🕶️ Comic Review: Stillman #1 by Curt Pires (Comixology Originals, Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A chilling, character-driven thriller that explores the duality of man—Curt Pires launches a gripping new series with a morally complex protagonist and a stark, cinematic style.
🧠 Overview
Published in July 2025 by Comixology Originals, Stillman #1 is the debut issue of a five-part comic series written by Curt Pires, with art by Sunando C, colors by Mark Dale, and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. The story introduces Peter Stillman, a man living two lives: by day, he’s a devoted husband and father chasing the American dream; by night, he’s a cold-blooded hitman with deep ties to organized crime.
The issue opens with a brutal execution and quickly pivots to domestic tranquility, setting up a narrative built on contrasts—between light and dark, love and violence, and the masks we wear.
🔍 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🧔 Dual identity: Stillman’s transformation from family man to killer is chillingly seamless, raising questions about morality and compartmentalization
- 🕵️ Cold War echoes: The story hints at political undertones and covert operations, adding depth to the thriller setup
- 🎨 Visual storytelling: Sunando C’s art is minimalist but expressive, using close-ups and stark contrasts to convey emotion and tension
- 🎭 Psychological tension: The narrative explores how far one can go to protect a double life—and what happens when the walls begin to crack
“Stillman #1 takes a page from its protagonist’s book, and offers a study in contrasts… packed with plenty of layers.” — AIPT Comics review
💬 Critical Reception
- ⭐ Critic rating: 8.0/10 on ComicBookRoundUp
- 📖 Reviewers praise the issue’s tight pacing, layered writing, and striking visual tone
- 🧾 AIPT calls it “a study in contrasts,” highlighting the emotional complexity and visual rhythm
- 💬 Nerd Initiative notes the story’s moral ambiguity and bold opening, comparing it to real-world scandals for added weight
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Serialized format: This is Issue #1 of 5—expect setup and foreshadowing rather than full resolution
- 🧠 Mature themes: Includes graphic violence and psychological depth—best suited for adult readers
- 🎨 Rotating artists: Future issues will feature different illustrators, offering varied visual interpretations of Stillman’s world
🏁 Final Verdict
Stillman #1 is a taut and thought-provoking thriller that sets the stage for a morally complex journey. Curt Pires crafts a compelling antihero in Peter Stillman, and the creative team delivers a visually arresting debut that’s equal parts noir, psychological drama, and slow-burn suspense. If you enjoy stories that explore the cost of living a double life, this series is worth following.
