All-Star Section Eight #1 Review

Written by: Garth Ennis
Art by: John McRea and John Kalisz
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 10, 2015

What a Sixpack

I have no history whatsoever with Hitman or Section Eight and while that may not seem like the proper thing to announce before reviewing this book, I don't think I'm in the minority, so deal with it people.  I did read last month's incredibly funny sneak peek and suddenly, I went from reviewing this book out of duty to anticipating it's release.  Crazy characters and over the top, but cartoony violence are the order of the day and I want thirds.  I'll go into a bit more detail below, but if you enjoyed last month's preview, you will enjoy this book.



The issue opens with a great introduction to the Section Eight team...the old team.  You know, the one that this book used to be based on, but is now mostly dead.  It was an odd way to throw readers into the story, but it fits this book...odd, but hilarious.  We then see what Sidney Peck (aka: Sixpack) has been up to.

Sidney seems to have found his calling as an art critic.  He's quick with a joke and a light up your smoke and I don't think there is anywhere he'd rather be...until he gets a little alcohol in him.  The reader is told that Sidney is a recovering alcoholic, but this goes way beyond counting chips and 12 steps.  With just a drink, the fun loving Mr. Peck goes from the life of the party to a crazy man.  In other words, Sixpack is back in town.  Then he drinks some more.

Garth Ennis takes his idea of Sixpack's "adventures" possibly being alcohol induced hallucinations and runs with it.  Our hero is suddenly hanging in a wretched hive of scum and villainy and everyone knows his name.  He knows there's a threat because he's there...yep, that's the backbone of the book and I am okay with it.  In fact, I wouldn't want it any other way.  The rest of the issue revolves around getting the band back together.  We find out quickly, that's easier said then done.

With most of the old team vaporized, Sixpack dives into his black book to find some new recruits.  You can't imagine my joy when The Grapplah, Guts and Powertool from the sneak peek join Dogwelder and Bueno Excellente to form the new Section Eight.  However, with Sixpack as the leader, they are still only seven strong.  Enter one of DC's biggest heroes and we have ourselves a great first issue.

This book is not going to change the face of the DCU (or You).  If your looking for a book that takes itself seriously, keep looking.  This is just pure fun and it makes no bones about it.  Garth Ennis gives readers a hilarious parody of comics and the DC Universe and I laughed the whole time I was reading it.

John McRea's art gives the book a gritty and disgusting look that fits the story so well.  The best part is his character designs, but not just the main ones.  The background characters are equally awful and awesome.

Bits and Pieces:

I had so much fun reading this issue.  Garth Ennis and John McRea poke fun at so much and it all hits it's target.  The reader is left wondering what is real and what isn't, but I don't care, I just want to keep laughing.  If you like having fun, check this one out.

9.0/10