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Deadly Class
Deadly Class, Volume 4: Die For Me
It's 1988 and Marcus Lopez's first year at Kings Dominion, the elite academy where damaged teenagers are forged into the world's deadliest assassins, is coming to a close, and the final exam. Pass or Fail, no one survives the Freshman Finals without getting blood on their hands.
Collects DEADLY CLASS #17-21
Collects DEADLY CLASS #17-21
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2016
28 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Rick Remender
1,235 books1,402 followersRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. He is the writer/co-creator of many independent comic books like Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent and Seven to Eternity. Previously, he wrote The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
May 4, 2023
(A) 85% | Extraordinary
Notes: Review pending re-read. Collected review for volumes 4-6 can be found here: Deadly Class, Book Two: The Funeral Party
Notes: Review pending re-read. Collected review for volumes 4-6 can be found here: Deadly Class, Book Two: The Funeral Party
November 18, 2022
Kill the Rats was the order at the end of the last volume and thus it begins the final exam. I actually feel physically drained after reading this volume, physically drained and highly entertained I must add. It's virtual impossible to talk about any of the story without dropping spoilers (please note other Deadly Class reviewers), so let's talk pure writing and art.: the carnage overwhelms the volume in the first two comic book issues, but the back story and 1980s story building builds up as more intervals occur; the art, the art; it's just perfect for this book, it works so well at telling these stories. This series has been a bolt of freshness where I thought I had already read all the graphic novels worth reading - a super solid Four Star 9.5 out of 12 (that's three volumes in a row!)
2022 read
2022 read
February 18, 2022
No, no, no!!!!! What the hell just happened?!?! That's not the kind of ending I can cope with when my library doesn't have the next book!!
Another very good, very bloody installment of Deadly Class. Ending with a bang. I must get the next one somehow.
Another very good, very bloody installment of Deadly Class. Ending with a bang. I must get the next one somehow.
June 6, 2016
It’s the end of the first year at King’s Dominion and time for the Freshman Finals. The test? Kill all the rats!
For a book whose story is predicated on a Royal Rumble-esque non-stop battle between teenagers, the fourth volume of Deadly Class is mega-boring! Marcus and co. have to survive as their classmates turn on one another, stabbing, shooting, and poisoning their way throughout the night, racing towards the dawn and victory.
And yet - meh. It’s not interesting to read. Some characters you might remember die, others you won’t also die, and it feels weirdly static and dull for the most part. Things pick up in the final issue though with a very unexpected final page - whether Rick Remender and Wes Craig will stick to it or whether it’s a lame bait and switch is the question. But honestly this volume was so disappointing I’m not gonna be picking up the next one to find out.
Wes Craig’s art is good as ever but this is the first Deadly Class volume without colourist Lee Loughridge, with Jordan Boyd stepping in. Boy, does a good colourist make a difference! The art of the first three books stood out because of Loughridge’s expert eye - with Boyd, the art is rendered flat and unexciting, much like Remender’s script. The contrast between the colourists is so stark.
Deadly Class was a good series while it lasted but this fourth volume, Die For Me, continues the title’s descending quality. A boring, unrewarding slog.
For a book whose story is predicated on a Royal Rumble-esque non-stop battle between teenagers, the fourth volume of Deadly Class is mega-boring! Marcus and co. have to survive as their classmates turn on one another, stabbing, shooting, and poisoning their way throughout the night, racing towards the dawn and victory.
And yet - meh. It’s not interesting to read. Some characters you might remember die, others you won’t also die, and it feels weirdly static and dull for the most part. Things pick up in the final issue though with a very unexpected final page - whether Rick Remender and Wes Craig will stick to it or whether it’s a lame bait and switch is the question. But honestly this volume was so disappointing I’m not gonna be picking up the next one to find out.
Wes Craig’s art is good as ever but this is the first Deadly Class volume without colourist Lee Loughridge, with Jordan Boyd stepping in. Boy, does a good colourist make a difference! The art of the first three books stood out because of Loughridge’s expert eye - with Boyd, the art is rendered flat and unexciting, much like Remender’s script. The contrast between the colourists is so stark.
Deadly Class was a good series while it lasted but this fourth volume, Die For Me, continues the title’s descending quality. A boring, unrewarding slog.
