Title: Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth
Author: Rick Remender
First published September 24, 2015
160 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781632150035 (ISBN10: 1632150034)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
Step into the world of Marcus Lopez, where high school is more than just a place to learn algebra and history. At Kings Dominion School for the Deadly Arts, the children of the world’s most notorious crime families are trained to become the next generation of assassins.
With teachers who are members of an ancient league of assassins and a curriculum that includes “Dismemberment 101,” Marcus struggles to survive in this brutal environment. But when his crush turns out to have a double-digit body count, things get even more complicated.
Join Marcus and his fellow damaged and dangerous teenagers as they navigate the world of murder, art, and craft in this critically acclaimed series by writer RICK REMENDER (BLACK SCIENCE, Fear Agent) and artist WESLEY CRAIG (Batman). Collecting the first arc of the series, DEADLY CLASS, Volume 1: High School is Hell is a must-read for fans of 80s underground culture and action-packed storytelling.
About the Author
Meet Rick Remender, a talented comic book writer and artist who calls Los Angeles, California home. With an impressive portfolio of independent comic books under his belt, including Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent, and Seven to Eternity, he’s made his mark in the industry as a writer and co-creator.
But that’s not all – he’s also lent his skills to popular Marvel Comics titles like The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America, and Uncanny Avengers. With such a diverse range of work, it’s clear that Remender is a creative force to be reckoned with.
Editoral Review
Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth by Rick Remender takes us on a thrilling journey through the dangerous world of a high school for assassins. Remender is a comic book writer known for his work on Uncanny X-Force, Fear Agent, and Captain America.
This graphic novel perfectly captures the essence of the coming-of-age genre while adding unique and thrilling elements to it.
Set in the late 1980s, Deadly Class follows the story of Marcus Lopez, a homeless teenager who ends up at King’s Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts, a secret school for assassins.
It is here that he meets other teens who come from similarly troubled backgrounds, forming a bond with them as they all try to survive the grueling curriculum. In the midst of this, Marcus is haunted by the memory of his parents’ deaths and seeks revenge against their killers.
Remender’s writing is fast-paced and accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. The plot is engaging and filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader hooked until the very end.
The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their unique backstory that helps shed light on their motivations and actions. One of the strengths of this graphic novel is how it addresses various social issues like poverty, homelessness, drug abuse, and the idea of American exceptionalism.
This gives Deadly Class a sense of depth and relevance, elevating it from just another action-packed graphic novel to a deeper commentary on society. Deadly Class also features stunning artwork by Wes Craig and effective coloring by Lee Loughridge.
Each panel is richly detailed, bringing the world of the comic to life. The use of color is particularly effective in highlighting the mood and tone of each scene, making the reading experience more immersive.
However, one weakness of this graphic novel is that it can be quite violent and gory. While this may not be an issue for some readers, it may not be appropriate for younger audiences or those who are sensitive to violence.
Overall, Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth is a thrilling and thought-provoking graphic novel that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. It is a testament to Remender’s skill as a writer and Craig’s talent as an artist.
It’s not just another coming-of-age story; it is a commentary on the human experience and a condemnation of social injustices. We rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to those who love action-packed and thought-provoking graphic novels.
