Written by: Cullen Bunn
Art by: Brian Hurtt
Publisher: Oni Press
After a long and, well, bloody run, The Sixth Gun is sadly coming to an end. Brian Hurtt and Cullen Bunn created one of the more unique comics around when they paired Old West gunslingin’ with supernatural powers and demons, and they never failed to disappoint during the main series and offshoots. Unfortunately, all good things must end, but at least the duo went out with one gigantic, final issue.
The Sixth Gun #50 is jam packed in the best way possible. The action is fast and furious, and the story takes center stage. It only makes sense that there would be so much information in the storyline seeing how multiple characters have come and gone throughout the entire run. From the Knights of Solomon to the Sword of Abraham, and everything in between. This is a busy series, and that’s before you consider that the titular six guns all have supernatural powers to worry about.
However, Bunn boils everything down to the main six characters that have been around since basically the beginning. On one side stand a former Pinkerton named Jesup, the Grey Witch Griselda, and a Confederate general named Oliander Bedford Hume. On the other stand the treasure hunter Drake Sinclair, a young girl named Becky Montcrief, and a bounty hunter named Billjohn O’Henry. Both sides would be evenly matched if not for the fact that Hume and his goons have all six guns in their control, placing the heroes at a steep disadvantage. Sinclair, Montcrief, and their band of hunters still press on, needing to stop Griselda from destroying and remaking the world in her image. The villainous Grey Witch only has plans of doom and destruction, and possessing the six guns gives her the power to do so.
The final issue of The Sixth Gun may be completely packed with information, but it doesn’t seem overwhelming. Bunn ties everything together in a way that actually makes sense after so much time. For example, there was an issue early on about a spirit trapped in a skull. The story was interesting but seemed a little out-of-place at the time. Well, that spirit makes a return in a way that isn’t forced and completely justifies the earlier storyline. The solid storytelling continues as a major character’s entire backstory is revealed after being a big tease in previous issues. Apparently, the hero is actually tied to everyone else in mystical ways, and they all play a part in the final moments. It’s a really cool way to finish off the run and make that specific character even more likable.
When The Sixth Gun isn’t providing crucial plot points, the issue focuses on violent battles between multiple factions. There are minor gun battles and one MASSIVE final encounter with almost every character making an appearance. The funny thing is that this isn’t a simple matter of heroes vs. villains. In fact, some of the villains are so evil and power hungry that they fight each other throughout the entire issue instead of trying to stop the heroes. Fairly ironic stuff considering that Griselda needs a unified group to achieve her goal.
The Sixth Gun is an almost perfect issue to finish a series, but there is one problem in the form of a missing character. Kalfu, the keeper of the Crossroads, and arguably the most entertaining character doesn’t show up at all. That’s a crying shame. Kalfu is a little creepy, but he provides a weird form of humor to break up the intensity.
The final issue of The Sixth Gun may be an entertaining murder-fest, but does it do a solid job wrapping up this long-running story? Many TV shows and video games (Mass Effect 3) throughout history have struggled with successfully finishing stories, but Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt’s series doesn’t have this issue. Without saying what happens, let’s just put it this way: the heroes find a way to achieve their goals in the most satisfying way possible. Yes, that’s a vague description, but it’s nicer than spoiling the end of such a big series.
Look, The Sixth Gun has always been very entertaining. The final issue fantastically meets that standard and wraps up a brilliant series extremely well. You need to read it.
