The Main Event Comic Book Reviews 09.06.08: Secret Six #1, Fables #75

Posted by Dennis Twigg on 09.06.2008

One book starts off and another reaches its long-awaited climax!

Secret Six #1
General: Having originated just before Infinite Crisis in the Villains United miniseries, the Secret Six go from quasi-editorial limbo to their own regular series written by Gail Simone. Does Gail have what it takes to take a group of anti-heroes (at best) all the way? If this issue is any indication, I say yes.
Writing: The team consisting of Catman, Deadshot, Scandal, and Ragdoll, and Bane seems like it might have awkward chemistry, but it actually shines. They may all be villains, but the to and fro between the vastly different personalities really works here. It's apparent early on that these guys are –not- heroes, but the point is not clumsily shoved down the reader's throat. Moreover, this is balanced between suitable introductions of the team's new mission, the appearance of a couple of guest stars that are sure to spike sails, and the promise a future new team member.
Art: The team all looks great, even the bizarre contortionist Ragdoll. The mysterious villain in the book is suitably creepy. Lastly, the gore that the Secret Six seem to produce in their encounters is present without being gratuitous. Scott's artwork seems to go very well with Simone's story telling.
Overall Score: B+. Great start to a series that has great potential.

Fables #75
General: Since the series began Fables has been about a misfit group of fairy tales displaced from their homelands by a mysterious, and powerful adversary. This conflict has driven the story since its inception, but now with this landmark oversized issue it seems that the series is poised to completely shift gears in a new, and completely unknown, direction.
Writing: In a way, Willingham's 75th issue reminds me of the end of Return of the King (movie version). Long time readers will be able to guess much of what will happen, but it's done so well, and the readers are so invested in the characters, that it comes off smashingly. There are a few twists and turns, and a few genuine surprises. Willingham treats his reader with respect without trying to use cheap tricks to artificially build suspense. When the dust settles the best thing is that Fables could literally go anywhere from here.
Art: Buckingham and Willingham have worked together for so long on this book its really hard to come up with new things to say about the artwork. With the massive scope of the story, the sheer volume of scenes that must be drawn, and the great variety in the types of scenes drawn, Buckingham never falters and masterfully brings the writer's vision to life.
Overall Score: A-. Seeing a comic where the creator's vision builds without interference for 75 excellent issues and reaches its logical climax is a sight to behold. To be perfectly honest, I'm even more excited about where it will go from here.