End of Life #1
/1.webp "End of Life #1")
| Writer | Kyle Starks |
| Artist | Steve Pugh |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
Professional hitman Eddie Stallion has messed up. He’s accidentally robbed the Raven, a high-ranking boss of the international cabal of assassins the Menagerie, of which Eddie is a member…or he was. Now with a price on his head, Eddie chooses to hide in the one place everyone knows he’d never go…the small midwestern town of Pluto, home of his estranged father and known hard-ass George Stallion. Looking for safe harbor, Eddie instead finds his resentful father dying of cancer, old friends looking to collect that bounty, Menagerie assassins who have wandered into town, a cancelled newspaper comic-strip creator turned local crime lord, and oh ye more
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
-
10
Capes & Tights - Justin Soderberg
Feb 14, 2026End of Life by Eisner-nominated writer Kyle Starks and illustrator Steve Pugh is an action-packed hitman thriller with just the right about of dark humor. The premiere issue lays a sweet foundation with so many unanswered questions that has me eagerly awaiting the next issue. Another must-read comic from Starks and Pugh. Read Full Review
-
10
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Feb 18, 2026What happens when you mix an immature assassin, his failed mission and unwelcomed homecoming? It becomes your new favorite series. Starks pens a lights-out debut filled with humor and family drama. Pugh & O'Halloran bring out the best of this dynamic with the art. What an incredible debut that readers won’t want to miss! Read Full Review
-
10
Get Your Comic On - Aaron Gillingham
Feb 18, 2026Everything from its razor-sharp humour to its stylish artwork and chaotic energy is pitch-perfect, proving wholeheartedly that End of Life means business and that this relaunch of the Vertigo imprint is no one-trick pony. Read Full Review
-
10
Nerd Initiative - Megan Nichole
Feb 18, 2026End of Life #1 is a fresh story that keeps your eyes locked into the comic. You’re immediately locked into the story and want to read so much more by the end of it. Hats off to the creative team because this was phenomenal! Read Full Review
-
9.5
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Feb 18, 2026There’s a great twist to end the issue that really shouldn’t be spoiled, but this is a fantastic start that gives us a great new antihero, and a lot of that trademark Kyle Starks offbeat energy that’s made him a breakout creator. Read Full Review
-
9.0
ComicBook.com - Justin Epps
Feb 18, 2026If you haven’t tried any new Vertigo books yet, I strongly suggest End of Life #1. It’s got great action scenes, it’s incredibly funny, and the characters feel real, even among all the weird chaos that follows Eddie Stallion. With a reputation like Vertigo’s, it needed to come out with some seriously strong titles that proved there was a place for the imprint in the modern-day comic space. I feel pretty confident in saying that End of Life #1 is a worthy addition to the Vertigo legacy, and I expect great things from the rest of the series. Read Full Review
-
9.0
AIPT - Collier Jennings
Feb 18, 2026End of Life #1 combines rapid-fire dialogue, bloody violence, and emotional catharsis for a hell of a debut issue. Read Full Review
-
8.5
KPB Comics - Stan West
Feb 24, 2026End of Life #1 packs a punch. Starks has conjured a lead character who wields quips like firearms, while Pugh ensures each panel feels like a movie. Eddie’s complicated relationship with his dad is only going to get worse as the Menagerie hunts him down. Issue two can’t come out soon enough.< Read Full Review
-
8.4
Comic Watch - Marcell Hines
Feb 18, 2026End of Life #1 is a solid opening for what promises to be fun, violent, raunchy, and even somber series with fun characters and high stakes backed by strong art. Read Full Review
-
8.0
Comic Book Clique - Prub Gill
Feb 24, 2026If you want shooting, swearing, and a sleezy protagonist who is going to make you love them on one page, question them on the next, and hate them thereafter, then this is going to be a super fun read. I hope that Starks keeps the energy going, as he left End of Life #1 with a great ending. I am looking forward to what happens next with the father of Eddie, meeting his seemingly childhood sweetheart, and, of course, how he is going to get rid of the killing team that is after him. Read Full Review
-
6.0
Weird Science - Gabe Hernandez
Feb 18, 2026End of Life #1 barrels through bullets and bedside spats with visual punch that somewhat redeems its loud, try-hard comedy, but the obnoxious edge overshadows quieter strengths. Kyle Starks and Steve Pugh craft enough chaos to intrigue Vertigo fans, yet it scrapes by in a tight budget chasing laughs that mostly annoy. Die-hards might endure; casuals should pass. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
-
9.5
This is good stuff!
+ Like • Comment• Likes (1) -
9.5
Very good art, very good writing and a good story. It's not completely original but it's done really well and an enjoyable read. It definitely has the Vertigo vibe.
-
9.0
Killer first issue that I bought after reading the preview elsewhere, so I’ll be returning for more. Art and writing form a very nice symmetry here as well meet the characters in the middle of fallout from a heist gone wrong. Definitely owes a nod to John Wick. The dialogue is snappy, filled with profanity, and a lot of funny, dark humor! Not for everyone, but definitely worth checking out.
-
8.5
This is like good movie that u can sit and enjoy the ride . Nothing special but fast and fun and action. No big using yo brain just have fun. Like deadpool/ sinister a dexter/ hitman .
-
8.5
A fun start.
-
8.0
This was a fun start.
-
5.0
As a concept, this kind of story has been done to death. Add in seriously lame humour that scratches around for a story and you end up with a really dull tale. The main character is so annoying that it made it a difficult read. The art wasn't bad at all and in truth could have lifted the book somewhat with a better editor. Hopefully this story will improve as it deserves to because I love Vertigo......JM
-
10
-
10
2025 In Review:
