“Bane takes Charge”

So, here we are at issue #14 of the Secret Six. The big question is whether this series is primed to finally disappoint its readers? We at Jimmy in the Garden, myself in particular, have been quick to sing the praises of this book. In fact it has constantly been rated in my top five books for over a year now. You have to assume at some point, that even the best book is going to have a let-down issue. Is this the one?

The answer is absolutely, postively “NO!!!” Believe it or not, this series continues to ROCK! This is the final part of a five part arc that finds our villains trying to free a group of Amazons, stop a troop of government sanctioned slavers and not to kill one another. Will they succeed? I wouldn’t bet against them!

I sit here trying to figure out what makes this book so darn good. It is simple really. The characters are always consistent and their characterization is never and I mean NEVER compromised! These villains are portrayed for what they are and they haven’t been changed to make them become more reader friendly. Deadshot could at any moment kill anyone. Ragdoll is a complete fruitcake. Bane will fight you to the death, etc…

Now next issue has a guest writer. Maybe it will be the issue that lets me down…

4.5 out of 5

“Six villains with agendas and codes of their own choosing!”

I know that a lot of praise has been heaped upon this series.  Be it for the stories, the art, the character development, the unexpected twists, etc…but as hard as it is to believe, this book keeps getting better and better.  It is one of the most skillfully done books on the market period and has continued to be a must-read every month.

This issue picks up with a showdown between the Six and the really bad guys that have employed them for their own purposes.  What’s funny is that while the second page of the comic shows the Six as a united force, they are anything but that by the end of the book!  I would tell you more about what’s going on, but if you’re not reading this book for yourselves, then you don’t deserve the spoiler!

I will say this: look for a possible death inside and a surprise a+list hero at the end.

4.5 out of 5

Gail Simone keeps on delivering one the best comics with her ragtag group of B-list villains.  After one of the best and most original story arc I’ve read in a long time, Simone proves that her Secret Six was not just a flash in the pan with this issue, Depths, Part One.  The Six and Gail are here to stay and I am a very happy comic book nerd.

The first few pages set up a shockingly heinous villain whose methods of getting what he wants are without limit. Rather than gore and bullets, Simone gives us a deep psychological mind f#$k.  That’s just for starters. Simone skillfully continues her penetrating character development, turning my sentiments for these villains from “who cares” to “this team rocks.”  This is all before the main plot even begins!  The Six are hired to help guard and deliver a package.  As things go from poor to worse quickly, they soon realize their employer is maybe even too nasty for their tastes.  And that’ pretty nasty.

The book would be strong just with Gail Simone’s writing, but add Nicola Scott’s pencils and The Secret Six become a well-written thing of beauty.  With great inks to the color, these pages are polished, refined, and just damn pretty.

Only fools let this gem evade there pull lists.  I really can’t see how someone would not enjoy this book.

4.5 out of 5

After one of the most original and fun storylines I’ve read in a long time, I was wondering where writer Gail Simone would take her Secret Six next.  She gives this eclectic and eccentric group of misfit villains a much deserved break.In this issue, Scandal and Deadshot hit the town on a double date.  Of course, it’s anything but a relaxing evening.  Their pre-dinner pact not kill anyone is tough for them to keep.

Secret Six works for many reasons.  It’s twisted and funny. Simone is writing great stories that are fresh and perfectly molded for her characters.  Just listing this group on paper would not make me want to buy this title.  However, Gail Simone had taken these B-list villains and put a soul behind their corruption.  The six are realistic men and women with messed up lives and complicated desires. Simone has created a team of real people who happen to be villains.

Carlos Rodriguez’s art is the icing on the cake.  He captures great facial expressions, showing he understands the characters Simone writes.  Rodriguez does a great job drawing the action scenes and creating a nice flow to the panels.  He might be drawing B-List villains, but his art is grade A.

Secret Six is a fun read.  Only at issue 8, jump on board if you are not reading this.  It’s refreshing to see a title survive on talented writing.  It’s not tied to any other title or major event.  It’s a great book on it’s own merit.  Gail Simone deserves all the hype she is getting for this book; it’s that good.

4 out of 5