100 Bullets: The US of Anger #2 Review
Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Eduardo Risso
Letterer: Clem Robins
Cover Artist: Dave Johnson
Variant Cover Artist: Tula Lotay
Editors: Matthew Levine & Chris Conroy
Special Thanks: Will Dennis
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99 US/Variant $4.99 US (Card Stock)
Release Date: August 5, 2026
Sure, there are true believers. But most people realize that
the US government isn't a true democracy. Citizens vote for a few candidates
and on a handful of issues in each election. Then the politicians do whatever
they want. The police enforce the laws on a selective basis while ignoring
people's so-called rights. So, when the cops kill Tiz, rioters take over the
streets.
Darius didn't set out to rob a jewelry store. He just wanted
to use the anarchy to steal a new pair of sneakers. But when a cop wants to
arrest Darius and his gang while letting Lono walk with stolen bling, Darius
crosses a line. And instead of going on about his business, Lono enlists the
boy's help. But why does Lono want to start a war? And what will he do with the
police officer he's locked in the back of the stolen van? Let's leap into 100
Bullets: The US of Anger #2 and see!
Story
As Loop Hughes waits for his son’s funeral, he listens to
the podcasters muse about the hidden forces that shape society. Then Janelle
tells him it’s time to go. She may not have stuck around to see Tiz grow up.
Still, she’s holding Loop’s hand as they ride in the limo to the funeral.
While 100 Bullets: The US of Anger #2 follows the funeral
procession, it also looks in on Mr Henry’s world. It’s a world he cares about
and wishes to protect. So, he rallies his fellow patriots and gives them their
marching orders. But after his son excelled himself last night in feeding the
violence swirling through the ghetto, he wants Manson well out of the picture
during the funeral.
Despite their differences, Loop Hughes and Mr Henry share a
desire to protect their communities. Both view the other’s community as unworthy
of inclusion in society. Yet in Brian Azzarello's story, Loop and Mr Henry
intend to send a message. Tiz's funeral marks a ceasefire in their war for the
soul of America. Yet as their forces converge, a wildcard lurks in their midst.
And as Lono has already declared, he intends to start a war in 100 Bullets: The
US of Anger #2.
Art
Loop lies on his son’s single bed. Symbols of the American
flag adorn a pennant, a model rocket, and a sports sticker. While Janelle sits
beside him on the bed, a family photo rests on Tiz’s desk. As Mr Henry awakens
his son and girlfriend, stars and national symbols adorn the room and Manson’s
skin. Yet a Confederate flag hangs above the bed. While Darius slinks along the
street in his hoodie, Darius watches him from the driver’s seat of the van. In
the back, Officer George sits with her uniform unbuttoned. Blood splatter
adorns her puffy face, chest, and clothes.
Eduardo Risso’s Black-and-White art presents a harsh view of
the world in 100 Bullets: The US of Anger #2. Shading, dots, and crosshatching
have no place in this world of contrary but uncompromising forces. Black frames
pages, while silhouettes intrude in scenes. But scenes often tilt in the
rectangular boxes, representing how Loop Hughes, Mr Henry, and Lono view the
world from different angles. Still, red splashes across the page when one
protestor’s sign proves unexpectedly prophetic.
Clem Robins fills white balloons with black words that grow
bold with intonation and swell for raised voices. Off-camera dialogue fills
white boxes and often bleeds over to introduce the next scene. Colored balloons
portray curiosity and a moment of softness in an ordinarily hard character.
Sound effects enhance a reprimand and a signal of shifting alliances amid a
tense standoff. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
Loop Hughes and Mr Henry want to safeguard their
communities. They believe they see the world clearly, and others value their
leadership. Yet neither of them can keep their family together. Their
isolationist views are a weakness Lono intends to exploit in 100 Bullets: The
US of Anger #2.
Rating 9.2/10
To look inside see my 100 Bullets: The US of Anger #2 Preview.
For what happened last time, see my 100 Bullets: The US of Anger #1 Preview.
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