Frank Miller
The Big Fat Kill (1994)
Author: Frank Miller
Genre: Graphic Novel (Crime/Caper)
Plot Summary:
This graphic novel is mostly told in the point of view of Dwight, who is one of the main characters in the novel. The graphic novel begins at an apartment in Sin City which belongs to Shellie, who is one of Dwight's love interests. Shellie's sometime boyfriend, Jack,is drunk and has brought some of his friends over to Shellie's with them. Shellie lets them into her apartment and then Jack hits Shellie and gets into a fight with Dwight. Jack and his friends end-up leaving Shellie's apartment and Dwight decides to follow them. They all end-up driving to a place called Old Town. Old Town is a place where the cops, who work in Sin City, have allowed a group of violent prostitutes to rule the area without any trouble from the cops as long as they offer services to the cops, whenever desired,as long as the cops don't disrespect the prostitutes. When Jack and his friends enter Old Town and start bothering one of the prostitutes, the rest of the prostitutes come together and murder J ack and his friends. The reader finds out that Dwight is friends with this group of prostitutes, especially the lead prostitute of the group, Gail. Gail has been a sometime love interest of Dwight's for quite some time. After the murders are finished, Dwight and the prostitutes discover that Jack was a cop and they know that there will be a backlash from the cops and the mobsters because of this. SPOILER: Dwight and the prostitutes cut up Jack's friends and put them in the trunk of a car and they end-up putting Jack in the front seat with Dwight. Dwight leaves Old Town to dispose of the bodies in nearby tarpits but when he arrives at the tarpits, he gets ambushed by some terrorists who are working for the cops and the mob. Meanwhile, Gail is kidnapped by some crooked cops and mobsters and held captive, along with the prostitute that was harassed by Jack and his friends earlier. Back at the tarpits,the terrorists steal Jack's head, so that they can give it the cops and the mob as evidence of Jack being murdered. Dwight ends-up falling into the tarpits but Miho, one of the prostitutes, saves Dwight and kills some of the terrorists. Dwight, Miho, and another prostitute track down the terrorists, they get back Jack's head, and Miho kills the terrorists. Meanwhile, Gail and the other prostitute are still being held by crooked cops and mobsters. Then, we find out that the prostitute that was harassed by Jack and his friends told the cops about the murders of Jack and his friends. The novel ends with a battle between the cops and the mobsters and the prostitutes and Dwight. Dwight and the prostitutes win the battle.
Geographical Setting: Sin City
Time Period: The present day(1994)
Series: The Sin City Series (Volume 3)
Appeal Characteristics:
This graphic novel is fast-paced and filled with constant action. The author does a good job of giving examples of the people and the places that are found in Sin City, including background information about Old Town, the tarpits, and the relationship between Dwight and the prostitutes. There are many characters included in the novel but most of the characters aren't too detailed within the story. The tone of the graphic novel is very dark and serious. The illustrations included in the novel are very interesting because they are all in black and white.
Read-alikes: If you want to read more action-packed graphic novels that includes several characters, I suggest Mike Mignola's novel AIDP:Las Tierras Huecas:BPRD:Hollow Earth and Other Stories. The graphic novel is part of a series about a superhero, who uses humor to deal with the paranormal. If you are interested in reading more graphic novels in the Sin City Series by Frank Miller and you like black and white illustrations, I suggest The Hard Goodbye. The graphic novel is about a man named Marv, who finds out that his girlfriend has been killed and decides to get revenge on her killer. If you enjoy other graphic novels that have elements of murder and men/women relationships, I suggest The Blue Notebook by Andre Juillard. The novel is about a love triangle between a woman and two men, which leads to obsession and a mysterious death. If you are interested in seeing a film about living in Sin City and learning more about the characters that Frank Miller has created, I suggest seeing the film version of Sin City. Sin City is directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriquez and the film is a compilation of four tales written by Frank Miller including The Big Fat Kill. Finally, if you enjoy graphic novels about mobsters and prostitutes, I suggest Top 10:The Forty-Niners by Alan Moore and Gene Ha. The graphic novel is part of a twelve issue series based in futuristic Neopolis, where all the members of the city have superpowers and a group called the Forty-Niners rule and protect the city.
Red Flags: This novel includes constant violence and some nudity.
A Dame to Kill For (1993)
Author: Frank Miller
Genre: Graphic Novel/Suspense (Hard-boiled)
Plot Summary:
Dwight McCarthy is a photographer trying to clean up his act after a rough past full of booze and brawls. His past quickly catches up with him as his irresistible and manipulative ex-wife Ava reappears, seducing Dwight into a trap that leads to corruption and murder. Dwight struggles with his passionate love for Ava while knowing he can never fully trust her. SPOILER: Dwight eventually learns that Ava tricked him into killing her husband only to hire an assassin to kill Dwight next!
Geographical Setting: Basin City (fictional large metropolis in the American West)
Time Period: alternate present
Series: Sin City (Book 2)
Appeal Characteristics:
A Dame to Kill For is a fast-paced, crisp action/mystery that harkens back to the era of Chandler and Hammett. The story reads like a modern noir detective novel "on steroids." The illustrations enhance the raw and gritty mood of the story with bleak, heavily-contrasted black-and-white artwork. Unlike some of the older detective novels, the lines between good and evil are often blurred in Sin City, with corrupt government officials, vigilante hookers, and a hero who uses any means necessary to get what he wants. The story is engaging and an incredibly quick read. It should come as no surprise that this series was turned into a movie; the artwork and story are very cinematic, and fans of pulp detective novels and films will certainly many similarities in A Dame to Kill For. The simple, linear plot is driven by action and snappy dialogue and, more often than not, actions speak for themselves. The story is told in first person from Dwight's point of view so the reader gets to see him wrestle with staying clean or trying to win back his ex-wife. Dwight has some self-control issues, to say the least. He constantly reminds himself: "don't let the monster out." Dwight is probably the most developed character and the reader gets a small glimpse into his past in order to understand his motivations and the tough decisions he's faced with. Most of the secondary characters are stereotypes carried over from classic noir mysteries such as the hooker with a "heart of gold," corrupt millionaire businessman, and so on. Miller's writing style definitely appeals to fans of noir detective novels but adds an element of grisly detail and sexuality that was not present in even some of the most violent pulp novels.
Read-alikes:
Fans of A Dame to Kill For should definitely check out the rest of Frank Miller's Sin City series. The first novel in the series is The Hard Goodbye followed by A Dame to Kill For, The Big Fat Kill, and four more titles although it is not necessary to read the titles in sequential order. In The Hard Goodbye, bouncer Marv (who also appears in A Dame to Kill For) meets the girl of his dreams but she is murdered on their first night together. He then fights to find her killer and avenge her death. The Big Fat Kill is set mainly in Old Town after a very powerful man is mysteriously killed by the ladies there. Plotlines often intersect throughout the series with recurring characters that all live and operate in Basin City. Miller's signature black-and-white, high-contrast art and ultra-violent storytelling are staples of the Sin City series. Readers also might look at Jeph Loeb's Batman: Dark Victory which is deals with a newly-elected Gotham City District Attorney hell-bent on cleaning up the city, including Batman! Leob's artwork has been described as abstract and exaggerated, much like Miller's. Dark Victory is still mainly a "gangster drama" with elements of political corruption and lustful vengeance, although the storyline is more complicated and less predictable than A Dame to Kill For. Brian Azzarello's 100 Bullets series is another interesting twist on crime drama novels. A mysterious man approaches different individuals giving them a gun, one hundred untraceable bullets, and evidence showing how someone has wronged them in the past. These stories deal with the same ethical and self-control issues that Dwight deals with in A Dame to Kill For. Azzarello's series might seem more refreshing after reading a few Sin City books since each story uses different characters and settings instead of the static, somewhat predictable Basin City. But both series are fun reads while maintaining a dark, pessimistic tone. Readers might also like Garth Ennis's Preacher series which should be read in order starting with Gone to Texas. This series also explores deep philosophic issues, this time focusing on faith and religion. The stories follow an ex-preacher on his search for God with his hitman girlfriend and his best friend, a vampire. Gone to Texas uses horrific and disturbing violence as well as constant offensive language but still gives the characters a sense of humanity, and in a way allows readers to look past the main character's misdeeds in light of their higher pursuits of justice and revenge. Mike Mignola's Hellboy: Seed of Destruction is another similar read which explains the origins of Hellboy after a late Nazi experiment, and his beginnings in the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation. Mignola's artwork is very dark, similar to Miller's, and uses a lot of black ink to evoke a horror-like feel. Fans of A Dame to Kill For will also like the anti-hero character of Hellboy, the graphic violence, and simple plotline. Finally, readers might want to grab a copy of Sin City the movie. It includes characters and storylines from the entire Sin City series and is shot in the same high-contrast, black-and-white style as Miller's original artwork. Although the plot is largely lifted from the books, readers might like the incredibly rich special effects and artwork in the film version.
Red Flags: Nudity, sexuality, extreme violence, language
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
Author: Frank Miller
Genre: Graphic Novel (Superhero)
Plot Summary:
Bruce Wayne is mad as hell, and he's not going to take it anymore. Indeed, the Batman emerges after a 10-year retirement to clean up the streets of Gotham City...and not a moment too soon. A gang called the Mutants is running rampant, and crime is out-of-control. Of course, there are those who feel that the Batman's vigilante ways are as bad as the crime he purports to be quashing--in fact, some pundits (and a couple psychiatrist who seem to have no problems justifying the release of allegedly reformed madmen) argue that he's making things worse. Commissioner Gordon, a week shy of his own retirement defends the Batman. Meanwhile, there are those who want to help the Batman. One is a young girl who fashions herself a modern-day Robin (the original Robin having died). The others are the Sons of Batman, a group of vigalantes who take up the Batman's cause but who lack the finesse of the Batman (these folk end up giving the Batman an even worse name in the press. Things come to a head in complex finale that sees the Batman taking on his old nemesis, The Joker, as well as a former ally, Superman, who is now in the employ of the U.S. government and, in the Batman's mind, is a sloppy superhero who needs to be humbled. SPOILER: The Batman and Robin take on a defeat The Joker (but not before The Joker kills scores of victims). The Batman then confronts Superman after the Man of Steel allows a nuclear warhead to create nuclear winter in the northwestern hemisphere. The Batman dies just before killing Superman with the help of The Green Arrow. The Batman dies? Maybe. Read this classic and find out.
Geographical Setting: Gotham City (a fictional East Coast city)
Time Period: Contemporary (allusions abound to the Reagan administration)
Series: There is a sequel entitled The Dark Knight Strikes Again
Appeal Characteristics:
Frank Miller's Batman is a much darker Batman than that of Golden Age comics. Bruce Wayne is Dirty Harry meets Travis Bickle with the body and arsenal of The Terminator. This is Batman at his angriest and most vengeful. There is little humor here. Instead, the reader is treated to a gritty noir superhero graphic novel that draws one in with deft use of cut-away commentary and dual plot lines. Miller's tale is an indictment against crime in the big city under the Reagan administration. The storyline is delivered in four parts, as this graphic novel was released in four installments. The first addresses Batman's emergence from retirement and his confrontation with former adversary Two Face. In the second, Batman finds a new Robin and then takes on the leader of the Mutants, a vicious street gang. In the third, Batman must save the children of Gotham City from the sick plans of The Joker. In the fourth, Batman grows frustrated with Superman's alliance with the U.S. government and seeks to humble the Man of Steel. The artwork in this collection is dense. Miller uses colors well to guide the reader through the narrative, his lines are drawn with intent, his characters exude power, and the facial expressions tell half the story. The driving force in this classic graphic novel, however, is the extremely intense inner conflict felt by the main character, Batman. He is haunted by his past, and tortured by the limits of his present world (the world prohibits superheroes). Most of the action revolves around his conflict. Sometimes it is not clear to the reader, whose side Batman is on, (good or bad). The fact that Batman is a superhero, is also an appeal characteristic. The story takes place in the future, but it is obvious that the politics behind the scenes have been seen in our recent past (the 1980s). I have read faster-paced graphic novels, but none nearly as compelling and satisfying.
Read-alikes: If you really enjoyed this (and love Batman), then you'll want to track down Miller's sequel, The Dark Knight Strikes Again (2002), and the recently issued prequel, Batman: Year One (2005), which gives a great picture of the conflict that is part of Batman's life. Watchmen, by Alan Moore, is a graphic novel that was a contemporary to The Dark Knight Returns. The characters in Watchmen are well developed and there are also superheroes facing challenges as Batman does. Kurt Busiek wrote a graphic novel Superman: Secret Identity. This novel does not follow the superman, but a boy who happens to have the name Clark Kent. It details his struggle to find his identity and along the way, Clark actually gains superman's powers and has to deal with all of those implications. Astro City, also by Busiek has many of the same issues found in The Dark Knight Returns. The dark, sinister city is overrun by criminals thus there is a similar feel. The illustrations in this graphic novel were painted and would especially appeal to the artistic minded reader. Kingdom Come by Mark Waid is a futuristic story in which Superman and Batman battle like they did in Miller's version. The story is not quite as dark, but the same characters are used. If you seek more Frank Miller, another excellent graphic novel series of his is the "Sin City" series (the first is The Hard Goodbye, 1991). There's a lot more Frank Miller where that came from. If you enjoyed the vigilante aspect of the novel, try 'V' Is for Vendetta by Alan Moore. This graphic novel is very similar to Miller's in both tone and look. Excellent superhero comics include Superman: The Man of Steel by John Bryne (which, like Miller's tale, is a reinvention of the saga of one of the best-known superhereos) and Frank Miller's Daredevil: Born Again. Another excellent superhero graphic novel series is James Robinson's "Starman" series (the first is Starman: Sins of the Father). Robinson's hero is not the gritty vigilante of Miller and Moore's tales, but the fans of this series are legion, and the tale is top-notch. Another great read for superhero fans is The Authority Volume 1: Relentless by Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch. This is the book that coined the term “wide-screen comics” and is a story that uses many recognizable superhero archetypes and turns them on their ears.
Red Flags: Loads of violence. Not a lot of blood, but the body count is way up there.
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