REVIEW: 'We Only Kill Each Other (comiXology Originals)' #5 by Stephanie Phillips, Peter Krause, and Ellie Wright

 

We Only Kill Each Other (comiXology Originals) #5

Written by Stephanie Phillips

Art by Peter Krause

Colored by Ellie Wright

Cover byDave Johnson

Lettered by Troy Peteri

Digital Release Date March 15, 2022

Age Rating 15+ Only

Sold by comiXology

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

'We Only Kill Each Other' has been an exceptional fictionalized historical comic, in the same way, the great title from Pornsak Pichetshote and Alexandre Tefenkgi, 'The Good Asian,' has been. It's a riveting crime thriller in the middle of horrifying real-world situations. While the growing threat of Nazi occupation continues in Europe and sympathizers assemble in the U.S., two gangsters begrudgingly partner to take down Nazi assassins in their own backyard. 

The conclusion to the first arc comes to an exciting finish as Jonas and Levi jump on a moving train trying to prevent an assassination attempt. It's a non-stop action thriller that's both a little familiar and promising if the series were to continue. Amid the turmoil and specter of a looming world war, these two characters have formed a reluctant partnership that really holds the series together with odd-couple chemistry that just works. The idea that these two rivals, the young upstart and veteran mafioso, are forced to work together for something greater than themselves is a trope we've seen before but is executed perfectly here. 

Throughout the series, Peter Krause and Ellie Wright have done an incredible job depicting the early 20th century with such detail and style. Along with Stephanie Phillips' tough-guy dialogue, the artists put the reader right in 1938 New York City. The commitment to authenticity despite telling a mostly fictionalized version of real events is a level of integrity that elevates the series as it draws to a dramatic conclusion. 

'We Only Kill Each Other' concludes in spectacular fashion while leaving the door open for more adventures. This is historical fiction at its best and something the comics landscape needs more of when done right like this. In a time when history appears to be repeating itself, it's imperative that creatives use their skills to not only entertain but inform through storytelling. The phrase the 'past is prologue' has never been more apropos than now and 'The Good Asian' along with 'We Only Kill Each Other' have demonstrated this at the highest level.