So, I’ve gotten my hands on issue one of Joe Hill’s new comic Dying is Easy, from publisher IDW, the same publisher that brought us Hill’s The Cape, Road Rage, Thumbprint, and Locke & Key.
The first issue opens with a dark and humorous stand-up routine by the main character, Syd “Shit Talk” Homes, an ex-cop with a sharp tongue and a quick wit. Hill made a bold choice opening a new comic with a comedy routine, but if you read closely, the routine reveals quite a lot about Syd. After his set, Syd sits talking with two other comedians as they discuss a young comic and his habits of stealing from other routines. The conversation flows well. Presumably set in the ’90s (Leno and “Friends” receive a nod), we also get hints of Syd’s past that includes murder and a woman.
While issue one did not tread into the horror genre straight away, I look forward to seeing more of this noir twinged comic whose artwork is tackled by Martin Simmonds, known for his perfectly imperfect linework. Hill and Simmonds make a wonderful team, giving Dying is Easy a great look.
I am curious as to which direction Dying is Easy will go from here. Will it stay a noir take on the life of the ex-cop turned comedian or will it travel further into the shadows of the horror genre? I guess I’ll have to wait for the next installment to find out. As for my verdict, based on its flow, art, creativity, and writing, I’m giving Dying is Easy an easy 5 out of 5.
You can get your copy of the five-part series HERE.
