Deadly Class #9
Written by: Rick Remender
Art by: Wes Craig
Rick Remender was always a great writer but I think he’s reached his prime in the last year. Uncanny Avengers came first and then the phenomenal Black Science continued to show why this man is one of the best creators in the business. So when I heard about Deadly Class I was excited Remender was writing a new book but the premise didn’t seem to intrigue me that much. I can’t fathom why I wasn’t in love with the concept because I am now. Where Black Science has been faltering and the mediocre Axis has replaced Uncanny Avengers, Deadly Class is still going very strong. The second arc has been much slower than the first one but it isn’t gratuitous sluggishness. It’s there to build the characters and their relationships which is a warrant for slow-pacing when it can be as good as displayed in the last few issues. However, the formula is starting to drag here. Even so, I would be flabbergasted to flip the final page of Deadly Class issue and think, that was bad. Despite some pacing issues, we've got another great installment of Deadly Class on our hands.
Whereas last issue we got Marcus’ haunting and brutal past, this issue we get a brief overview of how Chico and Maria’s past got intertwined. It’s one of those distressing backstories that Remender is so adept at creating and the few pages allocated to this are viciously saddening. Maria continues to suffer from a destructive depression that is blatantly and constantly eating at her soul. This represents a very difficult situation for Marcus and his good intentions. He clearly wishes to aid the girl in her struggles but can’t seem to bring himself to do it. He wants to be a good person and support others but like many teenagers, can’t seem to pop out of his self-centered bubble. Being close with someone who is depressed is no easy task, especially for a teenager. It requires a lot of courage and selflessness and while Marcus is trying to grasp those qualities he seems to keep falling short, most likely causing insecurities. This scuffle is also emphasized in these pages with Markus’ negligence towards his roommate Shabnam. He clearly states that he wishes to share a friendship with the kid because he was kind to him and showed care when no else did. However, when the opportunity arises, Marcus abandons the boy showing that even though he wishes he did, Marcus doesn’t care about how nice someone is. Remender has a lot to say about teenagers in this series and Marcus’ attitude in this issue is a perfect example of his excellent understanding of people my age.
And while the character moments are exquisite, the plot of this series is moving a little too slowly. It isn’t a huge detriment, but I can’t help but wish that this series was moving along with quick intensity like the inaugural one. Remender is obviously building towards a showdown in the final issues of this arc, but I think he’s moving a little too slowly. The story is starting to drag a little despite the awesome character development. Maybe I’m just impatient, but that’s how I felt when closing this issue.
Deadly Class is amazing representation of young adults. It’s a profound story that will make you reflect on your teenage years and analyze the mindset of someone who is coming into their own as a person. Insecurities are a devastating circle and there aren’t many other comics that put this on display as well as Deadly Class.
Art by: Wes Craig
Rick Remender was always a great writer but I think he’s reached his prime in the last year. Uncanny Avengers came first and then the phenomenal Black Science continued to show why this man is one of the best creators in the business. So when I heard about Deadly Class I was excited Remender was writing a new book but the premise didn’t seem to intrigue me that much. I can’t fathom why I wasn’t in love with the concept because I am now. Where Black Science has been faltering and the mediocre Axis has replaced Uncanny Avengers, Deadly Class is still going very strong. The second arc has been much slower than the first one but it isn’t gratuitous sluggishness. It’s there to build the characters and their relationships which is a warrant for slow-pacing when it can be as good as displayed in the last few issues. However, the formula is starting to drag here. Even so, I would be flabbergasted to flip the final page of Deadly Class issue and think, that was bad. Despite some pacing issues, we've got another great installment of Deadly Class on our hands.
Whereas last issue we got Marcus’ haunting and brutal past, this issue we get a brief overview of how Chico and Maria’s past got intertwined. It’s one of those distressing backstories that Remender is so adept at creating and the few pages allocated to this are viciously saddening. Maria continues to suffer from a destructive depression that is blatantly and constantly eating at her soul. This represents a very difficult situation for Marcus and his good intentions. He clearly wishes to aid the girl in her struggles but can’t seem to bring himself to do it. He wants to be a good person and support others but like many teenagers, can’t seem to pop out of his self-centered bubble. Being close with someone who is depressed is no easy task, especially for a teenager. It requires a lot of courage and selflessness and while Marcus is trying to grasp those qualities he seems to keep falling short, most likely causing insecurities. This scuffle is also emphasized in these pages with Markus’ negligence towards his roommate Shabnam. He clearly states that he wishes to share a friendship with the kid because he was kind to him and showed care when no else did. However, when the opportunity arises, Marcus abandons the boy showing that even though he wishes he did, Marcus doesn’t care about how nice someone is. Remender has a lot to say about teenagers in this series and Marcus’ attitude in this issue is a perfect example of his excellent understanding of people my age.
And while the character moments are exquisite, the plot of this series is moving a little too slowly. It isn’t a huge detriment, but I can’t help but wish that this series was moving along with quick intensity like the inaugural one. Remender is obviously building towards a showdown in the final issues of this arc, but I think he’s moving a little too slowly. The story is starting to drag a little despite the awesome character development. Maybe I’m just impatient, but that’s how I felt when closing this issue.
Deadly Class is amazing representation of young adults. It’s a profound story that will make you reflect on your teenage years and analyze the mindset of someone who is coming into their own as a person. Insecurities are a devastating circle and there aren’t many other comics that put this on display as well as Deadly Class.
A Look Inside
