Frank Miller’s Sin City Graphic Novels – Part II

Continuing our discussion of Sin City Graphic Novels, let’s delve into the second book in the series, ‘A Dame to Kill For’.

A Dame to Kill For

Similar to ‘The Hard Goodbye’, which we discussed earlier, this graphic novel, ‘A Dame to Kill For’, revolves around a single story. It’s a classic film noir tale of seduction, betrayal, and revenge, infused with ample doses of sex and violence.

As is characteristic of all Sin City novels, Miller infuses the plot with dark humor.

In this installment, Miller introduces Dwight, one of Sin City’s central protagonists who features prominently in many of its narratives. Dwight embodies the archetypal Film Noir male protagonist, displaying traits of moral ambiguity, brooding pessimism, and often finding himself as the ultimate patsy in multiple scenarios.

Though brave and resilient, Dwight lacks the brute strength of his loyal friend, Marv. Like Marv, Dwight tends to be a solitary figure. He possesses a distinct charm with women, reminiscent of the detectives of film noir. However, he frequently falls prey to Femme Fatales, manipulated and deceived by their allure. Beyond his handsome appearance, Dwight also seems to possess an uncanny streak of luck.

Marv, introduced in the first volume of the series, makes a reappearance in a supporting role within this story.

The plot opens with Dwight on a rooftop, attempting to capture photographs of an affluent member of Sin City society in a compromising position. This task is peculiar for him, considering he is currently ‘between jobs’.

The assignment takes a dangerous turn, especially for the hooker accompanying the wealthy individual. Dwight finds himself unable to resist intervening, compromising the situation, and assuming the role of a knight in shining armor to rescue the damsel in distress.

However, he emerges from this encounter without any tangible consequences, but trouble looms upon his return home. This trouble goes by the name of Ava.

A call from Ava is poised to alter his destiny in ways Dwight cannot foresee. Ava has betrayed Dwight in the past, abandoning him for a life of wealth with her husband, Damien. She epitomizes the archetype of the Femme Fatale.

Ava wants to meet him in a shady restaurant in a dubious part of Sin City. We know it’s not going to end well. In fact, so does Dwight. Dwight is in love with her. He lusts for her. She has played him once, and now, despite Dwight’s efforts to stay on the straight and narrow, he won’t be able to resist.

Any fan of film noir knows what’s going to happen. Ava plays the victim. She begs him to forgive her for her past. She insinuates that her time may be short. Just then, a formidable man, Damien’s enforcer, Manute, forcefully seizes her.

Dwight can’t help himself. He tries to be the knight in shining armor, attempting to save his beloved. He infiltrates Damien’s stronghold, only to be swiftly subdued by Manute and unceremoniously dumped like refuse on a downtown Sin City street.

To Dwight’s surprise, he’s injured but not incapacitated, and his Mustang is returned to his doorstep in pristine condition. Ignoring these clues, he fails to realize that he’s merely a pawn in the Femme Fatale’s deadly game. Little does he know, this is his chance to walk away.

His sole focus remains rescuing Ava. He enlists Marv, knowing he can take on Damien’s henchmen. Despite Marv’s assistance, Dwight finds himself unable to save Ava.

Barely escaping alive, his face mutilated, Dwight finally comprehends that Ava has toyed with him.

Planning his return to Damien’s mansion, this time without Marv, Dwight seeks aid elsewhere. Meanwhile, Ava, aware of his intentions, manipulates an honest cop and solicits assistance from a powerful politician. The stage is set for a climactic showdown between former lovers, echoing classic film noir motifs found in works like ‘Double Indemnity’ and ‘The File on Thelma Jordon’.

We also catch another glimpse of the beautiful Nancy, the exotic dancer, who will play a significant role in future Sin City novels. ‘Old Town’, a crucial part of Sin City, overseen by deadly Amazonian prostitutes, also makes an appearance. Here, we meet two more recurring characters: Gail, a masked prostitute deeply enamored with Dwight, and the unforgettable ‘deadly little Miho’, a diminutive Japanese Katana wielder.

‘A Dame to Live For’ is a quintessential film noir with a contemporary twist, delivering a heavy dose of graphic violence. Dive in and experience the gripping narrative for yourself!