Federico DN's Reviews > Sin City Volume 1: The Hard Goodbye

Sin City Volume 1 by Frank Miller
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really liked it
bookshelves: comics, adapted, crime, almost-fav

Goldie and the Beast.

Marv is a penniless hulking brute from a forgotten part of Sin City, but one lucky night he finds heaven in the arms of the most beautiful woman he has ever seen— Goldie— only to find her dead the morning next, and he being framed for her murder. Who wanted this angel dead? And why? One way or another, Marv is going to find out.

This was a very fine comic, and just by having experienced the first of seven issues I can see where its legendary fame comes from. The storytelling is simple yet also very dark and complex. The full story neatly divided into 13 short chapters of 8-12 pages each. The characters all but marginal, rogue and violent, yet everyone extremely compelling in their own twisted way. Marv, Goldie, Lucille, Wendy, Roark, all fantastic. The illustrations are beautifully artistic, exceptionally well designed, and drawing a lot of attention to themselves, my only gripe that I couldn't understand some of them. The black and white style is undeniably unique and with a superb neo-noir vibe.

I have very few comics in my shelves, most acquired randomly during my childhood; and even though I read this digitally, this is one of few exceptions that I wouldn't mind owing in physical format, to feel, glance and admire once in a while. All in all, this was a superb comic, an even though it wasn't exactly a favorite, still looking forward to reading and completing the rest of the series, very, very soon.

**** The movie (2005) is an admirable adaptation, capturing much of the comic's soul and style. Mickey Rourke playing a fantastic Marv. Kevin the creepiest thing on earth, as much as in the comic. Flawless scenography, casting and ambience, with several unforgettable moments not easy to forget. So dark, and violent! Yet masterful in its way. Extremely faithful to the book. Highly recommendable. (8/10)



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PERSONAL NOTE : Watched the movie first.
[1991] [208p] [Comic] [Recommendable]
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★★★★☆ Sin City #1 - The Hard Goodbye.
★★★★☆ Sin City #2 - A Dame to Kill For. [3.5]
★★★☆☆ Sin City #3 - The Big Fat Kill. [3.5]
★★★☆☆ Sin City #4 - That Yellow Bastard.
★★★☆☆ Sin City #5 - Family Values. [2.5]
★★★☆☆ Sin City #6 - Booze, Broads, and Bullets.
★★★☆☆ Sin City #7 - Hell and Back. [3.5]
★★★☆☆ Sin City #1-7 Complete Set.

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La Goldie y la Bestia.

Marv es un pobre bruto descomunal de una parte olvidada de la Ciudad del Pecado, pero una noche afortunada encuentra el cielo en los brazos de la mujer más hermosa que haya visto jamás— Goldie— sólo para encontrarla muerta a la mañana siguiente y él incriminado por su asesinato. ¿Quién querría ver a esta ángel muerta? ¿Y por qué? De una forma u otra, Marv lo va a averiguar.

Este fue un cómic muy muy bueno y con sólo haber experimentado el primero de siete volúmenes puedo ver de dónde proviene su legendaria fama. La narración es simple pero también muy oscura y compleja. La historia completa bellamente dividida en 13 cortos capítulos de 8 a 12 páginas cada uno. Los personajes son todos marginales, rebeldes y violentos, pero cada uno de ellos extremadamente atrapantes en su retorcida forma. Marv, Goldie, Lucille, Wendy, Roark, todos fantásticos. Las ilustraciones son hermosamente artísticas, excepcionalmente bien diseñados y llaman mucho la atención, mi única queja que no pude entender algunas de ellas. El estilo en blanco y negro es innegablemente único y con un magnífico toque neo-noir.

Tengo muy pocos cómics en mis estantes, la mayoría adquiridos al azar durante mi infancia; y aunque leo esto digitalmente, esta es una de pocas excepciones que no me importaría tener también en formato físico, para sentir, mirar y admirar de vez en cuando. A grandes cuentas, este fue un cómic excelente, y aunque no fuera exactamente uno de mis favoritos, igualmente espero leer y completar el resto de la serie, muy, muy pronto.