January 8, 2019
Wow, that was a crazy ride. Marcus, Billy, and Petra have been singled out as rats and have to stay alive for the next week while the entire freshman class tries to hunt them down. Remender creates some bats#!t crazy backstories for these kids that will depress the hell out of you. Tons of action while our heroes are on the run and Shabnam turns into the Kingpin.
August 4, 2016
Where do I even begin. This volume made me go through so many emotions, I can’t even think properly. I needed to take a few days to think about what I read before I could even begin to write this review…and I’m still struggling to find the right words.
Die For Me picks up right where The Snake Pit left off. The Freshman Finals. Basically, it’s the Legacy’s pinned against the Rats. The Legacy’s are the privileged students who have ties to Kings Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts and the Rats are those who have no ties to the school whatsoever. The students must kill as many of the opposing group as possible within a certain amount of time and those who survive get a passing grade.
The amount of blood, gore, death and betrayal within this volume was absolutely insane. The action was constant, from start to finish with absolutely no time to catch your breath which worked well with the nature of the story, being a race against time and death and all. The entire time I was reading this arc, I was just waiting for something terrible to happen…as is tradition with Deadly Class. There are endless twists and an epic amount of death, especially within the last issue, that had me feeling all of the emotions. The swans. Man, the swans. I’m crying.
Honestly, it’s really hard to talk about this without spoiling the hell out of it. All I want to do is rant and discuss everything that happened. I’m still in shock over what did happen and for the first time ever, I think I might start picking up single issues as I can’t possibly wait until the next volume comes out.
In other amazing news, Deadly Class has been picked up as a television show and I am beyond excited. I’ve always dreamed of this series becoming a television show or film and now those hopes and dreams are finally coming true. I’ve seen a lot of comics being adapted into television series lately, and they have all been pretty darn great.
From the beginning, Deadly Class has been one of the best graphic novel series I have ever read. I picked up the first volume on a whim based on the front cover alone and I’m forever glad that I did. It has turned out to be my all-time favourite series and I absolutely cannot wait to read more!
--
Initial post reading thoughts:
shut the fuck up. I'm in shock. holy hell, that was action packed and gory as shit. oh my god. I can't...
April 7, 2017
Damn. That was awesome.
While this volume is truly a wild and crazy blood fest, there's still plenty of reflection and emotional intensity to balance it out. When you have those "oh shit, did that really just happen?" moments, you know you're reading something special. One of the best things Remender has done in a while.
Wes Craig's illustrations, Jordan Boyd's colors, and Rus Wooton's letters and design continue to be shockingly beautiful. And that's really saying something with the grotesque level of violence. The design is just super clean, and I can't wait to read this in oversized format like volumes 1-3.
June 13, 2020
A collation of my status updates: (Read as single issues)
*Very mild spoilers, read at your own discretion*
Initial thoughts:
A little bird told me this is going to be good... *cough Jay cough*
(Punny or what?😂)
Thoughts after reading issue #17:
- Dramatic opening: A panel of empty corridor and "My name is Marcus Lopez Arguello. I'm probably about to die.".
- Durp Flumpdunger?? That's his real name?!?
- The cheerleaders rhyming whilst trying to kill is great.
- I love Kendal and wish he was a bigger character!
- Shabnam... I'm not sure if I hate him or love his evil genius. Kendal was right he is the real enemy here.
Thoughts after reading issue #18:
- Who even is Pauly?😂 Viktor didn’t want to kill him?
- There’s a real focus on Shabnam. He’s the star of this vol. I feel.
- I loved the blatant reference to Piggy in Lord of the Flies. One of my fave books. Except I loved Piggy and I don’t love Shabnam.
- Shabnam don’t mess with Kendal. I love Kendal.
- Master Lin at the end wow. Guy knows how to threaten.
Thoughts after reading issue #19:
- Billy vs. Viktor! What a showdown, it was great👏🏻
- Thought a certain someone was dead and then turns out he’s not?
- Man, I really wish Marcus, Billy and Petra could just run away from it all.
- Billy, WHY?? Don’t be a desperate rat😞
- Also, Shabnam is repulsive. Can’t believe I ever felt sorry for him. Still can’t deny he’s smart tho.
Thoughts after reading issue #20:
- What a haunting image considering everything that’s happened.
- Genuinely felt sorry for Marcus during this.
- BILLY WHAT HAVE YOU DONE.
