Tyler Kirkham’s comic Final Boss packs more than a punch. It’s a rollicking, fast-paced, high-octane, blood-soaked debut issue. But don’t be fooled, it also sets up a gripping and captivating narrative.
If you’re seeking an over-the-top adventure comic with no holds barred action, look no further than Final Boss by superstar artist Tyler Kirkham (Amazing Spider-Man, Green Lantern). The new series is Kirkham’s debut at Image Comics, and it’s bound to make a mighty and memorable impression.
The mega-sized, 48-page debut issue of Final Boss follows Tommy Brazen, who uses his immense strength for various paid enforcer gigs and street fights. The strength he possesses hails from a past dating back to his grandfather, who uncovered a mysterious island while fighting in the Pacific during the Second World War, and found secrets hidden within. Something about his unique lineage has given him super strength… and maybe a bit more than that.
Struggling for an income, and wanting cash to travel and learn more about his father’s strange disappearance, Brazen turns his head to dangerous street gigs and brutal brawls in an underground Masked Fighting League. While it might seem like he gets himself embroiled in brawls above his skill level, Brazen is more than capable than just about anyone. Tommy Brazen doesn’t just enter the ring, he explodes into it.
There’s something inherently nostalgic about Final Boss. It pays great homage to classic beat ’em up arcade games of the ’80s and ’90s. The hyper-violent action scenes move forward at a breakneck pace. It’s cinematic in style, putting the reader right in the Octagon with Brazen as he battles one of the most fearsome foes on the streets. Kirkham throws punch after punch, never holding back, not once compromising on brutality; but doubling down on it.
All of that said, it can be easy to be so bogged down in the gorgeously gruesome action that the actual story gets forgotten. However, Kirkham sets up a tale full of mystery, secrecy and legend. Brazen has a recurring dream about his grandfather, where he locates a historic shrine on an unexplored island. What did he really uncover there? And how are these powers linked to it? Issue #1 will feed you plenty of blood and violence, but it’ll leave you pondering tons of questions. Come for the action, stay for the gripping story. I can’t wait to see how it evolves.
With Final Boss, Tyler Kirkham delivers a knockout debut for Image Comics.
Final Boss #1 debuts November 19 from Image Comics.
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