Letter from a Hitman #1 - Comic Review
When your past is a mystery, your future is a target.
It’s been a while, and reviewing comics is not too different from riding a bike. You still know how to do it, but the first ride back might be a little wobbly. So, I’m pacing myself.
The past few weeks have been ridiculously busy—consultant by day, comic nerd by night—so while I haven’t had time to write reviews, I’ve definitely kept up with my reading.
And that brings me to Letters from a Hitman. I exchanged a few emails with Stevie a couple of weeks ago, and he mentioned the series to me. Work was starting to get intense, so I bookmarked it for later. Fast-forward to today, and when I needed a comic fix, Letters from a Hitman was the first thing that came to mind.
Introduction
Letters from a Hitman is a 12-issue indie comic series that blends neo-noir grit with psychological intrigue. Following Natasha, a memory-wiped assassin, the series is told through the letters she writes to herself—each one unraveling a past the criminal world tried to erase. As Natasha rediscovers who she was, she finds herself caught between duty, survival, and conscience. What begins as another job becomes a fight to reclaim her identity— and maybe even a chance at redemption.
Overview by the Author
I didn’t even need that introduction to get hooked. Honestly, this is one of those rare cases where I was sold on the title alone. But the intro sealed the deal. I love a good hitman story—and when you mix in mystery, survival, and psychological depth? You’ve definitely got me as a reader.
Before I jump into the story, though, I should clear that this is not a one-off story. Stevie is going to publish 12 issues per arc, each arc telling the story of a different hitman.
Story
Natasha’s story is one of survival, betrayal, and a glimmer of hope, though not all of that is immediately clear. The first issue drops you straight into the action. Natasha is a trained killer, and that becomes obvious from the very first pages.
I really enjoyed the opening chapter and meeting key characters like Silas, her handler, and Kiera, the tech genius. The groundwork is being laid, and while you won’t get all the answers just yet, there’s enough here to pull you in.
The author compares Letters of a Hitman to Killing Eve and The Bourne Identity, and I can definitely see the similarities. It has that same blend of intelligence, danger, and psychological tension.
As you might expect from a hitman, Natasha isn't one for long conversations. Most of the dialogue is internal, told through the letters she writes to herself. It’s a smart narrative choice that adds emotional weight and gives us a deeper look into her mind.
And of course, no hitman story is complete without a layer of mystery. The final "client" Silas assigns to Natasha is clearly not your average target. It’s the kind of twist that leaves you needing to know what comes next. (like I do!)
Art
I don’t know Stevie personally—we’ve only exchanged a few emails. When I first visited his website, my initial thought (and I mean this in the best way possible because I love graffiti) was, “This guy looks like he’s painted the sides of buildings.”
The art in Letters from a Hitman strikes a unique balance between stylized grit and neon-soaked atmosphere. The cityscapes are awash with vibrant purples, greens, and blues, giving the urban setting a dreamlike, almost cyberpunk vibe. It feels alive—busy, chaotic, but also detached, which fits perfectly with Natasha’s internal state.
Character design leans toward expressive minimalism. Natasha’s bold eyes, sharp jawline, and hooded figure convey emotional weight without the need for excessive detail. The use of shadows and color gradients adds depth to scenes, especially during rainy or night sequences, giving everything a film noir flavor with a modern digital twist.
Panels are laid out with intention. There’s a deliberate rhythm in the way action builds, with quiet inner monologue moments followed by fast, sharp bursts of violence. One moment you’re staring at a city skyline bathed in fluorescent haze, and the next you're right behind the scope of a sniper rifle.
The use of handwritten notes and textured overlays reinforces the psychological undertones. You’re not just seeing what Natasha sees—you’re inside her mind, reading the fragments she leaves behind to stay grounded.
This isn’t a hyper-realistic comic, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it leans into its stylized choices to deliver mood and tone. It feels like Sin City met Blade Runner, and had a baby raised on spy thrillers and tragic poetry.
Conclusion
Letters from a Hitman kicks off with a strong first issue that doesn’t waste time holding your hand. It drops you right into Natasha’s world and lets you piece things together through her fragmented memories and internal reflections. Between the moody art, the layered storytelling, and the intriguing characters, this feels like the start of something really promising.
If you're into slow-burn mysteries, morally grey assassins, or just want a comic that does something a little different with the genre, this one is worth checking out. I’m definitely sticking around to see where Natasha’s story leads.