Review: The Sixth Gun #17

I was finally able to catch up on The Sixth Gun and boy I’m glad I did. This is one series thatcontinues to get better and better with each issue. I have to admit that Ithought the first story arc was rushed and it felt like this big ultimatebattle that we were building to was over and done with before you could evenget a feel for the characters. Now though, the book doesn't come across as ifit’s being written for the trade, but rather letting the story progressnaturally from issue to issue. It reminds me of what last week’s Mud Man #1 was setting out to do byreturning the focus of comic book storytelling to the single issue and forbooks like The Sixth Gun that’s astrength for them.

The real reason to read this issue is for Gord Cantrell’sstory line. His arc and progression as a character take him from obscure characterthat survived the first storyline, to an actually meat and potatoes characterthat has relevance in the storyline. It wasn’t until the last issue that it wasshown that he has a reason to be in the story, up until then I just wonderedwhy they didn’t just cut him loose. He had no depth and reeked of convenientstory telling. How knows, maybe that’s how he started, but writer Cullen Bunnhas taken him to new highs in this issue.

The story begins with Becky figuring out that she’s aprisoner of the Swords of Abraham after having a conversation with her fatherin the past. He tells her why he left the organization and that changes hercharacters path from being a hapless and clueless victim, to a woman with acause. Now she must figure out how to free herself from her prison and findSinclair and the guns. Gord’s story has him back on the plantation that helived on for many years. His presence has disturbed the ghosts of the peoplethat died there including his former master and teacher. Gord must make achoice: stay on the righteous path he’s on or give into temptation. The bigdifference is the consequences his actions with have not only on him, but theghosts he’s disturbed as well.

I really like the overall package that is The Sixth Gun. The story and art arevery seamless as writer and artist have become a strong collaboration. Bunn andartist Brian Hurtt come across as having a strong partnership almost to thepoint that the book exists beyond their names. In a way it’s like the “DarkPhoenix Saga”, everyone knows the creative team behind it but the story and artare bigger than the creators at this point. In a strange way The Sixth Gun has surpassed its creatorsas a mainstay in comics.

All flattery aside this is one of my favorite comics on themarket and no that’s not just because it’s published by Oni Press. I feelbehind on the story as you can probably imagine, but now that I’m caught upagain this book has found its way to the top of monthly pile. This is a weirdweek for comics as a whole, but it has several great indie books releasing sotake this opportunity to jump on one of the few monthly independently producedcomics on the market.

Score: 4/5