What comes next? Mason doesn't have much in the way of leads, as his wife has apparently fallen back on old bad habits. Will he be able to find her? And will his actions here catch up to him before he can find Becky? Ed Brisson is right about second issues being the real litmus test of a book's quality. If the first sets up the basic premise of the book, the second is where theme is teased out. Based on that, we're in for a good book. Read Full Review

As a whole, this story about one familyis overwhelmingly tragic. The sense of helplessness is almost tear inducing, because you know how it feels to be so completely without control. As the situations take a tailspin, the sympathy for the much-needed smoke breaks and beers the characters indulge in is real, and you don't fault them for any of their minor flaws. It's easy marginalize low-income families, especially when addiction problems and professional instability are added to the mix, but The Violent helps humanize the difficulties of a life where people are still trying their best. Whether or not the story ends in a triumphant return to whatever “normalcy” they once knew, there will always bea sadness that tints the story. Forget superheroes. Real life is hard, and we don't need anything extraordinary to bring us to that conclusion. Read Full Review

The events of the book really do stay with the reader and the more one dwells on the issues the series raises, it becomes apparent that this is an important and cleverly constructed book that deserves considerable attention and discussion. Read Full Review

All told, if you were into the first issue, this one won't disappoint. Ed Brisson and Adam Gorham are deftly spinning out tough break after tough break, and it's hard to look away. Read Full Review