The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #3
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| Writer | Chris Condon |
| Artist | Jacob Phillips |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
Ezra Cain meets face-to-face with the Brutal Dark…but it ain’t on his terms! His snooping around the Clockworkers’ Union has finally put his investigation on the shadowy sect’s radar. But a dash of good fortune comes Ezra’s way when reporter Sandy Williams gets a lead on the Brutal Dark’s agenda. She’s an old flame, though…is working together really in the cards for these two?
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
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9.5
Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield
Apr 22, 2026Of the three new Vertigo books that have launched so far, this is the one with the most straight-forward feel. It’s a classic noir mystery by a pair of creators who are masters of the genre. Even when there isn’t anything supernatural going on – so far – the sense of suspense and dread carries the day incredibly effectively. Read Full Review
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9.0
Nerd Initiative - Megan Nichole
Apr 22, 2026The Peril of the Brutal Dark: An Ezra Cain Mystery #3 continues to impress with the complex story that has you wanting more by the end of the comic. Read Full Review
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8.8
Fanlight Zone - Ken M.
Apr 22, 2026Cain finds himself sinking further into danger with this latest chapter. Condon has Cain juggle many encounters with solid writing. Phillips brings out the painful side of a good soul with impressive visuals. Ezra Cain’s exploits are must-read stories fans can’t miss! Read Full Review
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8.5
Comic Book Clique - Abel Loza
Apr 29, 2026Peril of the Brutal Dark #3 is the weakest of the three chapters so far, primarily because exposition and world-building overshadow the narrative, slightly diminishing the story's momentum. Despite this, it remains a well-rounded and engaging issue. The darkness of the world is a major highlight, vividly conveying the bleakness and hopelessness Cain and others endure. This chapter also showcases Chris Condon and Jacob Phillips' genre-blending talent and dynamic art. Read Full Review
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8.0
AIPT - Jonathan Waugh
Apr 22, 2026More character focused than the previous issue, Peril of the Brutal Dark #3 may not move the titular mystery forward, but it provides some invaluable insight into the past of our lead character. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
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9.5
This is best issue from the series yet and it's everything you can expect from a dark old school detective story. This issue got some detective clues, some more mystery, some romance, some bromance, some beating action, some gangster scenes, some corrupt police (obviously) and a cliffhanger at the end.
The art looks simple but really amazing and very scene setting.
If you don't like it after #3, it just might not be for you. But don't expect to find something better in this genre today.+ Like • Comment -
8.0
Another good read. Phillips's art continues to be a highlight here, both on the cover and on the interiors throughout the issue. The story is still moving a little slow, in terms of the kidnapping/hostage situation that's likely tied to the Brutal Dark, but I don't mind it that much when I'm enjoying most of what's being presented. We are now at the halfway point of the book, though, so I hope things start to pick up a bit.
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8.0
Settles into a calm, mature groove with great art.
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7.5
Art: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5
Total: 7.5/10 -
6.5
It’s not the most eventful issue, but I did like that there was more of a focus on Ezra’s backstory this time around. I still find him unfortunately quite dull, but it helps to see his virtuous side with his history in the police and how it ended. This one doesn’t progress the mystery too much and as a result comes off feeling a but more like straight-up noir than the adventure hybrid of the last two issues. I think that makes some of the super cliched elements stick out a bit more because it’s not as novel if it isn’t taking full advantage of the premise.
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10
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9.0
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8.0
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8.0
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8.0
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8.0
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6.0
2025 In Review:
