Violent Love #1 Review: Love Hurts

Barbiere and Santos Kick Off Violent Love with More Violence, Less Love

By Nolan P. Smith

Crime comics have had some amazing entries into the genre, especially as of late. After reading the debut issue of Image Comic’s Violent Love, it looks like we will be adding this title to the list of must read books of 2016.

Written by Frank J. Barbiere (Five Ghosts) with art by Victor Santos (Mice Templar, Polar), the book is inspired by real life events, namely the infamous criminal duo of Bonnie and Clyde. This issue is a divided into two time frames: the “present” era of 1987 and the past of 1969, told as a story by an elderly man to a teenage girl. We learn about Daisy Jane, the young woman fated to meet her end at the side of her lover and partner in crime, Rock Bradley.

Barbiere crafts a very tragic origin story for Daisy, one that no doubt sends the one time waitress of the deep end that she can never return from. We see a very dark and violent side to story with the organized crime that steps into Daisy’s life. The whole look and feel of the issue is very cinematic, from the opening credits to the variety of shots picked. Santos’s artwork is the perfect fit for this tale of crime and love. The designs of the characters, the settings, the emotions that drip from panel to panel, are all masterfully done.

Though this issue is the set up of the series, it’s a terrific starting point. How does Daisy turn into one of the most wanted criminals, and when does she meet her partner in crime? All questions I can’t wait to see answered as Violent Love continues on. This is a superb start to another exciting entry to the crime comics genre.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.

This comic book review was created in conjunction with QBC Toys and More, a local comic book and collectible shop located in Victorville, CA. Featuring new comic books every week, collectibles, action figures, original artwork, and more, QBC has something for the pop culture lover in us all. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/QBCToysandMore/.