Image Comics reviews 10/3/24 – Redcoat #6, Free Agents #4

Redcoat #6

Redcoat #6 marked a very satisfying conclusion to the first arc as Simon Pure battled against The Grand Architect — Benedict Arnold. Somehow writer Geoff Johns managed to make the twist that Benedict Arnold was the villain work. Alarm bells should have been ringing from the start, but Johns made Arnold such a magnificent frenemy character that the idea that he was simply misunderstood was a clever plot point. Yet having him be the villain made too much sense to ignore.

Simon is captured and the immortal man’s lives are nearing the end. Arnold is set to unleash the Great Fire, which will engulf America in flames. When the dust and ash settle, Arnold is set to unleash a new America. But Simon’s young sidekick, Albert Einstein, might have a hand in stopping Arnold from pulling off his plan. The character mix has been stellar as Johns has done some outstanding work in developing them so efficiently that their decisions all fall in line with how he’s written them. There’s no goofy plot twist to save the day. It all comes together smoothly.

Bryan Hitch’s artwork (with inker Andrew Currie) has been exceptional fully living up to his status as one of the masters of the comic book widescreen format presentation. Redcoat #6 looks like the final act in a big blockbuster with no skimped details on background elements and the scope of the scene. Hitch has completely delivered on this series. Brad Anderson providing sensational colors that enhanced the artwork while letterer Rob Leigh conveyed the intensity of the scenes with well-used emphasis on the dialogue.

Redcoat #6 definitely had the feel like an issue that could mark the start of a prolonged hiatus. At least one more issue is coming titled Epilogue so there might still be a lengthy gap ahead. Hopefully it won’t be long for the next adventure as Redcoat #6 showed this title has as many stories as Pure has years left to go.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics