DEAD END KIDS: THE SUBURBAN JOB #1: One Moment Can Change Everything (SPOILER FREE ADVANCED REVIEW!)

Life can be tough. It’s even tougher to at it alone. For three kids Brian, Amna, and Des all going through their own travesties in life they will need to lean on each other like never as their lives will get turned upside down and set them on a ride through life that will challenge their spirit yet again.

Dead End Kids: The Suburban Job is not your average comic or coming of age tale. It’s a remarkably well-done story that attaches itself to your soul and reminds you that it’s ok to be scared in life, it’s friends and loved ones that will stand with you on the front lines and make sure everyone comes home. It’s nice to take a break from superpowers and capes. Don’t get me wrong, I love that I can connect with Spider-Man and how certain memories are triggered but there is something to be said about a book when you see everyday people go through what you have gone through, seeing their expressions can be a comfort that you didn’t see coming. I thank James Rhodes for his service, however, seeing Brian’s pain and being able to connect on that level sits differently than seeing War Machine.

The story of Brian, Amna, and Des no doubt carry real-life triggers but Gogol tackles that with the utmost care and respect. Panels of the cruelness of high school rain down like salt on an open wound. Now combine that with getting mixed up with the local drug pushers looking for their recently misplaced goods and you’ve got one hell of a story that bounces back and forth unraveling the plot ever so slowly with an off-balance precision that you have no choice but to get hooked. You may find yourself holding back tears, relating to life events, or sitting on the edge of your seat.

You simply don’t read The Suburban Job, you experience it.

Frank Gogol is a magnificent storyteller regardless of genre. There’s authentic magic to his words and how they play out. Humor, caring, and brave, his unique take on real-life issues is a breath of literary fresh air. The world needs more tales like Dead End Kids: The Suburban Tale. I would be remiss, and this review would not be complete without acknowledging the incredible art of Nenad Cviticanin who brings a phenomenal talent that really brings the story to life and at times seems like you are watching a television show and not reading a comic. From the scenes in the hospital, catching perfect facial expressions, his depiction of Gogol’s writing is extraordinary. The impact that lettering has on comics continues to be overlooked, Sean Rinehart’s ability to lift an already incredible story to higher levels should not go unnoticed. His spacing of the dialogue and stressing the aggravation and happiness of the characters add to the excellence that is this book.