Hitman’s Holiday Over? THE KILLER Returns This May!
Great news for fans of gripping crime noir comics! Announced today, April 9, 2025, the wait is nearly over for the return of the Eisner Award-nominated series that inspired David Fincher’s stylish Netflix adaptation. BOOM! Studios has unveiled the first look at THE KILLER: AFFAIRS OF THE STATE II #1, continuing the iconic French crime saga from the masterful writer/artist duo of Matz and Luc Jacamon. This highly anticipated next chapter, skillfully translated by Edward Gauvin and lettered by AndWorld Design, is set to hit comic shops on May 7, 2025, promising another dive into the cold, calculating world of a professional assassin.
The original series earned critical acclaim for its stark portrayal of a hitman’s methodical existence, blending internal monologue with sudden bursts of intense action. Matz’s sharp writing and Jacamon’s atmospheric art created a truly unique reading experience. Now, after navigating complex political entanglements in the previous Affairs of the State volume, where does our titular Killer find himself?
What Awaits in THE KILLER AFFAIRS OF THE STATE II #1?
The initial details paint a picture of attempted tranquility, perhaps inevitably disrupted. Our protagonist, the unnamed Killer, has established a new, remote base of operations nestled deep within the mountains of the South of France. From this secluded cabin, he attempts to maintain his meticulous routine. He accepts assignments with cold precision, executes them flawlessly (or as close as possible), and immediately retreats to his sanctuary. This practiced cycle represents his attempt at control in a chaotic profession. He treats each mission as a distinct operation, separate from whatever life he maintains in his hideout.
However, solitude is a fragile commodity. This carefully constructed routine faces an unexpected challenge with the arrival of new neighbors. This sudden, unanticipated development throws a wrench into the Killer’s isolated existence. The press release hints that this encounter holds the potential to fundamentally alter the Killer’s perspective on the world. Could human connection begin to chip away at his professional detachment? For a man whose life depends on anonymity, control, and emotional distance, any significant change introduces immense risk. As the synopsis chillingly notes, for someone in his line of work, change isn’t just dangerous – “It’s deadly.” This central conflict promises a tense exploration of the Killer’s psyche in THE KILLER AFFAIRS OF THE STATE II #1.
Creative Team & Legacy: THE KILLER AFFAIRS OF THE STATE II #1
The magic of The Killer lies significantly in the seamless collaboration between writer Matz and artist Luc Jacamon. Matz provides the sparse, compelling internal narrative and sharp plotting, while Jacamon delivers moody, realistic artwork that perfectly captures the atmosphere, whether it’s a tense stakeout or a quiet moment of reflection. Their synergy has defined the series for years. Equally important for the English-language edition are translator Edward Gauvin, who ensures Matz’s nuances come through, and letterer AndWorld Design, whose work integrates the text smoothly with Jacamon’s visuals.
Adding to the excitement for THE KILLER AFFAIRS OF THE STATE II #1 are stunning variant covers from highly sought-after illustrators Tyler Boss (known for What’s the Furthest Place From Here) and Christian Ward (acclaimed for Batman: City of Madness), offering collectors alternative artistic interpretations alongside Jacamon’s main cover.
This series finds its home within BOOM! Studios’ prestigious Archaia imprint. Archaia has a well-earned reputation for publishing high-quality, often literary graphic novels and sophisticated genre comics. It stands alongside titles like the Slaughterhouse-Five adaptation, Roxane Gay’s The Sacrifice of Darkness, Frank “Big Black” Smith’s vital Big Black: Stand at Attica, and licensed works based on properties like The Magicians and Jim Henson’s creations. The inclusion of The Killer within this lineup speaks volumes about its quality and narrative depth. The series’ Eisner Award nomination and the high-profile David Fincher film further cement its status as a modern classic of the crime genre in comics.
Mark your calendars! THE KILLER AFFAIRS OF THE STATE II #1 arrives in local comic shops on May 7, 2025. Fans can pre-order their copies now to ensure they don’t miss out. Digital versions will also be available on platforms like Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play for those who prefer reading digitally. Prepare for another calculated descent into darkness.
