Vigilante – Southland #3 (2016)

Vigilante – Southland #3 (2016) đ„
An Intense Turn in the Urban Justice Saga
đ§Ź Genre
Urban Crime, Superhero Noir, Action Thriller
đ Main Characters
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Donny Fairchild – A former pro basketball player turned reluctant vigilante, driven by loss and injustice.
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Dorrie Rodriguez – Donny’s late girlfriend whose murder sets off the events of the series.
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Spectros – A mysterious and lethal assassin working to silence Donny.
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Detective Hunter – A seasoned cop conflicted about Donny's role in the unfolding conspiracy.
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Southland’s Elite – Corrupt influencers operating behind a veil of power.
✍️ Writer
Gary Phillips – Known for his expertise in crime fiction, Phillips brings a gritty, authentic voice to this street-level vigilante tale. His narrative in Southland explores systemic corruption and racial injustice.
đš Artist
Elena Casagrande – Delivers raw, expressive visuals with a cinematic style. Her panel work intensifies action scenes while giving depth to quieter, emotional beats.
đ§đŒ Editor Details
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Editor: Andy Khouri
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Assistant Editor: Amedeo Turturro
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Their guidance helped balance intense urban storytelling with socially relevant themes.
đą Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: DC Comics
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Brand: DC’s alternative imprint, showcasing grounded and mature storytelling outside the main superhero spotlight.
đ Release Year
2016
đ Brief Plot Summary
In Vigilante – Southland #3, Donny finds himself backed into a deadly corner. While chasing the conspiracy that led to Dorrie’s murder, he becomes the hunted. The police, misled by the real perpetrators, label him a suspect. His desperate escape leads him to plunge into the Pacific Ocean—but he's not alone. The assassin known as Spectros is close behind, determined to end Donny's crusade before any truth surfaces. With every moment, the line between justice and survival becomes increasingly blurred. đđ«
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"The Southland Conspiracy" – The underlying plot thread reveals a web of corrupt politics, corporate greed, and social injustice that binds the lives of Southland’s elite and the powerless.
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Donny’s Transformation – This issue marks a significant turning point in Donny’s evolution from a lost soul to a self-made hero.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Spectros as Symbolism – Some readers theorize that Spectros is more than just a killer—he represents the inescapable consequences of taking justice into one’s own hands.
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Dorrie’s Secret Life – There's speculation that Dorrie may have been involved in activism or undercover work, explaining why her death triggered such violent cover-ups.
đ§ Review Summary
Vigilante – Southland #3 is a taut, emotionally charged issue that ratchets up the stakes for its lead. Gary Phillips crafts a compelling urban saga, blending socio-political commentary with action-packed storytelling. Elena Casagrande’s artwork pulses with energy and urgency, especially during high-tension moments like the ocean escape. The characters are layered, the narrative bold, and the series continues to offer a fresh take on street-level justice. A must-read for fans of gritty superhero realism. đŁđ€đ
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)