- Kendal😭 You’re doomed! I like that he’s trying tho. Someone needs to show Shabnam what’s what.
- Willie = deadweight! The ending doesn’t change that.
Thoughts after reading issue #21:
- WHAT. THE. HELL.
- How do I even respond to all of that?
- Aaw heart to heart between Petra and Billy.
- But NO ONE is who they say they are guys!
- Death everywhere!! (Not even a spoiler, the comic is called Deadly Class, death is assumed)
- How things are going to move on from this I have NO idea.
- Fave quote: "Maybe we'll get lucky... Maybe we'll see the swans."
Extra thoughts: (not included in my updates) *Major spoilers, beware!*
Check out my thoughts on Vol. 3 (issues #12-16)!
*Very mild spoilers, read at your own discretion*
Initial thoughts:
A little bird told me this is going to be good... *cough Jay cough*
(Punny or what?😂)
Thoughts after reading issue #17:
- Dramatic opening: A panel of empty corridor and "My name is Marcus Lopez Arguello. I'm probably about to die.".
- Durp Flumpdunger?? That's his real name?!?
- The cheerleaders rhyming whilst trying to kill is great.
- I love Kendal and wish he was a bigger character!
- Shabnam... I'm not sure if I hate him or love his evil genius. Kendal was right he is the real enemy here.
Thoughts after reading issue #18:
- Who even is Pauly?😂 Viktor didn’t want to kill him?
- There’s a real focus on Shabnam. He’s the star of this vol. I feel.
- I loved the blatant reference to Piggy in Lord of the Flies. One of my fave books. Except I loved Piggy and I don’t love Shabnam.
- Shabnam don’t mess with Kendal. I love Kendal.
- Master Lin at the end wow. Guy knows how to threaten.
Thoughts after reading issue #19:
- Billy vs. Viktor! What a showdown, it was great👏🏻
- Thought a certain someone was dead and then turns out he’s not?
- Man, I really wish Marcus, Billy and Petra could just run away from it all.
- Billy, WHY?? Don’t be a desperate rat😞
- Also, Shabnam is repulsive. Can’t believe I ever felt sorry for him. Still can’t deny he’s smart tho.
Thoughts after reading issue #20:
- What a haunting image considering everything that’s happened.
- Genuinely felt sorry for Marcus during this.
- BILLY WHAT HAVE YOU DONE.
- Kendal😭 You’re doomed! I like that he’s trying tho. Someone needs to show Shabnam what’s what.
- Willie = deadweight! The ending doesn’t change that.
Thoughts after reading issue #21:
- WHAT. THE. HELL.
- How do I even respond to all of that?
- Aaw heart to heart between Petra and Billy.
- But NO ONE is who they say they are guys!
- Death everywhere!! (Not even a spoiler, the comic is called Deadly Class, death is assumed)
- How things are going to move on from this I have NO idea.
- Fave quote: "Maybe we'll get lucky... Maybe we'll see the swans."
Extra thoughts: (not included in my updates) *Major spoilers, beware!*
Check out my thoughts on Vol. 3 (issues #12-16)!
December 31, 2016
Well I read this last night before I went to sleep.
I then had nightmares of everyone I know dying.
Then I woke up and said I had to review this.
Deadly Class Volume 4 is one of the most intense, fucked up, lovely comic ever made. This is the red wedding of comics, this is the "NOOOOOO" moment of comics, this is the "Well what the fuck now?" of comics.
Deadly Class is both sad and beautiful in some ways. The final pages are touching and wonderful and made me feel so many fucking emotions. However, everything before that is nail-biting, scary, and it's like "The Warriors" meet "The Departed" I mean this shit...this was some amazing shit.
I can't even talk about it cause of spoilers but be prepared. If you read volume 1-3 this is what it all leads up to, and it doesn't let you down.
I then had nightmares of everyone I know dying.
Then I woke up and said I had to review this.
Deadly Class Volume 4 is one of the most intense, fucked up, lovely comic ever made. This is the red wedding of comics, this is the "NOOOOOO" moment of comics, this is the "Well what the fuck now?" of comics.
Deadly Class is both sad and beautiful in some ways. The final pages are touching and wonderful and made me feel so many fucking emotions. However, everything before that is nail-biting, scary, and it's like "The Warriors" meet "The Departed" I mean this shit...this was some amazing shit.
