Comic Review: Assassinistas #6

Assassinistas #6

IDW/ Black Crown

Writer: Tini Howard

Artist” Gilbert Hernandez

I’ve liked Assassinistas since the first issue. It’s a familiar story, with relatable themes. The only difference is that the characters involved are or were bounty hunters/assassins for hire. In this final issue, we see most of the storylines from the past 5 issues get resolved. It’s not the cleanest ending, but it’s a good fit for this short-lived series.

The issue opens with a flashback of a young Dominic sitting in a car while Octavia and Carlos (his mom and dad) argue. Octavia isn’t enjoying the domestic family life as much as Carlos. We move to the present day, Octavia and Dominic are locked in a jail cell, in the middle of an argument. Carlos arrives and helps his son and ex-wife escape their captivity.

With help from Taylor (Dominic’s boyfriend), they find Kyler, former Assassinista Charlotte’s son. They come to a standoff with Roxana Domino (who is the daughter of the other Assassinista, Rosalyn), who’s holding Taylor hostage (Dominic’s boyfriend), and the series’ climax follows. 

It’s not the best ending ever written. It does feel rushed, and I’m sure there was way more story that Tini Howard wanted to tell. A lot of the leftover plot gets a one-panel explanation. If you take them as they are, it’s a satisfying ending. I do like the themes and ideas at play, both in this issue and the series as a whole. But because of the series ending, I don’t think they were explored enough.

Reading issue #1, I didn’t like the art. But over the course of the series, I can see the charm in it. It’s simple, and every character has the same build. Everyone is kinda the same height and a little lanky. There’s also not a lot of motion with every panel looking static. The different scenes have different backgrounds, you can tell they’re in a different location, but there’s barely any details. On the positive side, there are some good facial expressions. There’s also some good color and clean line work going on.

I do wish this series was continuing. Most of the problems with this issue stem from it being the final issue. For all the problems it has, it has just as much charm. It does feel very rushed. The art could use more details. But there are some funny moments. I think if you’ve been a fan of this series you’ll like this issue.