Bloodshot’s back in what is without a doubt the most action-packed issue so far! On a mission to right a past wrong, Bloodshot gets way more than he bargained for. This issue runs at a breakneck pace, with some of the series best action on almost every page. That being said, I could still keep up just fine and was impressed that the issue found enough time for some quieter character moments. Not to mention a healthy dose of classic Bloodshot humor to help break up all the over the top action. Both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike will find something to love about Bloodshot #6.
Story – Bloodshot on a rescue mission
Bloodshot #6, written by Tim Seeley, with artwork from Brett Booth and Andrew Dalhouse sees Bloodshot take on his toughest foes yet. All whilst on a rescue mission to save Mina from a mess he put her in. Issue #6 is a very character-driven story. With all of the “eye candy” action so to speak being dressing for the real character-driven moments. The issue spends a good amount of time fleshing out Mina’s relationships with both bloodshot and Dr. Dusk. Dusk is this issue’s main villain, who was teased last issue. Not only is she one of the standout parts of this issue. She is easily the best villain of the Bloodshot series so far.
Again, newcomers to the series who only picked up Bloodshot at the start of the “long shot” story arc won’t feel alienated or lost. Bloodshot does a great job of using limited time and space to really sell the history between these characters.
A Colourful Cast
Speaking of characters, Bloodshot #6 is chocked full of incredible character designs. From cyborgs to half-human half bat-like creatures. Aside from looking awesome, these background characters gave some real interesting fights for Bloodshot and allowed some clever use of Mina’s powers during the fight.
Once again the action is stellar with Mina and Bloodshot teaming up to pull off not only the coolest but some of the goriest moments of the series so far. A tense final act sees Bloodshot outmatched and on the back foot somewhat. Something we haven’t seen from him before and it was a different angle I really enjoyed. A cryptic ending did a brilliant job of setting up the next issue. Getting me intrigued to see where Bloodshot and Mina go from here.
Characters
Surprisingly the issue’s namesake takes a bit of a back seat to allow our leading ladies to take center stage. Despite that, I still really love him here, especially his moments of dry humor which helped break up the over the top action nicely. There’s even enought time for some really personal moments for Bloodshot. Expanding on his human side just that little bit more. Something I hope gets pushed to the forefront more and more in future issues.
Next up we have Mina. The girl Bloodshot’s on a mission to save. She can hold her own just fine mind you. Using her very cool powerset to glorious effect. Her history with Dr. Dusk, Bloodshot, and Lucy, another of Dr. Dusk’s experiments are explained nicely through flashbacks and creates a nice added layer of tension to all the issues action. She too has a good mixture of great action set pieces and smaller character moments.
Dr. Dusk…
The issue’s main villain, Dr. Dusk. The half-human half-machine cyborg from the last issue. Also on a mission to retrieve Mina after she was taken from her. Dr. Dusk is a fantastic villain, one that not only looks brilliant but also feels intimidating. She genuinly feels like a threat to Bloodshot and has a credible amount of history and backstory set out for her. You know she isn’t a “one and done” character and I am very excited to see her face off against Mina and Bloodshot again.
Lucy is a smaller side character. She too has some history fleshed out but she feels more like a narrative element for Mina that a fully fleshed-out character of her own. That being said she has a nice dynamic about her, working for Dusk but also being friends with Mina. It added some nice moral dilemmas to the story, something I think helped break up the relentless action. Again, I am very intrigued to see more of her in the future.
Artwork
Once again, Bloodshot looks incredible. Even more so here with the issue being so action-packed. Both Mina and Bloodshot’s abilities, as well as Dr. Dusk and her followers, are all beautifully brought to life in all the gory glory. Try saying that five times fast. If Bloodshot’s action has been what dragged you in, issue #6 will be an absolute joy to read through. Fantastic fights combined with some genuinly brilliant character designs and some heartfelt character moments make for a stunning looking issue.
Bloodshot #6 is a great addition to the series, for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series alike. Some brilliant new characters are introduced and fleshed out. Already existing favorites are given even more character and there’s enough punches, bullets, and blood to give Rambo a run for his money. Seriously if you’re a fan of Bloodshot and are yet to pick up this issue, give it a read now.
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