I can't even talk about it cause of spoilers but be prepared. If you read volume 1-3 this is what it all leads up to, and it doesn't let you down.
February 8, 2017
I'm in shock. That ending was so UNEXPECTED and my mind is still reeling from it!
Shit got real in this volume - I can't say anything about the plot so that I don't spoil anyone who hasn't read the previous volumes, so let's just say that vol.4 involves a lot of action, violence, betrayals and completely unexpected twists and turns.
It hits you right in the feels and doesn't let you off the hook until the final page (and even long after that).
People are dropping dead at every corner and there's a genuine bloodbath out there - if you thought that the previos volumes were violent and intense, you haven't seen anything yet.
However, there are some truly touching moments amidst all that viciousness; moments of friendship, and some incredibly sad and heartfelt backstories of these kids.
The moment when I realized what the title of this volume means, I swear that I had tears in my eyes. Some scenes from this volume will haunt me for a long time, they broke my heart.
Whether you are already familiar with Deadly Class universe or you haven't started with the series yet, you will love this! It's the best issue yet and I. Am. Not. Okay. after all that has happened.
Now where is the next volume??
Also... this drawing is everything:
Shit got real in this volume - I can't say anything about the plot so that I don't spoil anyone who hasn't read the previous volumes, so let's just say that vol.4 involves a lot of action, violence, betrayals and completely unexpected twists and turns.
It hits you right in the feels and doesn't let you off the hook until the final page (and even long after that).
People are dropping dead at every corner and there's a genuine bloodbath out there - if you thought that the previos volumes were violent and intense, you haven't seen anything yet.
However, there are some truly touching moments amidst all that viciousness; moments of friendship, and some incredibly sad and heartfelt backstories of these kids.
The moment when I realized what the title of this volume means, I swear that I had tears in my eyes. Some scenes from this volume will haunt me for a long time, they broke my heart.
Whether you are already familiar with Deadly Class universe or you haven't started with the series yet, you will love this! It's the best issue yet and I. Am. Not. Okay. after all that has happened.
Now where is the next volume??
Also... this drawing is everything:
November 10, 2022
Absolutely mad, insane, incredible volume. There's no respite whatsoever for anyone and the final act is filled with unbelievable plot twists, notably in relation to key character deaths. Where can things even go after this?
March 16, 2022
‘’Happiness registers to me as a disappointment under construction. The last time I saw her I’d realized that. And I finally chose not to care anymore. But turns out God was waiting for me to smile, to show him that I wanted her, because once I did…
… He took her away.’’
Oh my God??? This was insane. Seriously. Very fun that it all takes place in the night of the ''rat hunt'', this was a great plot full of twists and turns. My favourite of the volumes so far.
… He took her away.’’
Oh my God??? This was insane. Seriously. Very fun that it all takes place in the night of the ''rat hunt'', this was a great plot full of twists and turns. My favourite of the volumes so far.
June 28, 2018
4.5. An emotional gut punch.
World: The art has always been amazing in this series and this frantic and insane arc is just the same, the framing, the colors, the sense of motion and the raw emotion that comes out of the art and sets the tone of the world is stunning. The world building is very simple this time around, this is the fallout of the last book and this entire arc is just the culmination of that, the culmination of the actual end of the school year, the culmination of relationships that have developed since issue 1, the culmination of the personal story and development of Marcus himself. All the pieces here come together for this pretty amazing fourth arc.
Story: The story is frantic just like the events of this arc, it's relentless and paranoid and just insane. This arc is about action but within all of the action this creative team has weaved together all of the emotions and the plot threads that have been building since issue 1 and it all comes to a head. This is the end of book 1 in Harry Potter, the end of the school year when everything comes together for a fun finish, but here the fun is in the amount of blood that's spilled. The emotions are raw the character interactions heated and tense, just like high school. I love that even in the chaos Remender was able to depress us, make us feel sad and give us all these other moments that mattered. Where this book goes, I'm gonna be really interested.
Characters: Marcus has been going through a lot of change and emotions since the beginning of the series, and the exploration of self inflicted pain due to past trauma is done well here, how he sabotages his relationship was on full display last arc, this one is the result and the self realization of it, sure it's wrapped in a bloody story but it's done so well. The rest of the cast are also superb, this group of friends that Marcus has surrounded himself with are deep and complex and real making for a really emotional roller coaster of a book this time cause so much stuff does go down. Willie is great, Billy is great, everyone is amazing. Even the story obstacles that Remender throws at Marcus like Viktor are done well, great stuff!
