Writer & Letterer: Dave Dwonch
Artist: Travis Hymel
Colorist: Geraldo Filho
Editor: Charles Ardai
Cover Artists: Claudia Caranfa, Robert Hack & Travis
Hymel
Publisher: Titan Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Once Upon A Time In Mexico, Steven Hollis fled a shootout
with a mystery man bleeding out in the minivan. Then Dave Dwonch said Be Kind
Rewind and took us back to Steven’s interview with Lucca Burlusconi. The crime
boss offered to clear Steven's debt. He even threw in a free pliers manicure!
All Lucca asked in return was to see Benny Blevins dead.
Now, Dave Dwonch takes us Back To The Future. The survivors
of a drug den shootout want to disappear. Johnny Tarantula, the writer,
director, and “best-looking drug mule in the western hemisphere," has a
bullet in his gut. Tim's friend, Dickey, and Benny's Head of Security, Marcus Perkins,
are dead. Will Steven, Diedrich, Tim, Benny, and Johnny survive Que Viva
Mexico? And if Steven kills Benny, who will produce his screenplay about “the
full Mexican experience?” Let's pack our roller bags, leap into The Loose End #3,
and find out!
Story
Steven disapproved of Johnny’s taste for the sweet
Cokecanya. So, when Johnny and the others sampled "the local flavor,"
Steven stayed in the van. In The Loose End #3, Johnny wants to conclude his El
Dorado Assassins reunion with a hospital visit. Steven's childhood friend
Diedrich, who he encouraged to pursue acting, directs Steven to one nearby. But
when they arrive, the guys discover they've arrived at a veterinary hospital.
In Dave Dwonch’s fast-paced action plot, the boys feel their
time in Mexico ticking away. Steven and the others soon learn that Señor
Hernandez wants them dead or alive. The cartel general rules this region of
Mexico, and everyone functions as his eyes and ears. So Steven, Benny,
Diedrich, and Tim face a dilemma in The Loose End #3. Do they stand by their
injured friend or flee for their lives?
While the deadly shooting on the set of “Rust” reminded us
that accidents can happen, Dave Dwonch compares action heroes with their
fictional counterparts. Diedrich, Tim, and Johnny garnered extensive firearms
training in preparation for their movie roles. Yet, unlike police and soldiers,
the actors aren’t thinking of the consequences of taking a life. Instead,
defending their lives delivers the ultimate high as Diedrich, Tim, and Johnny
emulate their big-screen heroes.
Art
A headshot left behind in Cisco and Jorge’s apartment gives
Señor Hernandez a lead. The police officer’s sweaty face demonstrates the power
wielded by the cartel leader. In his pink jacket, Diedrich looks even more of a
poseur than he did on the flight to Mexico as he whips a gun around, then does
a double take when a woman hides her face behind praying hands. Despite Tim’s
continual worrying, he reacts coolly in a crisis. Travis Hymel uses cutouts
instead of silhouettes to focus on people in crisis, whether questioned by a
cartel general or pursued by his lieutenants.
Geraldo Filho lavishes bright colors on interiors and
outdoor scenes. The exception is inside the van. Pink tinges the outside and
blends with gray and white inside. The gray and faded tones imbue the Hollywood
clan with a newspaper photograph appearance. Johnny proves the standout, shining
with healthy skin and a green shirt. The Loose End #3 turns the tables on the
Hollywood crowd, with Steven clad in gray while Benny, Diedrich, Tim, and
Johnny all display bright colors.
Uppercase letters fill white balloons and colored narrative
boxes. The words grow bold and italicized for intonation and shrink for lowered
voices. Dave Dwonch’s sound effects help us hear displaced air, kicked-down
doors, physical trauma, and gunfire as blood sprays and two lords of their
domains say, "Don't mess with my boys." Thanks to Titan Comics for
providing a copy for review.
Final Thoughts
Steven's dilemma started with his addiction to gambling and
Lucca Burlusconi’s demand he assassinate Benny Blevins. Lucca alleged that
Benny raped his daughter on his casting couch. But despite actions that seem to
support Lucca's assertion, Benny holds those around him in sway. His late
bodyguard regarded him as a saint. His loyal talent worships Benny like an
icon.
While the spotlight in The Loose End #3 shares time with
everyone in his circle, Benny emerges as a leader. All this reminds us how hard
it is to dislike people who care for their friends and produce the
entertainment we enjoy. To paraphrase Blink 182, how can we punish people who
deliver the best trip, bring us to the show, and carry us home?
Rating 9.4/10
