A sensitive hit man: Deadshot #1

Deadshot: The hit man who goes where superheroes can't! Like icky hotels in the seedy part of town, and other unsavory places. Okay, maybe superheroes CAN go there, they just choose not too. Perhaps Deadshot should re-think his slogan. Don't tell him, though. You wouldn't want to hurt his feelings.

DC's Deadshot #1 (of 5) gives the nefarious hit man, and all-around bad guy, a chance to grab the spotlight as the star of his own series. In the action-packed opening scene, Deadshot, along with fellow bad people Killer Frost, Firebug and the Closer, carries out a hit on a really well-protected Russian mob target. Watching D.S. do his stuff, it readily becomes apparent that he doesn't play well with others. Not even other bad guy types.

"Law and Order" writer Christos N. Gage then spends a few pages getting under Deadshot's skin. (Not really a very nice place to be!) D.S., AKA Floyd Lawton, has not had the best life. From parents who disowned him to the tragic fate of his son, existence has been pretty grim for Floyd. He makes it clear that he doesn't have a death-wish, he just plain doesn't care whether he lives or dies. The chance discovery of a previously unknown daughter brings out Floyd's soft and fuzzy side (which is NOT really very soft or fuzzy) and Deadshot moves into the seedy side of town (remember the icky hotel?) to start cleaning up the streets.

The story moves along at a good pace, with lots of action and very nice art from penciller Steven Cummings. The only possible complaint about Cummings' art is that he makes some things look too good. The icky side of town and the resident "crack ho's" don't look half bad. His rendition of Killer Frost would make a lot of men seriously consider taking up villainy as a career.

For a guy who doesn't care about life, Deadshot sure helps a lot of other folks end theirs. If you like tough guy comics, great action and bullet wounds, you should not miss Four Color Fantasies' Book of theWeek-Deadshot #1! Besides, if you don't buy it, you might hurt Floyd's feelings. And I think I have already made it clear that you do not want to do that!