This arc was hard to read cause of how raw and intense it was, it was amazing.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art has always been amazing in this series and this frantic and insane arc is just the same, the framing, the colors, the sense of motion and the raw emotion that comes out of the art and sets the tone of the world is stunning. The world building is very simple this time around, this is the fallout of the last book and this entire arc is just the culmination of that, the culmination of the actual end of the school year, the culmination of relationships that have developed since issue 1, the culmination of the personal story and development of Marcus himself. All the pieces here come together for this pretty amazing fourth arc.
Story: The story is frantic just like the events of this arc, it's relentless and paranoid and just insane. This arc is about action but within all of the action this creative team has weaved together all of the emotions and the plot threads that have been building since issue 1 and it all comes to a head. This is the end of book 1 in Harry Potter, the end of the school year when everything comes together for a fun finish, but here the fun is in the amount of blood that's spilled. The emotions are raw the character interactions heated and tense, just like high school. I love that even in the chaos Remender was able to depress us, make us feel sad and give us all these other moments that mattered. Where this book goes, I'm gonna be really interested.
Characters: Marcus has been going through a lot of change and emotions since the beginning of the series, and the exploration of self inflicted pain due to past trauma is done well here, how he sabotages his relationship was on full display last arc, this one is the result and the self realization of it, sure it's wrapped in a bloody story but it's done so well. The rest of the cast are also superb, this group of friends that Marcus has surrounded himself with are deep and complex and real making for a really emotional roller coaster of a book this time cause so much stuff does go down. Willie is great, Billy is great, everyone is amazing. Even the story obstacles that Remender throws at Marcus like Viktor are done well, great stuff!
This arc was hard to read cause of how raw and intense it was, it was amazing.
Onward to the next book!
March 22, 2018
Bullet Review:
STUFF HAPPENS! LOADS of people die! And still Remender does his thing of great 1st issue, boring middle issues then intense final issue.
Honestly, this was the best of the series so far. All those previous issues FINALLY built up to something other than whining about who is effing who and who is gay.
There is nothing better than a bunch of hormonal, angsty teenagers armed to the nines and set loose to kill each other.
STUFF HAPPENS! LOADS of people die! And still Remender does his thing of great 1st issue, boring middle issues then intense final issue.
Honestly, this was the best of the series so far. All those previous issues FINALLY built up to something other than whining about who is effing who and who is gay.
There is nothing better than a bunch of hormonal, angsty teenagers armed to the nines and set loose to kill each other.
March 6, 2018
This is the best one yet. The rats need to be exterminated from the school. Marcus, Billy and Petra are on the run. Others in Chase attempting to kill them. So much action and gore in this one. The plot takes so many twists and turns as well its crazy where this goes. Great cliffhanger ending. This is a must read
March 26, 2018
WHATTHEFUCK
March 31, 2021
bitch what the fuck!!!!!!
August 11, 2016
Actual rating: 2.5
Volume 4 opens on the students of Kings Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts school stabbing, shooting, bashing, and poisoning one another as their final lesson. The goal is to "kill the rats!", meaning, in this case, our MC Marcus (as well as a few others).
Let me start by saying that from the get-go, something felt off. Upon further investigation, it came to my attention that the original colorist from the first three volumes was replaced for this group of issues. It was noticeable, and not in a good way. There was a listlessness to the coloring, which ultimately felt flat and unimaginative this time around. It didn't help that after the first few pages, all the violence kind of also became pretty mundane, and (dare I say?) boring?
There was a lot of confusion throughout all the mayhem, as friends become foes, and... well, pretty much EVERYONE just wants Marcus dead. He does have a few allies, though, in his plans to escape his fellow students out for the credit of his death. Sadly, there are a few plot twists thrown in that were a bit too obvious, so they fell flat.
Honestly, the story this time around wasn't the best. The only thing keeping it closer to 3 stars is that ending, which I found absolutely beautiful. Needless to say, too many characters were taken out of the picture in just a few issues. I mean, I get trimming the fat and all the Jazz, but there were some good ones in that bunch that didn't deserve to go just yet. Will they be replaced by other characters in upcoming issues? Or is time winding down on this series?
