My Hereos Have Always Been Junkies is the first standalone graphic novel by the creators of my favorite gritty crime comics (including the ongoing Criminal series, The Fade Out, recently concluded Kill or Be Killed, and Fatale (a fabulous combination of cosmic horror and and hard-boiled noir). Although this story stands alone, like all the other tales created by Brubaker and Phillips, this is not a place to look for a happy ending. BUT. You aren’t going to get the ending you might be expecting either. Quick, dirty, soulful, and completely satisfying. This book exemplifies why I make sure to read everything that this creative duo puts out.