End Of Life #3 Review

 

End Of Life #3 Review

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist: Steve Pugh

Colorist: Chris O’Halloran

Letterer & Designer: Becca Carey

Cover Artists: Gerald Parel, Guillem March & David Talaski

Editors: Matthew Levine & Chris Conroy

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99

Release Date: April 15, 2026

 

Pluto used to have a small-town, touristy vibe. Richard Smiley's newspaper strips drew fans to the cartoonist's hometown. When the visitors weren't flocking to the Wrong Dog amusement park, they were helping local shops and businesses thrive. Pluto may have gotten quieter since Richard Smiley's fall from grace. But while the amusement park has closed, the locals work together to help their town thrive.

 

Visitors may not pour into Emily Wilson's shop to purchase souvenir candles any time soon. Still, things are about to heat up in Pluto. What will Eddie Stallion do when Menagerie killers reach this out-of-the-way town? And how will his father react when Eddie's presence endangers the people he cares about? Let's grab a gun and a mask, leap into End Of Life #3, and see!

 

Story

George Stallion was never around when his son was growing up. After Eddie's mother abandoned them, George sent him off to boarding school. George's inability to get along with him and others made Eddie feel flawed and unwanted. When Eddie grew up, he followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Menagerie. Then, Eddie thrust his success as a highly paid hitman in his father's face until George finally told him to go away and never return.

 

In End Of Life #3, Eddie is frustrated and confused. It was easy to blame his father for all his faults and take pride in the life he had built. But when Eddie makes a mistake and everyone turns against him, his father takes him in. As he realizes that perhaps he and his father have a second chance at connecting, Sophie tells Eddie that his father is dying. Eddie may have to look over his shoulder every day of his life for Menagerie hitmen. But there's no avoiding Stage Four Lung Cancer's death sentence.

 

Kyle Starks follows Eddie as he reels from the realization that no one from his big city life loves him, while everyone in Pluto loves George Stallion. Yet even if he doesn't want to be there, the town is beginning to love Eddie. Just as George has helped the town function despite its lack of funding and infrastructure, Eddie has protected Leona and her son, Trent, at the Wrong Dog gas station. He may never see his sneaker collection again. But when Eddie recognizes the wealth of meaningful connections George Stallion has built, he emulates his father once again in End Of Life #3.

 

Art

From his Wrong Dog throne, Richard Smiley bows as he bemoans how the world beat him down. Surrounded by examples of his art and a statue of himself kneeling beside his creation, Richard’s lips part as he smiles. The exposed portions of his upper teeth evoke fangs. Eddie may have had some setbacks. Yet he struts as he walks through the dark toward his father's house. Later, when he encounters Sophie, she doesn't turn to face him despite his boisterous attitude. A vignette reveals how she wants to look at him but doesn't, while Eddie also averts his gaze. Although Sophie tries to meet his eyes two pages later, Eddie resists hers.

 

As Chris O’Halloran adorns Steve Pugh's energetic and charismatic art with a lively palette, green creeps into scenes in this out-of-the-way town. Eddie's red suit and flame-like yellow hair seem the hallmark of End Of Life #3. Yellow and red energize the Wrong Dog gas station. Emily wears a red skirt and binds her hair with a yellow-and-red scarf as she drives a green classic car. While Eddie brings new life and interest to Pluto, George represents its failing heart in his pink/lavender shirt.

 

Becca Carey fills white dialogue balloons with black, uppercase letters. The words grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and shrink for lowered voices. Distress deforms balloons, while a starburst adorns the arrow of off-camera dialogue balloons. Sound effects enhance a sitcom homage and a brutal fight, while blue words on a pink/lavender background sign Eddie Stallion's death sentence. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

When life doesn't seem to treat you fairly, it's easy to play the victim. Richard Smiley transformed his insecurities and victimhood into a commercial empire. Eddie Stallion channeled the way his father treated him to live the high life in the city. But when the money and success fade away, the beloved cartoonist becomes a predator, and the unlikable, flashy killer becomes a protector in the hitman satire End Of Life #3.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of End Of Life #3.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of End Of Life #2.

 

For how the series began, see my review of End Of Life #1.