**** La película (2005) es una adaptación admirable, que captura en gran medida el alma y estilo del cómic. Mickey Rourke interpretando a un fantástico Marv. Kevin la cosa más espeluznante del mundo, tanto como en el cómic. Una escenografía, casting y ambientación impecables, con varios momentos inolvidables no fáciles de olvidar. Tan oscuro, ¡y violento! Sin embargo, magistral en su manera. Extremadamente fiel al libro. Muy recomendable. (8/10)



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NOTA PERSONAL : Vi la película antes.
[1991] [208p] [Comic] [Recomendable]
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Reading Progress

March 11, 2025 – Shelved
March 13, 2025 – Started Reading
March 22, 2025 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-50 of 69 (69 new)


➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas I hope that you enjoy this one Federico


Federico DN ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas❥ wrote: "I hope that you enjoy this one Federico"

Thank you Paulette! We'll see :). The movie was good!


Mark  Porton Great reviews again Fede - I loved the movie mate, so good. Marv is one of my all-time favourite characters. You've reminded me to re-watch it. Thank you!!!!!


message 4: by Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] (last edited May 01, 2025 05:39AM) (new)

Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] This sounds super promising Federico! I have read very few graphic novels myself, including Alice Oseman's Heartstopper series, but I'm much more open to sampling some interesting comic-style stories of this format; they're very enticing and not to mention, super quick to read. I actually very recently bought the graphic novel format of Interview with a Vampire (Claudia's story) which I'm really looking forward to. Hopefully the rest of the series pans out to great success for you, my friend. As many film adaptations can fail an original tale it's wonderful that this feels much more faithful to the original book! Excellent review Federico, I do love an atmospheric read


Federico DN Mark wrote: "Great reviews again Fede - I loved the movie mate, so good. Marv is one of my all-time favourite characters. You've reminded me to re-watch it. Thank you!!!!!"

Thank you Mark! The movie is a fantastic adaptation! And Marv truly is the best character in the entire series. Hope you enjoyed the re-watch :D


message 6: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 12:18AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Vaishali • [V.L. Book Reviews] wrote: "This sounds super promising Federico! I have read very few graphic novels myself, including Alice Oseman's Heartstopper series, but I'm much more open to sampling some interesting comic-style stori..."

Oh thank you for reminding me of Heartstopper, Vaishali ! I think that one might be one of my next. All Sin City comics are super quick to read, a few hours at most I think. Hope you enjoy Interview with a Vampire! Looking forward to that one myself, the whole series of Anne Rice actually. The Sin City movie I found fantastic too. If you decide to go for the movie you are good. Plus the movie also include stories of another volumes, not just the this one :D


message 7: by Amina (new)

Amina A very fine review, as well, Federico, of a movie I saw way back when! Glad you enjoyed and hope you have the chance to own the comic in print addition, too! ☺️


Federico DN Amina wrote: "A very fine review, as well, Federico, of a movie I saw way back when! Glad you enjoyed and hope you have the chance to own the comic in print addition, too! ☺️"

Thank you Amina! Glad to know you enjoyed the movie too, which also covers comic #3 and #4 lol. This one and the second volumes would be fine to own, the rest I'm not so crazy about :p


message 9: by Rosh (new)

Rosh Nice review, Feddie! I've not heard of the character nor the movie. But quite intriguing that they used B&W to enhance the noir effect. Glad you had fun reading this. :) ♡


message 10: by Ian (new)

Ian Haven't read it but did see the film version many years ago, which I thought was excellent. Great review Fede!


Federico DN Rosh ~catching up slowly~ wrote: "Nice review, Feddie! I've not heard of the character nor the movie. But quite intriguing that they used B&W to enhance the noir effect. Glad you had fun reading this. :) ♡"

First one so far that hasn't watched it lol. You can kill three volumes of this series with the movie Rosh, as it adapts #1, #3 and #4. Thank you so much :D


message 12: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 01:59AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Ian wrote: "Haven't read it but did see the film version many years ago, which I thought was excellent. Great review Fede!"

Oh you are good with the movie Ian! In many ways it's actually better than the comic, and by watching it have already covered #1, #3 and #4 lol. Thank you!


message 13: by Rebecca (new)

Rebecca Fantastic review Federico, as always 🙏🏻💖💖


Federico DN Rebecca wrote: "Fantastic review Federico, as always 🙏🏻💖💖"

Thank you Rebecca 💖!


message 15: by Baba (new) - rated it 4 stars

Baba Superb book, great review :)


message 16: by Dmitri (new)

Dmitri Frank Miller is great. The Dark Knight Returns!


message 17: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 04:19AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Baba wrote: "Superb book, great review :)"

An excellent comic book indeed <3. Thank you Baba!


message 18: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 04:20AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Dmitri wrote: "Frank Miller is great. The Dark Knight Returns!"

