The Loose End Vol 1 Preview

 

 

I was excited about this off-the-rails story from the get-go, and enjoyed reviewing the first three issues. When I met Dave Dwonch at Wondercon this year, he told me it was based on an experience he had in the Middle East. I didn't ask him to show me his scars from the bullet wounds. Thankfully, his fingers looked okay! 

Here's all the info from Hard Case Crime and Titan Comics: 

 

THE LOOSE END

Author: Dave Dwonch

Artist: Travis Hymel

Publisher: Titan Comics

SC, 112 pages, FC, $17.99

ISBN: 9781787746442

On sale October 7, 2025

 

In-debt screenwriter Steven Hollis is handed a ticket out of his dead-end lifestyle when the mob tasks him with killing the biggest exec in Hollywood.

 

Fans of Goodfellas will love this Hard Case Crime graphic novel from the writer and artist duo of Dave Dwonch and Travis Hymel.

 

The award-winning imprint Hard Case Crime presents a wacky story of guns, ganja, and gambling from writer Dave Dwonch and artist Travis Hymel.

 

Steven Hollis is a mild-mannered scriptwriter with a love for risk and reward. When he gambles his way into debt, the Mob offer him a one-way ticket from under their thumb. All he has to do is kill the biggest Hollywood executive in the industry…

 

However, plans derail when a trip to Mexico City turns sour. A drug deal gone wrong sets the cartel on the hunt for a rag-tag group of actors, writers and executives as they have a no-holds-barred standoff!

 

If you’re a fan of cinema classics and a totally balls-to-the-wall action adventure, this is the book for you!

 

The Loose End graphic novel collects The Loose End issues #1-4.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

Thanks to Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime for sharing this preview with us.

 

Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and Forbidden Planet for the UK & Europe.

 

ABOUT CREATORS

 

Dave Dwonch has been a writer and artist producing comics for nearly two decades. He has penned several titles, most notably Jenny Zero (Dark Horse), The Automaton (Hellbrain), The Loose End (Titan Comics) and Vamplets (Scholastic). He lives in Colorado with his very supportive wife and their two neurotic cats.

 

Travis Hymel is an American illustrator and artist known for his work on books such as the ArkWorld series as well as his work on Trailer Park Boys, G.I. Joe and the widely popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

 

Geraldo Filho has been coloring comics since 2007 and is based in Brazil. Geraldo has partnered with Dave on several titles, including Jenny Zero (Dark Horse), Infinite Seven (Action Lab), and the upcoming all ages title The Unbearable Grizzlyboy for Hellbrain Productions as well as Savage Squad 6 (Dark Horse) with Jenny Zero co- creator Brockton McKinney, Robert Venditti and Dalts Dalton

 

ABOUT TITAN COMICS

 

Titan Comics, a Titan Publishing Group company (which includes Titan Books, Titan Magazines, and Titan Merchandise), is the comic book arm of the Titan Entertainment Group, and its sister company is the pop culture retail chain, Forbidden Planet. Titan Comics offers comics and graphic novels from the world's most renowned properties, alongside creator-owned comic books from new and established talent, as well as classic graphic novels remastered for a brand-new audience.

 

Titan Comics publishes a variety of genres through its imprints: Hard Case Crime (world-renowned pulp-crime publishing), Statix Press (critically acclaimed translated comics and graphic novels), the new Titan Manga (exciting manga and anime-based titles), and Titan Nova (new young readers imprint).

 

For more information, visit https://www.titan-comics.com.

 

For further information, follow Titan Comics on Facebook, X, Instagram, and BlueSky.

 

 

The Loose End #4 Preview

 

COVER A: CHRIS BURNHAM

 

Apologies, Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime fans! I'm a little behind on my reviews this month, but I'm trying to catch up! Here's all the info on the final issue of this explosive new series. In stores now!

 

THE LOOSE END #4 (of 4)

(W): Dave Dwonch

(A): Travis Hymel

Publisher: Hard Case Crime (imprint of Titan Comics)

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: June 11, 2025

 

The Hollywood crew make their final stand in the climactic issue of The Loose End!

 

With the cartel closing in on their safehouse, Steven, Diedrich, Ryan and Benny rely on some VERY outside the box thinking to survive the oncoming brawl. Have they played their last hand or is there another card up their collective sleeve?

