Take It in Blood
The events of the Six's recent trip to hell has had a profound effect upon Bane. Now he prepares himself to cement his earthly legacy.
The Good
Has Luvisi ever done a less than excellent cover for this book?
This issue is very much centered on Bane, which is perfectly fine by me because far and away he's one of my favorite villains. I absolutely love the way that Gail Simone writes Bane. She perfectly nails just how he should think, speak, and act. Whoever writes the character after her has some really large shoes to fill. The moment where Bane declares that he'd spend an eternity in hell before he bows or kneels to anything was quite interesting and reveals a great deal about his character.
The chief strength of Simone's Secret Six is the interaction and character moments that occur between the Six. This issue mostly focuses on Bane and Catman, but the other members also get some shine time. The way that Blake advises Bane early in the issue could only take place in the pages of Secret Six. Every moment between these two is perfectly written and reminded me that it's truly a miracle that all of these characters have avoided killing one another for so long.
King Shark walking in on the aftermath of one of Deadshot and Jeanette's passionate tryst was highly amusing. I don't know exactly what the relationship between these two is but it's always a joy to read.
The return of Kay to the team was quite interesting. I loved the way Simone showed the effect her time in hell has had upon her.
From the moment King Shark's joined the Six he's been a ton of fun. The wanton, childlike jubilation he has due to his "special mission" was hilarious. I seriously have yet to read a King Shark moment and not laughed and smiled simultaneously. Mark my words "I'm A Shark" will be the new youtube sensation.
I love forced perspective stories like Secret Six and Thunderbolts. Sometimes I honestly forget that the Six are actually criminals, because they usually end up taking on individuals far worse than them (relatively speaking). Their unprovoked attack on the Penguin and their merciless slaughter of his security (only stayed by Jeanette's protest) really brought me back down to reality.
I like that Ragdoll kept his look from Hell
The Bad
There's an art hiccup where Penguin cuts Bane and the wounded is shown on the wrong hand in the next panel.
Penguin's dialog was a little too campy for my taste.
The Verdict
Buy This Comic!!!
Sadly Secret Six will not be back after the September Reboot. That being said, I'm glad that it's going out with the story Simone wanted to tell. And based upon this issue, I must say it's sure to be one hell of a climax. What Bane intends to do isn't something that's never been done but the fact that it's he and this group of individuals daring to do so is quite interesting. I can't wait for the sparks to fly as things come to a head and a close.