I first read LAST DAYS OF AMERICAN CRIME in 2009-2010 when it was originally published by the late Radical Comics in three over-sized issues, and enj I first read LAST DAYS OF AMERICAN CRIME in 2009-2010 when it was originally published by the late Radical Comics in three over-sized issues, and enjoyed it. When this story came up in a book club discussion of Rick Remender's and Greg Tocchini's LOW, I mentioned it as another work by this creative team. When asked to describe it, I could only recall that it was a futuristic crime story with lots of sex and bloody violence that featured some stylish art that readers would either appreciate or denigrate. I just finished reading a library copy of the trade paperback that Image reprinted in 2017, and this still holds up. I enjoyed LDOAC the second time, and appreciate the complexity of the story, the well-defined characters, and twists in the plot. I've since learned to accept the stylish illustrations, coloring and panel placement of Brazilian artist Greg Tocchini. I understand why some readers are put off by his work. The coloring can be murky and sometimes obscure, making it hard to clearly identify the character as well as understand the action/fights. But the creative and inventive moments compensate for that, at least for me. Despite the art style that seems at odds with traditional pulp-era noir illustration this graphic novel still has a real noir feel to it and a cool vibe. Credit Remender's crisp story-telling despite only a small sampling of the first-person cynical/observational narration that typifies the genre. I credit the smart, snarky dialogue as helping to set that mood. Also give Remender credit for foreseeing the use of cryptocurrency. The science-fiction elements of the story (American Peace Initiative, digitized fiduciary charge cards, crime and gangs openly committing brutality in public) take this to another level. But make no mistake, this is a slick crime story about an inventive heist, and its' a damn good one. ...more
Mark Millar writes a funny and entertaining Oceans 11-styled crime caper/theft with second-rate super-villains carrying out the heist. They are daringMark Millar writes a funny and entertaining Oceans 11-styled crime caper/theft with second-rate super-villains carrying out the heist. They are daring to rob one of the most dangerous super-villains of all time, now retired and surrounded by a fortress abode with numerous traps and security guards, including a formidable disgraced former super-hero. The art by Leinil Francis Yu is dynamic and fluid, enhancing this engaging and often humorous story. Forgettable fun. I read this in the original monthly issues....more
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