Judging by that gut-punch ending, I'd assume the latter.
Volume 4 opens on the students of Kings Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts school stabbing, shooting, bashing, and poisoning one another as their final lesson. The goal is to "kill the rats!", meaning, in this case, our MC Marcus (as well as a few others).
Let me start by saying that from the get-go, something felt off. Upon further investigation, it came to my attention that the original colorist from the first three volumes was replaced for this group of issues. It was noticeable, and not in a good way. There was a listlessness to the coloring, which ultimately felt flat and unimaginative this time around. It didn't help that after the first few pages, all the violence kind of also became pretty mundane, and (dare I say?) boring?
There was a lot of confusion throughout all the mayhem, as friends become foes, and... well, pretty much EVERYONE just wants Marcus dead. He does have a few allies, though, in his plans to escape his fellow students out for the credit of his death. Sadly, there are a few plot twists thrown in that were a bit too obvious, so they fell flat.
Honestly, the story this time around wasn't the best. The only thing keeping it closer to 3 stars is that ending, which I found absolutely beautiful. Needless to say, too many characters were taken out of the picture in just a few issues. I mean, I get trimming the fat and all the Jazz, but there were some good ones in that bunch that didn't deserve to go just yet. Will they be replaced by other characters in upcoming issues? Or is time winding down on this series?
Judging by that gut-punch ending, I'd assume the latter.
June 12, 2024
Master Lin instructs his "legacy" students to murder all of the non-legacy students. A battle royale slaughter ensues.
Volume 4 is a pretty stiff departure from the previous three, from page one it's hunting and butchery and betrayal, a razor's-edge struggle for survival, with the occasional pause for philosophizing and sob stories. No more adolescent angst or teenage social politics. Just bloodshed and backstabbing.
I appreciate the variety of styles Remender depicts. Victor is a terminator. Saya relies on her blade. Petra uses chemicals and poisons. Shabnam intelligence and blackmail. The redshirt kid (Patrick?) uses his seeming innocence to get inside people's defenses. Good stuff.
And what an ending. I like being surprised. If it weren't for the doofy cheerleader assassins and their ridiculous rhymes I'd probably give this volume 5 stars.
Volume 3 was a 2 star experience for me. Way to turn it around, Remender.
Plot points (and big time spoilers):
Volume 4 is a pretty stiff departure from the previous three, from page one it's hunting and butchery and betrayal, a razor's-edge struggle for survival, with the occasional pause for philosophizing and sob stories. No more adolescent angst or teenage social politics. Just bloodshed and backstabbing.
I appreciate the variety of styles Remender depicts. Victor is a terminator. Saya relies on her blade. Petra uses chemicals and poisons. Shabnam intelligence and blackmail. The redshirt kid (Patrick?) uses his seeming innocence to get inside people's defenses. Good stuff.
And what an ending. I like being surprised. If it weren't for the doofy cheerleader assassins and their ridiculous rhymes I'd probably give this volume 5 stars.
Volume 3 was a 2 star experience for me. Way to turn it around, Remender.
Plot points (and big time spoilers):
November 20, 2016
Wow. 5 stars.
You've absolutely gotta give credit to someone who isn't afraid to kill their characters in a serialized comic. And let me tell you... some (er-, most) of the characters fucking die, so I hope you didn't have too many strong attachments to them. In fact this entire collection is pretty much just about (main) characters killing other (main, sometimes secondary) characters... I mean, it's called Die for Me, how obvious does he have to make it for you?
But each death is beautiful in a way. Masterfully crafted, handled with care and precision to make sure it's a death worth telling. None of it feels gratuitous or not well thought out. Honestly, Remender is so good at writing deaths that I almost feel like maybe I should hire him to write mine. It'll probably really suck for me but god damn will it be entertaining to everyone else! You only get one, might as well go for gold. Now that I think of it, gold is definitely what Remender achieved with that ending...
You've absolutely gotta give credit to someone who isn't afraid to kill their characters in a serialized comic. And let me tell you... some (er-, most) of the characters fucking die, so I hope you didn't have too many strong attachments to them. In fact this entire collection is pretty much just about (main) characters killing other (main, sometimes secondary) characters... I mean, it's called Die for Me, how obvious does he have to make it for you?
