Showdown #1 takes the classic revenge tale blended with a Western face-off and drops into a struggling modern suburb and it works surprisingly well. Writer Dave Wielgosz crafts a story where the two main characters feel real and equally broken in a way where you can honestly understand the frustration, pain, and the need to move on. This is in addition to what might be my favorite artwork of the year by Tadd Galusha. The first issue of Showdown hits hard from the start.
Some things you just can’t get over. When Trish Sullivan left her hometown for college, she left behind unfinished business. Now she’s back and looking to settle up.
Trish blames Harvey Harlowe for the death of her little brother, so Trish’s homecoming is an eye-for-an-eye mission. She’s going to kill him, and Harvey should get his affairs in order. But Harvey’s dad has just died, and an injury destroyed his football scholarship. Without a future ahead of him, Trish’s challenge is all the more welcome. He’s more than ready to go down fighting, and no one is going to step in and save him.
There is something special about Showdown as a revenge story and these unique characters who have nothing to lose as they feel they have already lost the things that matter the most to them. You can feel their frustration with one’s inability to move on and the other’s recent struggles. It’s hard to feel for either one as they both seem to be twisted in what they should do. But I guess a showdown with one winner is the answer.
The funny thing is that these two characters are not the only thing that feels broken in this small town. The entire community feels like they are struggling and it’s just these two who want to do something about it. The drama is high, and the violent behavior is coming to a head. It’s a unique way to handle a revenge story.
While the story itself was what had me hooked from the solicitation, its the artwork within the book that really had me excited. Galusha’s illustrations have this amazing vibe to them that is filled with animation as well as emotion. The characters spoke to me and the backgrounds had me immersed in the story. This artwork is by far some of the best of the year in comics so far.
Showdown is the type of story that takes the typical revenge trope and turns it on its head, blending familiar western-style face-off and turning it into something raw, current, and emotional. Dave Wielgosz delivers on some deeply flawed and frustrated characters you can’t root for but also kind of understand their motivations. Tadd Galusha’s outstanding artwork brings this story to a new level with unique style and illustrations. Showdown is a raw and unforgettable revenge tale with some of the best artwork of the year.
Showdown #1 hits local comic shops on May 13, 2026 from Ignition Press.
Showdown #1 Preview
