Indie Comic Preview - Dead End Kids [2019] #2

Dead End Kids [2019] #2 - (W) Frank Gogol, (A/C) Nenad Cviticanin, (L) Sean Rinehart, (CA) Criss Madd

I'm trying to figure out if I have the time to try to keep up with quick single issue reviews or if anyone even finds them beneficial at all.  Fortunately for me, Dead End Kids (Source Point Press) is just three issues - and great ones at that - so it is providing me with a nice little trial run.

The first issue of Dead End Kids came out just two weeks ago and was very well received, having sold out at the distributor level days before it's actual release.  For those who missed it, the good news is that there's been enough interest in the issue that it is going back to print.  If you're one of those who couldn't get your hands on a copy the first time around be sure to let your LCS know so you can catch the second printing (order info below).

I'll try to jump right in and keep it short and sweet as to not spoil anything.  With a single issue review you certainly don't need me spoiling the works of someone far more talented than I!  Frank Gogol and Nenad Cviticanin have produced an excellent second act to their coming of age murder mystery.  This issue propels the story forward and keeps the reader on their toes with a couple of twists.  The way with which they are revealed is pretty impressive as they are not shown through your stereotypical big shock moments.  Instead Gogol and Cviticanin expertly crafted additional layers of character development thanks to emotionally packed single page flashbacks for each of the story's major characters.  As they did with the first issue, DEK #2 ends with a wicked cliff hanger that will leave you impatiently awaiting #3 and the conclusion of the story.

Frank Gogol has already said in a couple of interviews that DEK #2 is his favorite thing that he has written in his career thus far.  Once you read it, you'll see why.  I've read this issue three times now and continue to be blown away by how much emotion he is able to pack into a single page or scene and with how few words he needs to do so.  At the same time, Nenad Cviticanin excels at illustrating those scenes, conveying all that emotion with a glance, an expression, the environment, or his colors.

Dead End Kids continues to be a very strong series and ramps up to the series conclusion with #3 coming towards the end of September.  It's a well crafted story that just about anyone can enjoy and has an extra dose of nostalgia for those of us whose formative years took place during the '90s.


Dead End Kids #2 comes out this Wednesday (August 21), so be sure to look for it at your LCS.  If you missed out on issue #1, don't wait until Wednesday, let them know ASAP that you'd like order the re-print (order code below - final order cut-off is tomorrow 8/19/19)! 

Dead End Kids #1 Re-Print: JUL198027

Dead End Kids #2: JUN191916

Dead End Kids #3: JUL192188

If you've enjoyed Dead End Kids (or are intrigued by it), be sure to sign up for Frank's newsletter 'Caption Boxes' by visiting his website.  He discusses projects he's working on, his experiences within the comic industry, process thoughts, and his con schedule (which is pretty busy, so check to see if he'll be in your area).  It really is one of the best comic creator newsletters that I've seen.

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