The Secret Six continue to try to save Black Alice from being possessed. Will they be able to save the world in the process? Do they even care about saving the world? No, they don’t care. They don’t care at all.

The first thing to note is, this is not a good jumping on point for anyone looking to start the series (that would be last month’s issue #7 which, you can see a beautifully written review of here). This issue wastes no time on backstory. Instead, it focuses on ramping up the action and the stakes of saving Black Alice from the elder gods using her powers. The issue has a lot of great moments throughout. The battle between Catman and Aquaman is just funny. Aquaman tries to use logic against Catman but, as with anything involving the Secret Six, logic only makes things more complicated. There is also a nice scene of Etrigan playing mini golf. The world of Secret Six is so absurd that this in no way seems out-of-place. Sometimes heroes and demons just need to relax and have some fun like the rest of us. Him in a one piece swimsuit is also an absurd delight. Moments like these are really the strength of the issue. Sure, the world is about to end but, the story always finds time to poke fun at not only the superhero genre but, the world itself.

It is not all perfect though. The story of who the elder gods are, and how the white gates have held them back, aren’t explained very clearly. It’s a kind of confusing premise. Especially, when two separate characters are describing the white gates in two different ways.

The artwork in this book is very impressive. Where the story is taking place, changes the way panels are laid out and the border surrounding them. Underwater, panels are waved and more fluid in their layout. Above ground, they are cleaner and more classic in design. These layout choices help add a more immersive feel to environments. There is really no point where the art falters. Characters look good throughout, especially Black Alice’s powers when they are in use and her appearance is constantly shifting. Artists Dale Eaglesham and Tom Denerick have a strong handle on physical humor as well, adding to the hilarity of each scene.

Overall, Secret Six #8 is a fun, action packed story which, is building steadily to an outrageous ending. In a tale involving this group of people, it is hard to predict how anything of this is going to end. And, that makes each story an exiting prospect worth reading.

Story: Gail Simone Artist: Dale Eaglesham, Tom Derenik
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy