Villains

As I started getting back into comic books after a 15-year sabbatical, I recall seeing Salvation Runin the comic book store, but skipped over it until halfway through the series when I finally realized what it was actually about (since the title was NOT a dead giveaway). I then picked up back issues and followed the series through its end. I'm not sure how sales were for Salvation Run but, in my opinion, it might have done better with a clearer title. But I digress...

The idea that a large number of DC Comics villains were sent to a "prison planet" intrigued me, as it recalled Marvel Comics' Secret Wars back in the 1980s. Plus, I do love mustache-twirling villains (what would a hero be without a villain?) and its rare that a villain is the star of a comic book series. While Salvation Run was just "okay," I did discover that DC had put out another comic about villains a couple of years previous called -- what else? -- Villains United. I picked up all the back issues (because I do loves me some villains!), despite not being incredibly thrilled with the line-up other than Cheshire, whom I've always liked as a character since my 1980s New Teen Titans days. Immediately, I was drawn in by Gail Simone's storytelling and character development. Further, I discovered that the storylines were very adult-oriented and "spoke to me," if you will. The old Batman villain (and Catwoman knockoff) Catman is now hot and sexy? Cheshire flirts with him, they fall into bed, and have a child together? A new Ragdoll has a twisted sense of humor and is seemingly in love with a Parademon from Apokolips who looks after his welfare? Vandal Savage has a daughter code-named Scandal who's a lesbian and partnered with fellow teammate Knockout who's also from Apokolips? The also now-sexy Deadshot is caught in bed with Knockout as Scandal walks in on them?! SCANDALOUS! I love it! These are not your 1980s comics characters! And suddenly, I'm in love with all these minor characters I didn't know I could instantly love!

I voraciously devoured every issue featuring the Secret Six that I could get my hands on (including their appearances in Birds of Prey). I was a bit disappointed that the Parademon was taken away from us too soon because I loved the twisted chemistry between he and Ragdoll, but I was grateful for Simone to bring on the equally twisted "new" Mad Hatter. And then I was pleasantly elated when Ragdoll disposed of him by pushing him off a cliff because, truly, one eccentric person in the group is enough.

Losing Knockout to death in Birds of Prey was a bit sad...but quickly gotten over. She always seemed generic and disposable to me whereas a few of the other Secret Sixers are certainly not.

So, with all that said, it's not difficult to guess that I am full of anticipation for the new ongoing Secret Six series featuring Gail Simone's writing. I wish it (and her) much success as I want to continue to read where the future takes some of my newfound favorite characters month after month after month. And, it goes with saying, that I look forward to many future sexual (and sometimes bizarre) escapades of the Six.