Sin City

If you haven't read Sin City, you should. This series has no capes, no aliens, and no super powered, testoterone enhanced super heroes. Still, it is some of the best crime/mystery/noir that you will ever read.

So why should you care?

Though some installments are stronger than others, Frank Miller (both writer and artist) has created a series of books is rich with its own history, but each book can stand alone. In other words, you can start where ever (or is it whenever?) you want to.

So what is it about?

Sin City Vol 1. The Hard Goodbye Marv is an over-muscled ex-con with nothing to show for his life but one night with a stranger. Her name was Goldie. But when someone murders Goldie and frames Marv for it.... Well, let's just say things really pickup from there.

Sin City Vol 2. A Dame to Kill For Dwight McCarthy has a past. But he put that all behind him now. You guess it. A woman from his past comes knocking on his door needing a favor. A damsel in distress story with a little more fire than usual.

Sin City Vol 3. The Big Fat Kill Crooked cops, the mob, unionized prostitutes, an uneasy truce that's about to collapse, and our hero in the middle of it all. Add Miho both the hottest and coldest little number on the planet and you have a decent tale in Sin City's Old Town section.

Sin City Vol 4. That Yellow Bastard I know that a cop's last day on the job is a cliche, but this is by far my favorite Sin City tale. If you spent your life protecting the innocent, would you give up everything to protect that last person, an 11 year old girl?

Sin City Vol 5. Family Values Frank Miller returns to Old Town. A mob war threatens the prostitutes. Blood soaked mayhem ensues.

Sin City Vol 6. Booze, Broads, and Bullets This issue features several shorts that link various characters and fills the gaps between stories. Includes a Marv story (The Hard Goodbye), tales starring Delia, and a very satisfying Dwight story (The Babe Wore Red). This is a good point for new readers.

Who's it for?

Men in general and geeks in particular. Women may tire of the over the top ultra-violence and "dames ain't nothing but trouble" theme. Children should steer clear of this series. This is definately NC-17.

About the creator: Frank Miller is best known for his work on Marvel's DareDevil and a DC's The Dark Knight Returns. Both books will be reviewed here.