I’m a sucker for a classic noir, crime and pulp detective story. Throw in some crooked cops, “dames in trouble” and questionable characters and I’m engrossed. When it’s based on something from true life, you’ve got me hooked. And that’s Hit, the new series from BOOM! Studios.

Los Angeles. It’s 1955. It’s dark; it’s sexy. It’s dangerous. Everyone has an angle. And while infamous gangster Mickey Cohen rots in a prison cell, Los Angeles ignores the blackest parts of the city’s heart…where clandestine groups of LAPD detectives moonlight as sanctioned hitmen knows as “Hit Squads.”

I’ll start with the bad. Though the story is entertaining and art amazing, the first issue’s narrative was a little bit muddled, especially towards the beginning when we don’t know all of the players and exactly what’s going on. It took me a bit to get through some of the story and keep things and folks straight. That was mostly earlier parts of the comic. The latter half to me was much more straightforward allowing me to kick back and really soak in the characters, plot and fantastic art.

The great is, it’s all here. The first issue nails the tone and look of what I’d expect and want in this series. the flawed characters are enough to make this en engrossing read. The story is compelling and keeps you engrossed, living up to its name many times in the first issue alone. What’s fantastic is it really dives into the noir vibe, not just in the story, but the look of it as well.

Vanesa R. Del Ray’s art is the standout here. The details she adds to each panel is amazing capturing the smoke filled rooms. The choices she makes visually to set each scene are fantastic.

Hit gives us crooked cops with a skewed view of justice and one hell of a read. If you’re a fine of crime stories, this is an absolute buy.

Story: Bryce Carlson Art: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review