No. 1 With A Bullet #3 Review

Conversations with the Black Dahlia

Written by: Jacob Semahn
Art by: Jorge Corona
Colors: Jen Hickman
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy

This book has been a highlight of the last couple of months. It was nice to see it arrive in my comic box for the start of 2018. This issue starts to deal with the aftermath of Nash's experience and draws out some interesting points on perception. Let's see how it goes.


The key point explored by Semahn in this issue is the fallout from the leaked sex tape featuring Nash and her former boss Jad Davies. There are two important elements shown in this. Firstly, the public consumption of, and reaction to, it - how Jad is dealt with mild humor and part-hero worship for his role. We hear him on the phone with Maddox, who is persuading Jad to exploit the tape to cement a new reputation as a "hard rock sex symbol".

The second element is the contrasting reaction to Nash. The opening text boxes show the unreasonable treatment of her, the detective that investigates the attack on her home refers to it as "her sex tape", she then suffers an extraordinary breakdown in the museum. This latter point is highlighted to great effect by Corona and Hickman in their art, particularly the dream sequence where Nash converses with the Black Dahlia.

This issue is very much a pause in the forward narrative of the series to make time to depict the impact of events upon those at the center of them. The contrast between the treatment of Jad with the treatment of Nash is a key element of the tale. The overall mystery of who is behind the attack on Nash's home is preserved for the next issues of the book.

Bits and pieces

This issue takes a break from the ongoing narrative to ruminate on the after-effects of the leaked sex tape. It is less about action and more about character insight. I was happy with the departure for a single issue, and the book hit home. Hopefully, the next issue will drive the storyline forward again to allow readers to appreciate events in light of the background provided in this issue. A solid contribution to the series.

7.5/10