Oh wasn't aware he wrote that one too. Will have to get to it too one of these days. A must! Thank you for the rec Dmitri :D !


message 19: by Diana (new)

Diana There’s a chance I may have watched this movie. Happy you found a 4 star comic! I admire the beauty of some good artwork!


Federico DN Diana wrote: "There’s a chance I may have watched this movie. Happy you found a 4 star comic! I admire the beauty of some good artwork!"

The movie is awesome! Great artwork and acting there too <3. Thank you so much Diana :D


message 21: by Srivalli (new)

Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) Wow, a great comic and a movie that's just as good and faithful to the original. Sounds wonderful! I hope you enjoy the other books too, Federico. :) Superb review!


Federico DN Srivalli wrote: "Wow, a great comic and a movie that's just as good and faithful to the original. Sounds wonderful! I hope you enjoy the other books too, Federico. :) Superb review!"

Both great! Oh I already read all of them, so now I can do a small Sin City reviewrathon lol xD. Thank you so much Srivalli :) !


Debra - can't post any comments on site today grrr Fantastic review, Federico!


Federico DN Debra wrote: "Fantastic review, Federico!"

Thank you Debra :) !


message 25: by Thibault (new)

Thibault Busschots I’ve heard of the Sin City movie, but I had no idea what it’s about. Didn’t know there was a comic book too. Sounds like you enjoyed both the comic and the movie quite a lot. Good review, Federico.


message 26: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 08:58AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Thibault wrote: "I’ve heard of the Sin City movie, but I had no idea what it’s about. Didn’t know there was a comic book too. Sounds like you enjoyed both the comic and the movie quite a lot. Good review, Federico."

That movie is a total blockbuster Thibault! I wouldn't miss it if I were you. The comic, very good as it is, you can pass ;). Thank you!


message 27: by Yun (new)

Yun Great review, Federico! Didn't realize the movie was based on a comic, and such a good one at that! Glad you totally enjoyed and are looking forward to more! :)


Federico DN Yun wrote: "Great review, Federico! Didn't realize the movie was based on a comic, and such a good one at that! Glad you totally enjoyed and are looking forward to more! :)"

Thank you Yun! Just so you know, by watching the movie you ticked off #1, #3 and #4 ;)


Saranya ⋆☕︎ ˖ (hiatus) Great Review, Federico!
Hope you like the rest of the series just like this one!


message 30: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 09:44AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Saranya wrote: "Great Review, Federico!
Hope you like the rest of the series just like this one!"


The best are the first two! The rest are also good but just not as good :p. Thank you Saranya!


message 31: by Alexandra (new)

Alexandra Maybe I will try Frank Miller one day... Excellent review, Federico, thank you! :)


message 32: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 10:19AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Alexandra wrote: "Maybe I will try Frank Miller one day... Excellent review, Federico, thank you! :)"

I'm sure you'd like it Alexandra. I mean it's not Keigo Higashino, and if's certainly not relaxing, but still :p


message 33: by A (new)

A Mac Glad that this is such a strong start to these comics - I haven't heard of this series (not saying much since I'm not a comic person generally) but it looks intriguing. Great review, Federico!


Federico DN A wrote: "Glad that this is such a strong start to these comics - I haven't heard of this series (not saying much since I'm not a comic person generally) but it looks intriguing. Great review, Federico!"

It's a very famous comic! The movie is excellent too, in case you haven't watched it yet. Thank you Mac :) !


message 35: by Ron (new)

Ron You always start with great one-liners, Fedrerico. If I read more graphic novels I'd certainly know more about the history of this one, but I do know it was darker than the usual comic of old. Even I know it's a classic though. I was about to ask if you saw the film, but question answered. A review with a POW! (get it?) ;)


message 36: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 02:18PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Ron wrote: "You always start with great one-liners, Fedrerico. If I read more graphic novels I'd certainly know more about the history of this one, but I do know it was darker than the usual comic of old. Even..."

