Dubbed an “Quentin Tarantino-esque” action series, This Ends Tonight launches a three-issue story of ultra-violence and intrigue. Given the talent behind this, which includes Jae Lee, who rarely does interior art due to his high demand for gorgeous covers, this is a must-read for many. That said, is the story any good?
This Ends Tonight #1 is without a doubt a story that flies by at a hectic speed. Our two leads are attacking and attacking back, way before we have a single idea of why any of it is going on. It’s easy enough to piece together a basic reason why, though, as Anna is about to turn 21, while her sister Katie wants to prevent her from dying before the night is out. They’re in Vegas, which is filled with all sorts of killers and locations to pass through.
Artists Lee and June Chung do an exceptional job with the action, with sometimes zig-zagging layout structures that add to the chaos. When throats are slit or teeth knocked out, you feel it. The frenzied speed is aided by multiple location changes. For fans of violent action, you must read this for the road spikes kill alone.
Check out the wild layout!
Credit: Image
At the root of the action is some fascinating lore that’s science fiction in nature. It’s an element I didn’t see coming, with a nice creation myth angle on an ancient Earth. It adds weight to the Kill Bill-esque kills throughout the issue, although the mystery is very up in the air by the end.
In all the chaos, the issue falls a bit flat later on, particularly when hallucinations take effect. It was already chaotic enough, but I was downright confused as to what was going on and what was real. The characters are feeling this way as well, but I had a hard time following what was going on. Maybe a more striking visual change could have made that clear.
Thrown into the mix are some interesting interconnected moments teased between Anna and Katie. We know there are three tales of revenge in play, and it’s made obvious when those tales cross paths with this one. It’s a clever way to add interest in the other stories as well as anticipation for how these stories will likely end together.
This Ends Tonight #1 delivers a blood-soaked, high-speed thrill ride packed with gorgeous visuals and cryptic mythology, though its storytelling sometimes gets lost in the frenzy. Still, it’s a must-read for fans of stylish ultraviolence and ambitious worldbuilding.
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