Final Boss # 1
Writer: Tyler Kirkham
Artists: Tyler Kirkham with David Miller
Colorist: Ifansyan Noor
Letterer: Troy Petri
Final Boss created by Tyler Kirkham
Cover Date: November 2025
Rating: 8.5/10
This week, I review issue one of “Final Boss” from Image Comics, the debut series by artist Tyler Kirkham, who serves as both artist and writer. Trying to carve a new path, Tommy Brazen uses his new powers for paid enforcer jobs and street fights, only to discover a much more complex past. On the surface, this concept is like a love letter to ‘90s and 2000s high-octane action movies, celebrating their brutal violence and broken bodies. It takes time for readers to connect with Tommy Brazen as a compelling character, mainly due to Kirkham’s heavily expositioned, scattered storytelling. Unfortunately, his action references feel overbearing, as Kirkham openly displays his influences to no end. However, his art consistently offers dynamic visuals and heightens the ‘extreme’ factor. While his writing could benefit from refinement, the premise offers plenty of potential to excite and energize readers. Although the series relies heavily on its influences—particularly Street Fighter—this project is clearly a labor of love for Kirkham. Once readers dive in, they’ll find an action-packed debut that hits hard creatively, promising an engaging experience full of surprises.
Well, that’s it for me. Thanks for sticking around, and I look forward to seeing you all next time.
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