A pulp story about cops and thieves and the men that are something in between. Trench has targeted a local bank to rob, and asked Steadman in on the job. Trench figures it’s a great way to score — considering it’s a cover for mob money. They’ll be thieves ripping off thieves. But what Steadman doesn’t know is that Trench is a DEA agent. And what Trench doesn’t know is that Steadman’s a Naval Intelligence officer. They’re both cops! And neither one knows that they’re not robbing the mob, they’ve been set up to steal $50 million from the CIA!

With the movie set to release this weekend, I felt it was well past time that I check out the comic book the movie was based on. Released by BOOM! Studios way back in 2007, 2 Guns is a fun if not twisty tale that holds up even after all of these years.

The basic story is straightforward. It’s a heist caper with double (and triple) crosses. It’s those crosses that pile on and on is one of the things that makes it a fun read (no matter how over the top they get). While you’re guessing what will happen next (and it’s rather predictable really) you never know where those double crosses will wind up. The story is pulp fun, meant to be enjoyed and not analyzed. A ride to enjoy the view.

There’s also the interaction between the main characters that’s entertaining. The trust and lack of it creates some fun scenes and overall the banter and situations have a cinematic quality about them. That’s a testament to writer Steven Grant‘s abilities. It’s no shock the comic has turned into a movie.

The art by Mat Santolouco is a solid addition as well. It fits the tone and situations and combined with Grant’s writing it increases the enjoyment.

Even after some time, 2 Guns is still an entertaining story, full of pop fun and more double crosses, twists and turns than you know what to do with. With a few months left of summer, it’s perfect to pick up now and round out your summer reading list.

Story: Steven Grant Art: Mat Santolouco
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

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