Comic Reviews by Walt

Unhinged part three: A Run of Misfortune

Writer: Gail Simone
Penciller: Nicola Scott
Inker: Doug Hazlewood
Colorist: Jason Wright
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Nachie Castro
Cover: Nicola Scott
Published by: DC Comics

Having obtained the first part of their objective–acquiring Tarantula–the Six next seek the whereabouts of the card-device she was supposed to have. After “convincing” her that she really ought to lead them to it, the Six do find a bit of a surprise–and fight–at their destination. What they did not bargain for is what the card actually means, and what makes it so very valuable to so very many.

I have to admit–writer Gail Simone manages to write some strong characters here, and keeps my interest up when it comes to the Catman character. Still, I have to admit that it was the realization that Bane was part of this group that sparked my interest in the series. Having read that character’s debut, the buildup to Knightfall, that event, the Vengeance of Bane II special, and subsequent stories (seeing Bane on a cover often drew me back to picking up a Batman-family book)…I definitely like the way the character is portrayed here. We see that there has been change and growth, and the character is more than just some thug hopped up on drugs.

The characters are all written believably, with subtle (and often not so subtle) moments showing their personalities. It’s interesting to see the way they interact under Simone’s pen, that they are not just two-dimensional characters chucked together in a book for the sake of “wow, these villains all exist in the same universe!” The revelation at the end of the issue goes a long way in explaining events from the first two issues, and what it is that has everyone so stirred up.

Though interesting, I’m not particularly engaged. I can’t remember exactly how either of the first two issues ended, and picked this issue up because I’d read the first two and they didn’t turn me OFF to the series. THIS issue’s cliffhanger has me a bit more curious as to where things are going…but there’s still quite a ways to go yet before I’m firmly hooked on this book.

Art-wise…I really enjoy the way this book looks. There’s a certain detail–sometimes in linework, other times likely the coloring–that makes these characters come across as quite realistic in a still-in-a-comic-book sort of way. Offhand I’m not all that familiar with the artists (Hazlewood’s name I recognize), but the work here indicates I should be keeping an eye out for future work–this is good stuff!

All in all, definitely a strong issue, and I’ll be back for the next issue, most likely.

Story: 7.5/10
Art: 9/10
Whole: 8/10

Filed under: Comic Reviews 2008, DC, Secret Six | Tagged: Bane, Catman, Comic Reviews 2008, DC Comics, Deadshot, Gail Simone, Secret Six |