100 Bullets #4

100 Bullets #4 was published in 1999 as part of the initial arc of the acclaimed Vertigo series written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso. Created during a period of creative resurgence for DC Comics’ mature-readers imprint, the series was designed to blend noir aesthetics with a sprawling, conspiratorial narrative. The fourth issue serves as a critical entry point, furthering the anthology-style structure where mysterious agent Graves offers ordinary individuals a briefcase containing an untraceable handgun and immunity from prosecution to seek vengeance against those who have wronged them.

Eduardo Risso’s distinct artistic approach, characterized by heavy shadows, stark contrast, and an emphasis on mood, was instrumental in defining the visual language of the title. Critics and readers alike praised the collaboration for its gritty, cinematic quality and moral ambiguity. Upon its release, the issue helped solidify 100 Bullets as a foundational work of modern crime fiction in comics, eventually leading to multiple Eisner and Harvey Award wins for the creative team.