Comic Review: Section Zero #6

Section Zero #6

Image Comics

Writer: Karl Kesel

Artist: Tom Grummett

Section Zero‘s resolution is as thorough as it is compact. With it’s six and final issue, it wraps up just about every loose plot thread. The big mysteries are all resolved, including the biggest one of all. Where did all these cryptids come from? Unfortunately, in this race to the finish, certain elements have fallen to the wayside. While I’ve had my issues with the book, it really pulled things together by the end. It’s not my favorite book of the year but it developed a clear sense of identity that it didn’t have at the start. One that I wish more comics had.

After summoning the Loch Ness monster in the hopes of finding Titania Challenger, Section Zero kickstart a series of events that brings everything to a close. And I mean everything. For such a long-awaited conclusion, I’m surprised that Karl Kesel and Tom Grummett wrapped it up so quickly. The rapid-fire climax of Section Zero #6 packs in enough content for another three or four issues. In that sense, it’s almost impressively how they managed to fit most of it into a single issue. The series broaches some interesting, unique concepts just as it comes to a close.

Aside from that, the only real weak point is the recurring annoyances turned heralds of the apocalypse, the Ghost Soldiers. After five issues of vaguely alluding to their doomsday destiny, the reincarnating warriors finally try to realize it. Unfortunately, their plan isn’t quite as clear as it could be. The same goes for their motivations. Section Zero doesn’t leave the plotline hanging but it dashes any chance of making them interesting in the process. If the book does get a sequel, I can only hope the Ghost Soldiers don’t come back this time.

Tom Grummett brings out the best in his art for Section Zero #6. He hits all the right beats, emotional, supernatural, or otherwise. The complexity he’ll lend to it through the designs, movements, or framing fill in more than a few of the gaps left by the writing. Most importantly, Grummett brings out a tenderness that might have otherwise been lost in the rush. The art improves so much in this last issue that I even feel different about the designs. They feel very 90s but Kesel and Grummett managed to craft a world where they fit in. Section Zero found its niche in the end and that’s largely due to Grummet’s artwork.

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