Review: 

Issue #2: As with any cliff-hanger that paces itself even remotely well, the pace picks up and drops you right on the precipice in this issue.  Things are poised to end nicely in issue 3.

My only gripe is that the answers arrived at in issue 2 weren't even hinted at in issue 1.  This is a title billed as suspense that doesn't really leave room for speculation on the part of its readers, which makes this a slightly two-dimensional experience.

While it holds together decently enough, leaving more to the imagination of those following the story would probably have made this a four or five-star title.

Issue #3: I think the only disadvantage I had in approaching the conclusion was the lack of knowledge of the other S.Q.R.L. operatives - which would have helped me to put the pieces together myself.  The great pacing of the series continues and the ending doesn't leave the reader feeling as if they've either been rushed or dropped at the end-point, but I would have liked a little more flexibility to try to solve the murder myself.  Maybe I'm in the minority for feeling that way over a title like this.

In the end, I rather liked the edge this issue took with regards to the killer's motive.  I'd be very interested in seeing that theme carried out as the sole focus of another series from Panel Press involving the S.Q.R.L. 

Issue 2 left me a little cold, but it was simply a bridge between the opening and the closing and not a huge statement in itself.  The conclusion of this mini-series elevated it to a 4-star effort and shows that this organization and its operatives are more than an ample medium for creating memorable and compelling stories.

Overall: 4 stars.

Alex Haas

Review: Despite the fact that I jumped into these series later, I really enjoyed 'Death, Cold as Steel.'

I must immediately jump into the artwork. The artwork has a unique style, and occasionally looks like the artist didn't use anything other than a sharpie marker. I'm hoping that no one will complain that the artwork looks unfinished, because I absolutely love this look. You can see the original strokes by the artist, displaying true talent. I like to think that I have a bit of artistic talent, however I could never be able to draw an entire scene, with such detail, using only a sharpie.

And the story is quite compelling, but does not fully engage the reader. As Alex mentioned, the reader can not solve the mystery on their own, too much of the plot is concealed. I often felt like I was being dragged along, and never really caught up with the plot when I should. On the other hand, the entire moody detective atmosphere is well done.

At first, I was a little turned off by the plot, due to Marvel's similar plotline concerning Captain America, however I realize now that this was merely a co-incidence.

This mystery story is no Encyclopedia Brown novel, but give it a read. The books have a great concept, which I hope will continue.

Overall: 4 stars.

Anthony Tersine