But each death is beautiful in a way. Masterfully crafted, handled with care and precision to make sure it's a death worth telling. None of it feels gratuitous or not well thought out. Honestly, Remender is so good at writing deaths that I almost feel like maybe I should hire him to write mine. It'll probably really suck for me but god damn will it be entertaining to everyone else! You only get one, might as well go for gold. Now that I think of it, gold is definitely what Remender achieved with that ending...
October 19, 2016
Wow so much happend in this one :o And so much action!! Loved it! NEED MOREE
July 15, 2024
This one was amazing...and totally fucked up.
December 24, 2019
I didn't start from the beginning of the series - in fact, I've bought this as a present for a teenager, but having read it, I think I'll choose something else. It's not because of the violence - and the violence abounds in series of beautifully drawn fight scenes. But then, among the violence we can see friendship, loyalty, and - betrayal, broken childhoods and broken lives. Despite having a rather silly premise and some scenes (teenage assassin training school), the book deals with a pretty dark material, and doesn't leave you with a nice festive sentiment.
Personally, I liked it a lot, maybe I should start reading those series from the beginning, to appreciate the art at the very least!
Personally, I liked it a lot, maybe I should start reading those series from the beginning, to appreciate the art at the very least!
October 30, 2021
I own this book.
So this book is the finals of Marcus's first year at Kings Dominion. And he is running for his life. Basically, the task is killed or be killed. Those you once trusted aren't to be trusted anymore. Friendships pushed to the limit. Teenagers slaughtered. New people rise in the ranks, the old kings get destroyed. I really REALLY liked this volume. It made me excited to see what is to come, and I get it finally why this has so much hype. This is so good, like I cannot express how much I'm enjoying this series.
So this book is the finals of Marcus's first year at Kings Dominion. And he is running for his life. Basically, the task is killed or be killed. Those you once trusted aren't to be trusted anymore. Friendships pushed to the limit. Teenagers slaughtered. New people rise in the ranks, the old kings get destroyed. I really REALLY liked this volume. It made me excited to see what is to come, and I get it finally why this has so much hype. This is so good, like I cannot express how much I'm enjoying this series.
November 14, 2022
To be honest, I was really unimpressed by the first and second volume and I only kept reading because I wanted to see how it all ends.
However, things took a very positive turn with this volume and I hope that they keep up this way. I was actually intrigued while reading it and was looking forward to reading what happened next.
However, things took a very positive turn with this volume and I hope that they keep up this way. I was actually intrigued while reading it and was looking forward to reading what happened next.
December 30, 2018
What in the name of all godless effs did I just read?!? This series has entrapped me! Misspent youth gone by way of anarchy and the worst kind of betrayals. Every scene packed with action, both cerebral and physical. I cannot wait for what’s up next!
February 22, 2019
3.5 stars
The Battle Royale issue.
The Battle Royale issue.
May 28, 2023
something is very wrong with rick remender... i actually can't believe what he just did
August 18, 2018
How in the world is it possible that this series is getting *better*?!
It's an action-packed, propulsive read, yet still manages to delve into the deeper ideas of alienation, human interaction, and morality.
Come for the awesome fights and cool music references, stay for the philosophy!
It's an action-packed, propulsive read, yet still manages to delve into the deeper ideas of alienation, human interaction, and morality.
Come for the awesome fights and cool music references, stay for the philosophy!
June 28, 2018
Master Lin' finals involve a game called 'kill the rats.' 'Rats' are students not hailing from established crime families like everybody else in the school. They are designed as targets for the other students so the latter can earn an honor roll. How they can go about killing each other and innocents that get in the way with, say, the police remaining oblivious is beyond me. The volume is better that the previous ones, at least in terms of the action and survival elements, but the long monologues, drug-fueled trips and childish whining are still there. At least there's a gay couple. That should fix everything, huh? Too little, too late.
Marcus is doing a pretty good job of whittling the opposition down, but he is on the less numerous side. He gets Petra and Billy out of the main massacre, but the rat hunters are getting organized with geek Shabnab at the helm. The Russian mountain Viktor, a stereotypical invincible young man with no morals, makes it a personal goal to kill them.
Marcus is doing a pretty good job of whittling the opposition down, but he is on the less numerous side. He gets Petra and Billy out of the main massacre, but the rat hunters are getting organized with geek Shabnab at the helm. The Russian mountain Viktor, a stereotypical invincible young man with no morals, makes it a personal goal to kill them.
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