Comics Crux

       

With it’s first issue out today from Image Comics, Howard Chaykin releases Black Kiss 2, a return to his controversial predessor from the 1980s Black Kiss. When Black Kiss had originally been published, it was through a minor publisher, Vortex Press, and wrapped in plastic because of its mature content. Now though, Black Kiss 2 will sit out for all to enjoy the six issue miniseries. 

When BLACK KISS first came out, it was a hard-boiled thriller dealing with both Hollywood and vampires that also happened to have explicit sex and violence. This new series looks back at old characters like Beverly Grover, while examining how eroticism has evolved from the start of the 20th century to today. 

While Chaykin admits that Black Kiss 2 is “considerably filthier” than the original, Black Kiss was also a reaction to comic book publishers who worked together to create a rating system. Chaykin says, “I set out to do an incredibly offensive comic book just because I felt I could.” 

While the comic was was dirty and violent, Chaykin wanted it to have some geniune laughs. He reports, “It’s offensive and horrible but very funny.”

(Source: USA Today)