Secret Six # 28 – Review

By Gail Simone (writer), Jim Calafiore (artist), Jason Wright (colors), Travis Lanham (letters)

The Story: The teams of Sixes have a brief showdown in Skartaris before things come to (something) of a resolution. Deals are proposed, old scores are settled and the Secret Six end up with a—potentially—expanded roster by the time the dust has settled.

What’s Good: While this didn’t end up being the earth-shattering showdown I was prepared for given the epic Six vs. Six setup, I think that at this point the team of Simone/Calafiore are pretty much incapable of disappointing me. As always, Calafiore’s pencils perfectly capture Simone’s demented and hyper-violent script, but he also does a fantastic job of bringing the quieter moments to life: the opening flashback with Alice, the scene in Amanda’s office—all are given the same care and attention as the big monster-slaying panels. That speaks well of Calafiore’s discipline as well as his skill.

The continuity nerd in me is very glad to see some longstanding issues finally called back here (some spoilers ahead, so beware if that bothers you.) I’ve always wondered if Deadshot was being literal about that bullet he was saving for Lady Vic…and here’s the answer. The fact that that wasn’t forgotten, AND that it was revealed so well, really made my day. And speaking of highly satisfying revenge, I couldn’t help but wince a little at Dwarfstar’s fate. Lord knows he deserves it, but…I’m not sure I’d wish Giganta’s wrath on anyone like that!