AWA Studios; $9.99 

Randall Crane was living an unassuming life as a professor of Russian and Slavic studies. It just so happens that he used to be the United States’ best spy/wet works operative in Russia. He was pulled back into the life for a secret mission, but his support team was quickly taken out, leaving him isolated and on the run. 

In 2021-2023, Cullen Bunn wrote a few dark series that I really enjoyed, including Basilisk at BOOM! and Book of Shadows at Valiant. His characters are tough, and his stories are both direct and complex, which is something he repeats in Red Zone. From the first issue, a lot was going on. The book has threats on multiple sides, and it leaves the reader knowing that things are going to get messier, but Crane is poised to handle it with cleverness and precision action.  

Mike Deodato Jr. and colorist Lee Loughridge nailed the art. The characters are well defined and there are many creative angles used to depict the drama and action, then the heavy usage of shadows and limited color palate give it a real cloak and dagger feel. 

–Amanda Sheriff