DCU Comic Book Reviews

SECRET SIX #4

Unhinged, Part Four: Money For Murder

February 2009

Written by Gail Simone

Pencils by Nicola Scott

Inks by Doug Hazelwood

Cover by Cliff Chiang

Synopsis

After learning that Catalina Flores (aka Tarantula) was holding a “Get Out Of Hell Free” card, the Secret Six start to argue amongst themselves what to do with it.  The arguments escalate until Catman stabs Bane in the shoulder when he blocks his path to Scandal.  Elsewhere, Junior continues his search for the card.  He stops briefly at a catholic church to seek absolution in the confessional, but when doesn’t get it, Junior kills the priest.  Meanwhile, the Secret Six arrive in Las Vegas to meet up with Miss Jeanette.  While the rest go to their rooms to rest, Bane is taken to the doctor to have his wound taken a look at.  There, Junior confronts Bane telling him he either gives up the team or he dies.  That night, at dinner, Bolt and host of other villains interrupt.  The Secret Six prepare to fight.  However, Cheshire appears and tells them it won’t be necessary.  She has poisoned their food. 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

I loved this issue, for a variety of reasons.  The first is that, as usual, Simone manages to deliver the humor amidst the action.  I didn’t like the way Bane hovered over Scandal, but it is starting to grow on me. Plus, I loved the interaction between Junior and the priest, especially Junior’s summation of the confrontation when the priest refused to absolve him of his crimes.  It is dark humor, but it fits perfectly in this book.  And it fits in perfectly with the central conceit of the “Get Out of Hell Free” card for, I think, only someone who believed in God would want a card that would get you out of hell.  Granted, in the DC universe, hell is a little it more concrete than the real world, but I think you have to believe in one to believe in the other, so that scene made sense and Simone made the most of it.  Brilliant. 

The second is that I enjoyed the discussion surrounding the card.  Too often the implications of something like the card would get lost in plot twists or big fights, but Simone takes the time to explore the impact the card has on them. One card, five people.  It wasn’t swept under the rug or forgotten, but brought out and discussed.  Kudos to Simone for doing that. 

Where is the card?  I found it interesting that Scandal never really answered Catman’s question regarding the location of the card.  And given the predicament the team is in at the end, I am willing to bet that the team is able to get free because Scandal has hidden the card someplace. 

When are we going to get the sixth member? We still only have five members on the cover.  Is Miss Jeannette supposed to be that sixth member or is she just supposed to be a friend of Scandal helping out?  It really isn’t clear. 

 

ïPREVIOUS	Main		Page	NEXTð

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.