REVIEW: Secret Six #1
Secret Six #1 is the first issue of a new six part mini-series dealing with the aftermath of Absolute Power. Nicole Maines helms the series that quickly deals with unfinished feelings of loss and betrayal in the wake of Amanda Waller’s take over of the world. Featuring Jon Kent, Gossamer, Dreamer, Black Alice, Deadshot, and Catman there’s sure to be plenty of drama filled action as this story unfolds.
The standard cover is by Stephen Sergovia and Rain Beredo. A great team shot instantly introducing us to this new version of the Secret Six. Sergovia and Beredo are also the interior artists which gives this cover a sneak peak effect as well.
The variant by Brad Walker and Trish Mulvihil is another group shot but also pays homage to the last team known as the Secret Six. It’s a bit more playful as well with the characters encouraging us to keep quiet with the universal “shush” gesture.
Fico Ossio and Ulises Arreola’s variant is a foiled version of the All In initiative’s style of cover. Spotlighting Jon and Deadshot as unconventional teammates, they manage to make the minimalistic cover feel dynamic.
Being a new first issue, it’s no surprise there’s quite a few variants to this issue. Keep an eye out for great covers by Ariel Olivetti, Lesley Leirix Li, and Sweeney Boo.
Stephen Sergovia and Colorist Rain Beredo are the interior artists, as mentioned before. There’s a touch of an anime stylized approach to the visuals of this issue and it definitely makes the book look sharp. Not a single panel feels wasted and their use of body language and facial expressions feels both organic and dynamic. The story hits the ground running and keeps a fun and steady pace throughout. In short, it’s simply gorgeous.
Nicole Maines, lettered by Steve Wands, has returned to follow up on some story elements left hanging after Absolute Power, namely that of Jon, Jay, and Dreamer. However, this issue doesn’t miss a beat as we quickly dive into the threat at hand, the supposed disappearance of Amanda Waller. Maines does a fantastic job using character dialogue to convey past events and explain the tensions felt between the initial four “teammates” (the fourth being Black Alice). This helps make the issue feel like a continuation at the same time allowing the story to stand on its own going forward. This is definitely an alliance of convenience which adds its own element of conflict as the teaser for next issue suggests.
(8/10) As first issues go, Secret Six #1 is pretty good. Things get set up rather quickly and a lot of questions are presented, making you want to come back for more. Obviously, I loved the art and it played no small part in my overall enjoyment of this first installment.
