For this violent, near-future thriller, Remender creates a reality in which, due to ultra-stringent anti-terrorism legislation, the United States has slipped into a cesspool of vice and corruption. Amid the chaos, career criminal Graham Brick plans one more big heist. Though the background story borders on absurd (the government plans to broadcast a signal making it impossible for anyone to knowingly commit unlawful acts), Remender wisely focuses on the criminal elements, conjuring the best of the late [a:Richard Stark|13634|Richard Stark|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1244380308p2/13634.jpg] with a fascinating supporting cast. While his painted work is pleasing to look at, artist Greg Tocchini falters as a storyteller, often causing confusion. Even with these distractions, The Last Days of American Crime offers an intriguing, nihilistic view on the crime thriller. ( )