Savage Sword of Criminal (One-Shot)

   I was a big fan of Marvel's Savage Sword of Conan magazine - it was basically an over-sized black-and-white comic book that was often more adult than the regular Conan comic book.

   So I couldn't resist picking up the Savage Sword of Criminal one-shot, as it combines barbaric sword-and-sorcery with the gritty story of an extraordinarily tough crook who's trying to survive his final days in prison.

   It's an odd mix - but it actually works, though the story it tells (both stories) is pretty gruesome.

   But that's what you'd expect from this series by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips - it's a realistic, warts-and-all approach to the world of crime, and it pulls no punches.

   This is definitely not a comic for kids - it's loaded with graphic violence, harsh language and a few naked ladies.

   But if you have fond memories of the original magazine, this clever homage will bring a smile - ever through the blood and guts.

Grade: A-

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