Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso, the team behind the award-winning 100 BULLETS, are back with a vengeance in The Blood Brothers Mother #1 out this week from DSTLRY. The story spins out of the team’s short story Deleted Scene #2 which was featured in the publisher’s The Devil’s Cut last year.

On the first page, we’re told that this debut issue was going to be a backstory. Azzarello's script wastes no time crafting a despicable antagonist in Carter, whose heinous actions will leave you seething with rage. Carter and his gang of outlaws’ utter disregard for human life, Grade-A misogyny, and horrific cruelty to animals makes them instantly hateable to an almost over-the-top degree. Carter’s reprehensible actions drive the plot, setting the stage for a thrilling series of revenge as the Blood Brothers will ultimately set out to try and save their mother, Anna, who has been kidnapped by Carter. It turns out Anna is Carter’s ex, who had the “audacity” to marry a different man while he was doing time in a Mexican prison. Toxic masculinity much?

Risso's artwork is a stunning complement to Azzarello's script, perfectly capturing the Western theme with gorgeous watercolors on every page. While some character designs were slightly indistinguishable at times, it never detracted from the immersive atmosphere and environment Risso is creating. The visuals are a perfect blend of gritty designs & pops of color, drawing you in and refusing to let go.

Overall, The Blood Brothers Mother #1 is a gripping and intense start that isn’t for the feint of heart. Even though my blood was boiling with each new action Carter took, I couldn’t put this story down. My only complaint is that there isn’t a ton of focus on the Blood Brothers themselves, so it will be interesting to see how much character development Azzarello puts into the next issue while still moving the plot along.

Rating: 4.5/5