With the “Kick-Ass” movie buzz, one may have overlooked this week’s release of issue #7.  Unfortunately, the release schedule has been sporadic, but nevertheless Kick-Ass is here.

Mark Millar’s expose into every comic nerd’s daydream to squeeze into tights and start kicking ass gets a bloody dose of reality.  The author left our gang of comic book hero wannabes in the hands of angry mobsters, who are all too real.  Red Mist betrays Big Daddy, Hit-Girl, and Kick-Ass; torture and death ensue.  No need to reveal who dies and how – it’s brutal, messy, sadistic, cringe-worthy, and blood soaked.

John Romita Jr.’s art takes center stage this issue, simply because a plot is non-existent.  By allowing these pages to be dominated by uber-violence, the talented writing skills of Millar are not evident.  I found the level of violence disturbing in this issue for one reason – these characters are kids!  This issue could have used a little more plot.  Romita does a fine job of capturing the details of the tortures and executions (if that’s a good thing).  The art is bloody, but very well done.

Mark Millar sets the stage to conclude this inaugural story arc (or series?) with the next issue.  How much more can the characters take and keep going?  We are pushing the limit here, but Kick-Ass is a fun comic fan fantasy, as long as you can stomach the violence.  As Kick-Ass plans his revenge for next issue, I’m looking forward to it.  I just hope it comes out on time.

4 out of 5

Fans at Comic-Con were treated to ten minutes of the Kick-Ass movie adaption and luckily for those of us who could not attend, someone cammed it.  If the studio is smart, they will let the clips stay up, but you never know, so watch them now.  Not familiar with Kick-Ass?  It’s easy to catch up on because since debuting in April 2008, only six issues have been released.  I guess if I got a movie deal, I’d focus more on that too.

I found the clips over at Bleeding Cool. Check it out.

After a long wait, issue six of Kick-Ass comes out swinging!  Author Mark Millar provides the sadistic and darkly humorous origin of Big Daddy and his adolescent daughter Hit Girl.

I must admit I was disappointed with the addition of would-be heroes to the Kick-Ass universe.  I felt it detracted from Kick-Ass’ uniqueness and was in danger of turning a great character concept into a cliché within its own title.  The last two issues weren’t bad, they just took a direction I felt weakened a great idea.

This issue I resolved to buckle in for the ride and trust Millar’s demented mind.  I am glad I did.  The origin tale of Big Daddy and his deadly offspring Hit Girl is a blast.  How does a former cop who lives to avenge his wife turn his innocent daughter into a ruthless killing machine?  Read the first few pages of this book; you’ll cringe and laugh you ass off.  It’s a stylish blend of the macabre and the comical.   After the origin story, Millar brings us back to the present as Big Daddy enlists Kick-Ass and his two-bit partner Red Mist to team up.  The last pages drop two big cliffhangers, making it tough to wait for number seven.

John Romita Jr. is drawing a striking book.  His forte is laying out the panels and progressing the action.  His simple style serves to make the uber-violence and action pop off the pages.  Dean White colors are becoming a noticeable plus for an already strong book.

Kick-Ass is wickedly sick and devilishly funny. If lots of blood and a brutal pummeling here and there won’t offend you, pick it up.

4.5 out of 5