“Nobody cared to kill the cat.” Another fantastic depiction of violence as an aspect of business, rather than an atrocity of life, Tom King’s second issue of Sheriff of Babylon is a perfect follow-up. While the plot does not advance greatly in this second issue, smart writing and well-nuanced characters go a long way to creating a compelling read.

After the fall Baghdad, Chris left the L.A.P.D. to train the Iraqi police force. When one of his recruits was found murdered in the streets, it became clear neither the U.S. occupational forces nor what passed for Iraqi government had anyone to investigate. In order to see justice served, Chris has reached out to Nassir, a man who is more than willing to make sure justice gets served by any means.

Nassir and Chris are established very quickly as rich characters, first in the last issue but more extensively here. Chris is a noble and compassionate individual, determined to be a good cop no matter what part of the world he is in. Nassir is quick-witted, cunning and accustomed to the brutal nature of his home. Each is an excellent complement to the other and a much welcomed departure from stories that expect the reader to respect the main characters simply because the story is about them. Great care is given to the portrayal of all the characters, from broken English to how perfectly Mitch Gerads captures their facial expressions.

Again, Gerads proves he was the perfect artist to tell this story. His gritty, somewhat-angular characters and simple design is well suited to a world where everyone is defined by their job. Color tones reflect the urban desert particularly well, while distressed strokes give the sensation that it is all being viewed through a series of old photographs.

The book continues to be appropriately violent, not only honest in its graphic portrayal but in the way it demonstrates how desensitized everyone has become. From crime scene photos to televised executions, the characters in the book seem to have no emotional response to tragedy. Not only does this add layers of danger to the book’s setting, it highlights the nature of Chris’s pursuit. He’s not tearfully seeking to avenge his fallen pupil; he’s hardly even knows the guy’s name. His motivation is entirely ethical. Again, this is a difference not made readily apparent in most crime stories.

King uses subtly exceptionally well. From the “Nobody cared to kill the cat” ending (the meaning of which you will have to read for yourself), to the “who are we…?” questioning of U.S. soldiers, the theme of dehumanization is ever present and applies to everyone involved. When people speak of writing as a craft, this is the quality of work they’re discussing as King has continued to expertly apply his literary expertise in this second issue.

Story: Tom King Art: Mitch Gerads

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy