The Loose End #1 Review

 

Writer: Dave Dwonch

Artist: Travis Hymel

Cover Artists: Andy Belanger, Robert Hack, Travis Hymel & Kit Wallis

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: February 19, 2025

 

Fleeing a murder scene, Steve races around Mexico City in a minivan while someone he dislikes bleeds out in the back. Despite Tim’s yelling, Steve insists he didn't land them in hot water. How did Steve get into this mess? Let's put our cards on the table, leap into The Loose End #1, and find out!

 

Story

Steve moved to Hollywood to pursue his dreams. Instead, he got addicted to gambling. His friend Diedrich wants to change that. But Diedrich encourages Steve's gambling.

In The Loose End #1, Steve’s world collapses because he owes everyone money. When Lucca Burlusconi learns that Diedrich got Steve an invite to Benny Blevins' bachelor party, he calls Steve's loans.

 

Dave Dwonch begins his story at the end, then slowly reels the projector back to show how Steve got into this dilemma. Steve encouraged his friend Diedrich to pursue his acting career. Diedrich's success in Hollywood inspired Steve to leave home and try his hand at screenwriting. But no one in the studios will take a chance on someone without writing credits. So Diedrich suggests Steve accompany him to Benny Blevin’s party. Perhaps Steve can impress Benny and get the producer to take a chance on him.

 

Steve's debt puts him under other people's power. Lucca Burlusconi owns the debt, which means he owns Steve. The gangster has a beef with Benny, and he’s in the mood for payback. Like Diedrich, his plan could benefit Steve. But first, Steve must murder Benny Blevins in The Loose End #1.

 

Art

Travis Hymel’s retro art lends B Movie appeal to this story about mob involvement in Hollywood. Diedrich's sportscar blurs as it winds through traffic on the freeway. As Diedrich tosses his keys to the valet, poses for selfies with fans, and appears multiple times in the same panel, you feel his exultation in achieving the pinnacle of success. A cloud of smoke rises from Steve's scooter as he arrives at the casino. He frowns at Steve's glowing face and hunches as he walks with his hands in his pockets.

 

Red and black ground the yellow, green, pink, and purple pastels. The limited palette and set pieces lend The Loose End #1 a timeworn quality. Two nine-panel pages show how Steve allows the casino to play him. After riding home beneath purple skies, Steve lies on his bed beside a clock with red LED numbers. Behind him, blue lines and dots on the black wall suggest stars and constellations.

 

Uppercase letters fill white balloons and colored narrative boxes in The Loose End #1. The words grow bold and italicized for intonation and rarely shrink. Vibrant sound effects help us hear phone calls, honking vehicles, punching, and banging on Steve's door. Trigger warnings include gambling, drinking alcohol, and a brief torture scene, while a handwritten note on a green corkboard encourages Steve to be better. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Steve is a good guy, but his poor choices could kill him. The Loose End #1 shows how Steve got in this mess, then skips over the bachelor party that sends him fleeing a bloodbath with Diedrich's costar and a bleeding man. It's a cautionary tale about how poor choices can become habits and how easy it is to run afoul of the fickle entertainment industry.

 

Rating 8.8/10

 

To look inside see my extended preview of The Loose End #1.