Secret Six Volume 4: Caution To The Wind by Gail Simone and J. Calafiore (graphic novel review)
Of all the four volumes, ‘Secret Six Volume 4: Caution To The Wind’ by Gail Simone and J. Calafiore was the hardest to pick up after 26 years in print but must have been a bad buy day as there are some about now. Whether diminishing returns were applied or a certain Lex Luthor was picking up stock is hard to decide until I started reading.
The opening 4 or 8 parter, ‘Reptile Brain’ is anything to go by, Bane is leading a new team as they track down a man on his armed yacht for stealing from his Mafia ex-wife and she wasn’t happy. The original team is brought back and they have to decide which six is required as long as it include Bane, Cat-Man and Deadshot. There is also a conflict between Katherina Armstrong aka Spy Smasher and Amanda Waller as to who runs the Secret Six. It doesn’t matter when both teams end up in Skartaris to resolve issues there. Drink but don’t go in the water. They return and have a tussle with Vandel Savage as he tangles with Lex Luthor. They really do get dropped in it.
The missions/mini-series becomes somewhat of a blend. It’s when they hit on the Doom Patrol they become unstuck. Seeing a battle of giants between Rita Farr and Black Alice and the latter suddenly outclassed is a scene to watch. That might explain the sales. Its either that or Bane’s approach to having a date.
Then there is a little matter of them going to Hell and back, with each of them getting a revelation. The finale focuses on them trying to recruit the Penguin and he, in turn, calls out the Justice League and anyone else available for one final battle.
I’m glossing over a lot here because it is clearly spoiler but it really is a fun book considering the violence exhibited. There are two further ‘Secret Six’ volumes yet so will be puzzling how they fit in until I read them. Considering the Secret Six’s success rate isn’t brilliant, let alone the ability to count members, you do have to wonder why anyone would employ them until you realise they are probably the only mercenary group for hire in this particular version of the DC Universe. I suspect the Inferior 5 could give them a run for their money. Gail Simone’s realisation of other characters here shows herself to be a very capable writer and artist Jim Calafiore makes a good match.
GF Willmetts
May 2026
(pub: DC Comics, 2000. 200 page graphic novel softcover. Price: varies. ISBN: 978-1-4012-6090-3)
check out website: www.dc.com
