I’ve been a fan of The Killer for quite some time. It mixes in “cool” action with a lot of weighty topics for readers to ponder. The fact the comic also doesn’t fall neatly into “pro-Western rah rah Imperialism” makes it all the more intriguing. It’s main character is as likely to take out a corrupt CEO as he is a drug lord. There’s always some logic to whatever the mission is. The Killer: Affairs of the State #2 continues the new status quo with our “hero” trapping working for French intelligence and dealing with corrupt politicians and local drug dealers.
The Killer: Affairs of the State #2 is an intriguing direction for the series. It shifts what was a global spanning series to one that feels much more grounded and “local”. This has much more in common with the stereotypical anti-drug crime unit of a local police force than anything else. Of course, that unit would also be willing to use whatever means it feels is necessary to achieve their goals.
Matz continues to focus on everything that makes this series so great. There’s some action. There’s some sex. There’s also a lot of pondering about life and everything in between. While hits are planned and sex is had, we get The Killer’s philosophy and outlook on life as he ponders his role in everything. We get to understand his viewpoint and where he’s coming from in so many ways. There’s logic to what he does and how he sees things. We may or may not agree with it, but it’s there.
Luc Jacamon‘s art always delivers the cool with his usual mix of action and sexiness. There’s a style and a look to it that’s been so consistent and fantastic for the entire series, it just nails the vibe the story is going for. Jacamon captures the calm of everything The Killer does. It really makes the more chaotic moments that much more intense.
The Killer: Affairs of the State #2 is another solid issue that narrows things down to what makes this series great. It’s not about the kills and hits and action, it’s about the man who does it all. It delivers an assassin we want to learn more about, hear what he has to say, and see what goes on in that brain of his.
Story: Matz Art: Luc Jacamon
English Translation: Edward Gauvin Letterer: Andworld Design
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics
