
100 Bullets; Criminal; The Punisher MAX; Moonshine; Nailbiter; A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance