Advance Review: Stand Your Ground Laws Take Center Stage In ‘No/One’ #6

The United States was founded with the central idea that personal rights were of paramount importance. From freedom of expression to the right to a speedy trial to protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Without wading into the debate over the precise meaning of the Constitution’s Second Amendment, laws reinforcing citizens’ right to defend themselves have been in the public eye since the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin under Florida’s so called “stand your ground” law. In its latest issue, No/One takes up this controversial topic and throws in some modern media scrutiny to deliver a strong start to its second and final story arc.

In the story by Kyle Higgins and Brian Buccellato, Pittsburgh has been grappling with a copycat killer, following the arrest and subsequent release of the main suspect in the original murders. Complicating matters are that the man first arrested is the former assistant police chief’s son. And the copycat may, in fact, be the original killer.

Meanwhile the local newspaper, under pressure to become relevant again in the new media age, delivers an inflammatory podcast that names possible identities of the vigilante No/One. That enumerate acts as a target list for the killer. Meanwhile a local Republican senator seizes the opportunity to make some political hay and introduces legislation that would allow Pennsylvanians more freedom to defend themselves using deadly force.

While the story involves a vigilante, Higgins and Buccellato are writing something very grounded in No/One. It’s like their version of The Wire, where the come at the problem from multiple perspectives, including the police, the media, and conflicted family members. It’s an adult story – one that could easily happen in the real world. That, of course, makes it that much more frightening – yet still compelling.

As is typically the case with this limited series, the character No/One doesn’t appear until nearly the end of the issue for a fight scene. And yet the tempo never drags, thanks to the strong writing as well as Geraldo Borges’ illustration skills. Borges doesn’t have the opportunity to draw much action here, but when he does it is strong and clear. And the first several pages of the book fly by as he offers some unique visual perspectives.

Midway through its run, No/One continues to impress. If you’re looking for an adult story that will make you think about the real world, it’s worth checking out.

No/One #6 will be available for purchase on November 1, 2023.