As a break between one creative team leaving and another arriving this is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into Angels past. As a one-shot it also serves as an opportunity for fans who've so far missed out on the comic to pick up an issue and see if it's for them. It's a good fun story, filled with Noir vibes, and hints at events in Angels past. Not essential reading for the larger narrative but a good read nonetheless, fans won't want to miss out. Read Full Review

Angel, as a television series, always flirted with Noir. Most obviously in its first season, before the larger narrative took shape. And this issue feels like one of those episodes. And look, I have a lot of nostalgia for Angel's first season, but I'll admit that it could be a bit rough. And so is this issue. It doesn't really fit the tone of the series and feels contrived at points. The dialogue really took some getting used to as the writer had some... interesting quirks he kept exploring. The art was also a bit rough in places. And honestly, if you keep referencing the Hyperion and implying one of the television series' best episodes (as well as a killer period piece), "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been", maybe write something that works as well as that episode does. Or you know, at least come close. Angel's past gives writers a chance to tell all sorts of interesting stories, but unfortunately this isn't one of them. more