Every so often, a story comes along that doesn't just entertain—it pulls you into its world, kicking and screaming, and refuses to let you go. Deadly Class is one of those rare stories. Equal parts brutal and beautiful, this graphic novel by Rick Remender and Wes Craig is a masterpiece of raw emotion, youthful rebellion, and heart-stopping action. 

For those of us who grew up in the '90s, Deadly Class feels less like fiction and more like a vivid echo of our youth—an era of mixtapes, rebellion, and a sense of belonging that always seemed just out of reach. But even if you didn't live through that time, the story resonates deeply, because it's ultimately about what it means to be young, lost, and fighting for survival.

Imagine, if you will, a high school filled with the worst kinds of people you tried to avoid—or, maybe you were one of them. Think: John Wick in a high school where everyone is a trained killer. But here, everyone's fighting for survival, not popularity. 

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Welcome to King's Dominion Atelier of the Deadly Arts, a school where the worst kinds of people send their children to learn the tools of the trade. But this isn't just a blood-soaked action story; it's a coming-of-age tale set against a backdrop of violence and survival.

The story spans from 1987 to just a few months shy of 2024. Our protagonist, Marcus Lopez, is a homeless teen carrying the weight of his tragic past. Orphaned by a freak accident, Marcus is recruited into this school of killers, but he's not here to climb the social ladder or prove himself. He's here to survive—and maybe, just maybe, to find a place where he belongs.

Marcus is no clean-cut hero. He's angry, broken, and haunted by mistakes he wishes he could undo. His story feels achingly real, especially if you've ever felt like the world was stacked against you. His classmate Saya, born into a Yakuza family, is equally complex—a quiet storm whose loyalty and unpredictability keep you guessing. Or Maria, with her Mexican gang roots, is fiery and dangerous and part of an evolving crazy love triangle. 

Then there's Helmut, a towering metalhead who lives and breathes Slayer, Megadeth, and Sepultura. He's chaos incarnate, but he's also fiercely loyal—a force of nature who adds raw energy to the group. 

And the diversity in this novel? It doesn't feel forced or checked off to satisfy some social media whiners or Netflix. You've got characters like the Native American who holds deep resentment for the white sheriff terrorising his people, and Zanele, who comes from Africa and carries the brutal memories of her parents trafficking girls. It's not just diversity for diversity's sake; these backgrounds matter. They shape the story, making it richer, darker, and more real.

The villains evolve too and they are so well done you love to hate them. These aren't cookie-cutter archetypes. They're messy, flawed, and painfully human, shaped by the brutality of their pasts. And that's what makes them unforgettable.

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A surreal graphic novel by Subimal Misra

Deadly Class is the brainchild of writer Rick Remender and artist Wes Craig, a duo whose combined talents have created something extraordinary.

Remender's writing is razor-sharp, blending dark humor, gut-punching emotion, and a rebellious energy that feels almost autobiographical. A veteran of the comics industry, Remender is known for works like Black Science (2013) and Fear Agent (2005), but Deadly Class might just be his most personal story. It's a reflection of his own youth, capturing the angst, rebellion, and raw energy of growing up in the late '80s. 

Then there's Wes Craig, whose art doesn't just complement the story—it elevates it. His dynamic, explosive style captures every emotion, every punch, and every betrayal with stunning precision. Each panel is a visual feast, drawing you deeper into this chaotic world. Craig's ability to balance frenetic action with intimate, emotional moments is what makes the art in Deadly Class so unforgettable.

And let's not forget Lee Loughridge's colors, which breathe life into every scene, shifting from neon-soaked chaos to stark, emotional stillness. Together, this creative team has crafted a world that feels as alive as it is deadly.

What makes Deadly Class more than just another action-packed graphic novel is its unpredictability. Nothing is ever what it seems. Trust is a fragile currency, and betrayal is always just around the corner. The story is as much about survival as it is about identity, belonging, and the scars we carry.

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Dhaka Comics' 'Protibastob' is a big step forward in our comic book industry

For '90s kids, the cultural references are like a mixtape of our youth—debates over music, the rejection of mainstream sellouts like Guns N' Roses, and the unapologetic love for raw, underground sounds. But even if you didn't grow up in that era, the themes of rebellion and self-discovery are timeless.

This isn't a story for the faint-hearted. It's messy, brutal, and unapologetically real. But that's exactly why it's worth reading. Deadly Class doesn't just tell a story—it demands your full attention, pulling you into its world and leaving you changed. This is a coming of age story that doesn't ask you to fit in; it dares you to care, to pick a side, and then violently yanks the rug from under your feet when you think you've got it figured out.

If you're ready for a story that breaks the rules, challenges your morals, and makes you feel every twist and betrayal, pick up Deadly Class. It's more than a graphic novel—it's a visceral experience. And trust me, you won't come out unscathed.

Ehsanur Raza Ronny is the Deputy Features Editor at The Daily Star.