Gail Simone (writer), Nicola Scott (pencils), Jason Wright (colors)
The Story: Three teams. Three targets. Three villains. Maximum body count. It’s Catman, Ragdoll, and Bane doing what they do best… saving the innocent?
The Good: DC’s secret weapons strikes again; the Secret Six team put out an issue that delivers as a stand-alone issue, a part of the Secret Six saga, AND as a contribution to the Battle of the Cowl. It’s rare that you’ll find something that does one of the three well enough, or even two; but all three, on a filler issue? It’s just a testament to how good this team is.
Gail Simone is, without doubt, one of the best writers in comics today. Much in the same vein as Secret Six #8, which featured Deadshot, Scandal, and Jeanette on a double-date that dealt as much with personal philosophy as it did with busting heads. We see the same with Secret Six #9, which features Catman, Ragdoll, and Bane taking care of a smaller gig in Gotham, and debating the death of the Batman all the while. Simone demonstrates the versatility with which she handles individual characters, giving each of the three a unique role in the issue – and Ragdoll, par usual, doesn’t disappoint with his warped sense of humor.
Artist Nicola Scott returns from her hiatus in fine form, putting Gail Simone’s fantastic writing to superb visuals. Though Simone has worked with other excellent artists on these characters, Scott’s art is gritty without being dirty, but clean without being clinical, and fluid without looking sloppy. Most importantly, it’s defined. Nicola Scott, in the space of a single plot arc, has put a distinct visual stamp on Secret Six that’ll be hard to top.
(Additionally, I would’ve been crushed if she hadn’t come back. Thanks again, Gail, for setting me straight on that.)
Conclusion: Since Nicola Scott’s back, I have no complaints, art-wise or otherwise. This is the perfect issue to show why Secret Six is my favorite running DC title.
The Grade : A-
-Brian St. Claire
Filed under: DC Comics Tagged: | Batman, Battle for the Cowl, DC Comics, DC Universe, Doug Hazlewood, Gail Simone, Gail Simone WCBR, Jason Wright, Nicola Scott, Nightwing, Secret Six, Secret Six #9 review, Secret Six Review
