When it comes to Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, there's no such thing as a quiet issue. The Fade Out #7 initially appears as such, but even when the tension is light it's never quite gone, always simmering just beneath the surface. Read Full Review

Maya and Charlie spend lots of time together but the moment the separate, things get real for Charlie. He runs into some trouble, but the real story is after the trouble is gone. All of the emotions that Charlie felt after Val's death come rushing back. So again, we are in the same spot. Charlie is having major issues and Maya is small distraction for him. And yeah you guessed it; I still hate Charlie and wish Maya could see it. Maybe it is wrong of me, but Gil still wins out as best friend. Whatever happens, everyone has buried themselves into these gigantic holes and are trying desperately to fill them in with dirt. Read Full Review

While smaller in scope and much more intimate, The Fade Out #7 doesn't forget that it is a murder mystery, and the final pages prove that while a sea can seem calm, waves can come crashing in at any moment. Ultimately, his is an issue that's concerned with showing characters in their vulnerability. It's a credit to the synergy between Brubaker, Phillips, and Breitweiser that a series can slow down to a pace like this without missing a beat. Their ability to focus in and deliver solid character moments really shows in this issue. The Fade Out #7 is another enthralling chapter in a great series, and will please new and old readers alike with its intimate character work and exquisite art. Read Full Review

Another intriguing issue. Brubaker is much more concerned with exploring these characters than speeding through the mystery, and the world of the series actually feels deeper and more complex for it. Phillips and Breitweiser get to expand their artistic and color palate, and grow the look of the book while maintaining a consistent tone. Read Full Review

It's not the strongest issue of the series, but still an enjoyable addition to the tale; even if some of the more interesting plot points have been put on hold. Read Full Review

In some ways, I could see why some readers would be less enamored with The Fade Out #7 than previous issues since the Charlie-Maya weekend takes up so much of the comic and it doesnt actually develop their characters enough to warrant so much space. However, I believe the melancholy feeling from these scenes gives this issue a powerful effect. While I agree that this section could be condensed and more concise, I still find The Fade Out #7 to be a pretty good issue of a very good series. Read Full Review

So, this was an issue on the way to something else more interesting. Hopefully subsequent issues will flesh out Valeria further, and we can at least reasonable assume that Drake Miller will be important for the future. Read Full Review