It's a special pleasure to summarize any review with a POWerful one-liner lol ;), though I don't think I always succeed. This comic is unique and legendary indeed! Loved the movie too, even more. Thank you so much Ron :D !


message 37: by Debbie Y (new)

Debbie Y Ok, this review made me want to light a cigarette I don’t smoke and walk into a noir alley. I loved the movie and now I feel like giving it a go. Loved your review, Fed!:)


message 38: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 04:09PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Debbie Y wrote: "Ok, this review made me want to light a cigarette I don’t smoke and walk into a noir alley. I loved the movie and now I feel like giving it a go. Loved your review, Fed!:)"

Oh no don't smoke Debbie! It's bad for your health cough cough. Better have some of that delicious coffee of yours lol. Loved the movie too! So much more enjoyable than the comic really, it's just quick fun and never gets old <3. Thank you Debbie!


message 39: by Pedro (new)

Pedro ¡Muy buena reseña! No soy nada fan de las historietas o novelas gráficas, pero hay algunas excelentes. From Hell me voló el sombrero.


message 40: by Federico (last edited Jul 17, 2025 06:01PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Pedro wrote: "¡Muy buena reseña! No soy nada fan de las historietas o novelas gráficas, pero hay algunas excelentes. From Hell me voló el sombrero."

Gracias Pedro! Tampoco soy fan de las novelas gráficas, pero a veces es muy útil para romper la monotonía y variar las lecturas. Y más si son cómics super populares como éste. Conocerlos para mí es casi como un deber, como los grandes clásicos jaja. Jamás había escuchado de From Hell, pero gracias por la recomendación ya lo agendé para el futuro :)


message 41: by Esta (new)

Esta I really enjoyed the movie version of this! And I'm so glad its source material was superb Fede! I just read Terror at the Gates which had a neo noir vibe and I ate it up. Excellent review and looking forward to seeing more of your thoughts on this series!


message 42: by Nora (new) - added it

Nora Currie Love the movie version too! Also, Marv is portrayed by the same actor who starred as the voice of the Beast in Disney’s version of Beauty and the Beast! This is my favorite Disney movie by the way!


Federico DN Esta wrote: "I really enjoyed the movie version of this! And I'm so glad its source material was superb Fede! I just read Terror at the Gates which had a neo noir vibe and I ate it up. Excellent review and look..."

The movie is excellent! I enjoyed it more than the comic even but maybe because I watched it first lol. Glad you enjoyed it too Esta and thank you for the rec :D !


message 44: by Federico (last edited Jul 18, 2025 05:10AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Nora wrote: "Love the movie version too! Also, Marv is portrayed by the same actor who starred as the voice of the Beast in Disney’s version of Beauty and the Beast! This is my favorite Disney movie by the way!"

It's a fantastic adaptation! Glad you loved it too Nora :). Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is great too! Watched a few years ago. Very, very Disney lol <3


message 45: by Nancy (new)

Nancy Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of Marv was brilliant, but I may be a bit partial since I adore him as an actor. After reading your terrific reviews of the comics, Fede, I think it’s time for a rewatch. 🖤


message 46: by Joe (new)

Joe Krakovsky A good comic is golden. Hope you find that copy, Federico.


Federico DN Nancy wrote: "Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of Marv was brilliant, but I may be a bit partial since I adore him as an actor. After reading your terrific reviews of the comics, Fede, I think it’s time for a rewatch. 🖤"

Oh yeah he's great! This one and The Wrestler always comes to mind when his name comes up. The movie covers #1, #3 and #4, so you have half the series right there lol. Thank you Nancy :D !


Federico DN Joe wrote: "A good comic is golden. Hope you find that copy, Federico."

Hopefully someday I will find it, in one of my used bookstore visits :). Thank you Joe!


message 49: by Nora (new) - added it

Nora Currie Federico wrote: "Nora wrote: "Love the movie version too! Also, Marv is portrayed by the same actor who starred as the voice of the Beast in Disney’s version of Beauty and the Beast! This is my favorite Disney movi..."

I think I might be wrong if Mickey Rourke stars as Marv because he doesn’t do the voice of the Beast. However, I want to recommend an early movie 🍿 that he stars in: Diner!


message 50: by mia. (hiatus) (new)

mia. (hiatus) pretty review!! so glad to see 4 star review 💕


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