Secret Six # 14 - Depths Part Five: Early Release

Since this version of the Secret Six was born from the Infinite Crisis spin off, its very obvious that Gail Simone was influenced by Ostlander's Suicide Squad. Like SS, Simone plays with the moral ambiguity but takes it a step further by exploring the inner demons and relationships the characters have with one another. 
 
In the Depths 5th act, consequences for actions are dealt with a maelstrom of chaos. It plays out like the final act of Jackie Brown where events set in motion lead to betrayals, violence, murder, winners, and losers. The biggest development being the relationship between Bane and Scandal. Bane has had an effect on Scandal. He is a cross between Lloyd Dobler and Tito Ortiz in that he looks out for Scandal in ways her father never did. Both sensitive and savage, Bane has never been more human but he's a far cry from the master tactician that faced Batman. Still, he's written better and more effective than ever. 
 
Every one pays the price for their double and triple crosses in what has to be the goriest issue in a Gail Simone book. I don't think this arc really resolved the issue of the Amazons' war crimes during Amazons Attack. I also think its inevitable that this team go the Thunderbolts route that is, criminals into full-time heroes (that's pre Warren Ellis T-Bolts). 
 
However, the payoff is in dialogue between the members. My favorite line in the book comes from Catman, "Thank you for shooting your enemy instead of your friend for once." 
 
Rating: Buy it! Secret Six is one of the very best team books on the market right now.