Down-at-heel private eye Milo Garrett, his face wrapped in bandages, is woken in a hospital bed by the mysterious Agent Graves, who, as ever, offers him 100 untraceable bullets to use on the people who put him there. But Garret's no fool, and he has other fish to fry...like his ongoing investigation into an art theft which leaves his client dead and puts Garrett in the path of some of the most dangerous people alive - including the enigmatic, super-rich Megan Dietrich and ultra-violent hitman Lono. Garrett thinks he knows what's going on - but in the game of revenge and murder, even the slightest mis-step can have grave consequences...

2003-12-17 excellent noir graphic novel

This is an excellent graphic novel. The cover is eye-catching and intriguing and carries the feel of the 30s and 40s movie posters- which the book is in many ways: true noir for the 21st century.

This is the first 100 Bullets collection I've read: it is a tremendous read. I've read other works by Brian Azarello (Cage, Banner) and this shares the hallmarks of those: his writing is crisp and the characterization excellent. The dialogue of each character weighs up well with their personality and conflicts. The plot is inventive, particuarly good is the ongoing 100 Bullets theme: the `opportunity' of the briefcase and its eponymous contents.

The main character is a devastating individual, tremendously focussed, self-sufficient and very dangerous- reminiscent of `Marv' in the `Sin City' series, but much more intelligent and not quite as good a fighter.

The artwork is at first glance typical comic-book art and no great shakes, but a you get into the book the art works well and does support the film noir atmosphere perfectly: some of the stylization is excellent. Perhaps the effect would have been greater were the art to be in black and white, `Sin City' fashion. It works well none the less.

Overall this is a great graphic novel and an absolute must to any fan of the crime thriller movies they don't seem to make any more. Intelligent, captivating and with good action- a great read: I just wish I got around to this series sooner!