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Here are two more cover options:

COVER B: ROBERT HACK HOME ALONE HOMAGE

COVER C: TRAVIS HYMEL

Thanks to Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime for sharing this preview with us.

 

 

The Loose End #3 Review

 

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

The Loose End #2 Review

 

Writer & Letterer: Dave Dwonch

Artist: Travis Hymel

Colorist: Geraldo Filho

Cover Artists: Claudia Caranfa, Robert Hack & Travis Hymel

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: March 19, 2025

 

Steven Hollis stands between a rock and a hard place. Crime boss Lucca Burlusconi wants Benny Blevins dead. Movie star Diedrich Ryan invited Steven to Benny’s bachelor party. All Steven must do is slip one little pill into the movie producer's drink, and the crime boss will erase his debt and give him ten grand in cash.

 

Killing Benny won’t help his screenwriting prospects in Hollywood, but at least Steven won’t get evicted from his apartment. Easy peasy, right? So why does Steven end up fleeing a murder scene in Mexico City? Let's pack our roller bags, leap into The Loose End #2, and find out!

 

Story

Steven encouraged Diedrich to pursue his dreams. So after The Talented Arguile Arbuckle became last year’s blockbuster, Diedrich sought a way to reward his friend. Benny’s bachelor bash for his star actors Diedrich and Tim seems the perfect opportunity. Better yet, when Steven arrives at John Wayne Airport, Benny welcomes Steven with a hug. All of which reminds Steven that the pill in his pocket will kill the movie producer.

 

While Steven has struggled to make ends meet, Diedrich has been living his dreams. He rarely auditions for roles, drives an exotic sports car, and happily poses for selfies with fans. He promises Steven a lavish weekend in sunny Mexico. Instead, the group hangs out by Benny’s pool, drinking and taking drugs in The Loose End #2.

 

Dave Dwonch’s story contrasts the illusion of the Hollywood elite with reality. Steven feels like an outsider at Benny's home. Of everyone there, Steven identifies with Benny's bodyguard, Marcus Perkins. He is the voice of reason when Diedrich and the others decide to take their party into the streets. When Steven sides with Marcus, Benny encourages Steven to live a little and consider it research for a script.

 

The Loose End #2 feels like an accident waiting to happen. Which it is, as the first issue started with how this story ends. Everyone looks down on Steven because he refuses to play along with their juvenile antics. But in the end, Steven is the one Benny, Diedrich, and the others look to when they get in trouble.

 

Art

Steven arrives at the airport, pulling his roller bag with his bandaged fingers. Clad in a Hawaiian shirt and beige shorts, he meets Diedrich, Benny, and the others dressed like Sonny Crockett clones. The white-clad friends sit and drink together on the plane. Steven seeks a seat beside Marcus, who tunes out the group’s conversation with his earbuds. While everyone on the airplane has good things to say about Benny, the movie producer’s actions show why Lucca Burlusconi wants him dead.

 

Geraldo Filho lavishes a palette of bright colors on Travis Hymel’s art in The Loose End #2. Memories appear in Black & White, while a red pill in a glass vial hides in Steven’s pocket. Steven’s lavender shirt underscores how the others regard him when he doesn’t want to get involved in Risky Business. The yellow sky, green pool, and sickly green hills glimpsed through a window foretell later snapshots from the party featuring purple people.

 

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 gunfire drown out the laughter and schoolboy antics, which ends with someone bleeding out in the back of the panel van. Trigger warnings include hard partying, language, and acts that would enrage the Me Too Movement. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

While Steven Hollis encouraged Diedrich Ryan to be the best version of himself, Hollywood has brought out the worst in him. As his movie star friend tries to repay him with a shot at the big time, Steven wonders if he wants to be a big success in The Loose End #2.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

For more covers and a look inside see my preview of The Loose End #2.

The Loose End #2 Preview

 

We began with the aftermath. We ended with how this all began. Will we see how things went tragically wrong? Or will we jump ahead to the race through the streets of Mexico? Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

THE LOOSE END #2 
Format: Comic book 
(W): Dave Dwonch
(A): Travis Hymel 
Publisher: Hard Case Crime (Titan Comics imprint)
FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: March 19, 2025

Fans of cult cinema, prepare to strap yourselves in – a holiday full of drugs, drinking, and danger awaits!

