Good and Evil. Angels and Devils. Right and Wrong. Where does the ends justify its’ means? In the case of Peter Stillman, that answer isn’t so clear. He is considered to live a normal life. Stillman works hard for his wife and two children. The definition of the American Dream.
Underneath the surface, there is much going on. Stillman is far from mundane. His night life consists of some irremediable dealings. The line of work he has chosen isn’t without issues. Stillman is a hitman.
STILLMAN #1 by Curt Pires, Sunando C, Mark Dale and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou walks readers into the balancing of two worlds.
Let’s take a closer look and see which one gives way.
STILLMAN #1 by Curt Pires, Sunando C, Mark Dale and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Comixology Orignals)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The opening chapter has some VERY strong similar themes with the deaths of Sullivan Morrison & Jeffery Epstein. Pires even tips his hand concerning this on an IG post. Nothing is held back with Morrison’s graphic death. It’s what follows suit that throws a cold but complicated wrench into Stillman’s double life. What lies beneath the surface? The question isn’t very clear to answer in its’ inital phase.
Pires showcases a family man that seems very devoted. The narrative turns quickly as he arrives at his office. One phone call sets a deadly journey full speed ahead. Readers watch as Stillman maneuvers and crosses lines to get what he wants. Keeping him a morally grey character works in the writing’s favor. As his plan runs like clockwork, readers are presented a straight forward resolution.
The fallout presents Morrison’s crimes to the forefront. It gives readers more depth behind what transpired. There’s even the sense of what he did was a “good thing”. The morality check is quickly dashed in the fallout. Pires wastes little time reminding readers this was a job. Dialogue with Stillman and his “boss” makes this very clear. This mood carries into the closing pages where the jury is still out on “Who Is Peter Smallman”?
This series will have a rotating artist for each chapter. Sunando C brings readers front row to Morrison’s murder. The full page image leaves nothing to chance. It is a bold statement which never detours from the complexity of Smallman. His “normal” routine with family is presented in a wholesome manner. The time is brief but establishes its’ points. Once a phone call is answered, the art takes a much darker turn.
Smallman’s poker face is front and direct. Each panel, he never breaks from the coldness projected. The only emotions show are towards his manipulated accomplices. This sets the stage for his grand scheme. Dale’s coloring crafts the brooding tone of death coming. This cultivates into a disturbing but blunt mission accomplished.
The full page image puts a large exclamation point on the job. This results in a more calm, but uneasy conclusion. Smallman’s reactions never give readers a clear direction. It is a bonus form the art team to never break this pattern. What seems as a simplistic set-up appears to have many more layers to peel before its’ true form.
OVERALL GRADE: 8
Family Man or Ferocious Killer? That is the puzzle compiling Peter Stillman. Pires’ writing takes readers into a grim aspect of a killer’s mind. The art shows no remorse in the deep rooted character that is about to be unleashed. There’s no telling where things go from here.
Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Stillman #1. Thanks for reading!