Secret Six #35 – Review

By Gail Simone (writer), J. Calafiore (art), John Kalisz (colors) and Travis Lanham (letters)

The Story: Bane and Catman have an almost literal heart to heart, then assemble the team for one final, glorious attempt at destroying Batman, his allies, and everything they stand for. But before the plan can be enacted, they need one final, unexpected recruit.

What’s Good: Oh Gail Simone, what will I do without my monthly dose of gleeful insanity from you in the form of this title? Whether its two of my favorite noble villains philosophizing while the beat the tar out of each other, or the simple joy of watching King Shark charge down a hill screaming “I’M A SHARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRK!” it is not possible to replace the perfect storm of characters and author that came together in this book. And frankly, as sorry as I am to see it go after next month, I’m glad they’re not trying to continue it with another writer. This, more than any other book I’ve ever read, is informed by its creator, and is one of the few titles I wouldn’t want anyone–not even my literary idol Neil Gaiman–to touch.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Scalped #50 – It was a really close call between this and Detective Comics, but ultimately, this milestone issue did a fantastic job in encapsulating the overall spirit of what is among the very best ongoing series around right now.  It also made me reflect a bit on the series’ imminent ending, which was certainly bittersweet. Just a really heartfelt issue with excellent storytelling all-around…

Most Anticipated: Flashpoint #3 – Interesting how yet again, DC and Marvel are releasing their big events on the same Wednesday.With the quicker pacing, not to mention the recent shake-up at DC, Flashpoint is the book to get my interest, particularly with the way last month’s issue ended.  I’m really interested to see where this goes as we reach what should be something of a climax in this five-part series.

Other Picks: Fear Itself #4, Moon Knight #3, Secret Six #35, Sweet Tooth #23

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: American Vampire #16 – This was really a big week for quality comics and a LOT of comics could have won this “award”, but AV get’s the nod.  What is impressive about AV is that even though it is in the middle of a story arc, the issue didn’t get boring.  News Flash: Middle issues don’t have to be boring!!!!!!  Stuff happens and it still manages to set-up more plot points for the conclusion of the arc.  That’s really impressive writing.  Of course, having Rafael Albuquerque doing career-best work on the title doesn’t hurt your chances to be pick-of-the week.  The only “bad” thing about this issue is that it was the first thing I read all week and it was downhill from there.

Most Anticipated: Sweet Tooth #23 – In an attempt to stay spoiler-free, I pay almost zero attention to comic previews on the web and solicits beyond figuring out what I want to pre-order.  So, I don’t know for sure whether we have reached the climax of this particular story arc having to do with Gus and Gang finding a potential sanctuary inside of an old dam.  As with all things Sweet Tooth, you know there won’t be a happy ending and last month’s issue indicated that things were about to get very serious again!

Other Picks: I Zombie #15, That Hellbound Train #2, Blue Estate #2, Elephantmen #32, Fear Itself #4, Hulk #36, Thunderbolts #160