Steven joins the Hollywood elite on their no-holds barred Mexico trip with only one thing on his mind: kill producer Benny Blevins. Juggling the very high, playboy lifestyle he’s been thrown into, Steven waits for the perfect time to kill, only to see his plan go up in smoke during a drug deal gone horribly wrong.

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

Now, let's check out the other cover options:

 

As always, thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!

 

The Loose End #4 Solicit

COVER A: CHRIS BURNHAM (MAR250286)

 

This series has gotten off to a rip-roaring start. I look forward to seeing how Steve fares as it continues. Will he achieve his dreams? 

Here's all the info from Titan Comics: 

THE LOOSE END #4

(W): Dave Dwonch

(A): Travis Hymel

Publisher: Hard Case Crime (imprint of Titan Comics)

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: May 14, 2025

 

The Hollywood crew make their final stand in the climactic issue of The Loose End!

 

With the cartel closing in on their safehouse, Steven, Diedrich, Ryan and Benny rely on some VERY outside the box thinking to survive the oncoming brawl. Have they played their last hand or is there another card up their collective sleeve?

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

COVER B: ROBERT HACK HOME ALONE HOMAGE (MAR250287)

 

 

 

COVER C: TRAVIS HYMEL (MAR250288)

To see how this series began see my review of The Loose End #1.

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.

The Loose End #2 Solicit

COVER A: CLAUDIA CARANFA (JAN250401)

 

The creative team packs a lot of story into the tense, action-packed first issue. This new series is utterly unlike Gun Honey and Heat Seeker. Still, you can feel for this ambitious writer who came to Hollywood with high hopes, only to get hooked on gambling instead. Here's all the info on the second issue from Titan Comics:

THE LOOSE END #2 (OF 4)

(W) Dave Dwonch

(A) Travis Hymel

Publisher: Hard Case Crime, imprint of Titan Comics

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale March 19, 2025

 

FANS OF CULT CINEMA, PREPARE TO STRAP YOURSELVES IN - A HOLIDAY FULL OF DRUGS, DRINKING AND DANGER AWAITS!

 

Steven joins the Hollywood elite on their no-holds-barred Mexico trip with only one thing on his mind: kill producer Benny Blevins. Juggling the very high, playboy lifestyle he's been thrown into Steven waits for the perfect time to kill, only to see his plan go up in smoke during a drug deal gone horribly wrong.

 

Now, here are two more cover options:

 

COVER B: ROBERT HACK FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS HOMAGE (RUNNING ACROSS #1-4) (JAN250402)

 

 

COVER C: TRAVIS HYMEL (JAN250403)

The Loose End #1 Preview

 

COVER A: ANDY BELANGER

Following hot on the heels of Minky Woodcock: The Girl Called Cthulhu and Heat Seeker: Combusion is this sizzling series from Hard Case Crime. I wonder who Hollywood will pick to play Steven Hollis in the movie adaption? Tom Cruise? Liam Neeson? (Hey, those guys never get old, right?)

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

THE LOOSE END #1 (of 4)

Writer: Dave Dwonch

Artist: Travis Hymel

Publisher: Hard Case Crime, Titan Comics imprint

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale: February 19, 2025

 

A HOMAGE TO CLASSIC 90s CRIME DRAMA MOVIES!

 

Tied up, tortured and thrown into a world of chaos, get ready for the wildest ride of your life!

 

With crushing debt, an aimless career, and a thirst for the high life punching down on him, failing screenwriter Steven Hollis is handed a ticket out of his dead-end lifestyle...an offer he can't refuse from the mob! Now all he has to do is kill the biggest exec in Hollywood.

 

Now, let's take a look inside this upcoming debut:

 

 

 

 

 

Yikes! Hang in there, Steven!

 

Here are more cover options for you:

 

 

COVER B: ROBERT HACK RESERVOIR DOGS HOMAGE (RUNNING ACROSS #1-4)

 

COVER C: TRAVIS HYMEL

COVER D: KIT WALLIS

The Loose End Issue #1 is on sale February 19, 2025 at comic shops and digital. Pre-order now from Forbidden Planet for UK/Europe. Fans and retailers can order from the upcoming December edition of Diamond PREVIEWS.  

 

Thanks to Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime for sharing this preview with us!