Written by Mark Gruenwald
Art by Paul Ryan; Sam De La Rosa; Keith Williams; John Workman; & Christie Scheele
Cover Art by Bob Layton
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for February 1986, this 32-page mid-point of the twelve-issue series is entitled “Inner Circle.” The Squadron Supreme has effectively taken over its Earth in the interests of enlightened humanity. As the team’s Squadron City complex nears completion, ramifications re: their behavioral modification machine emerge.
Case in point: several of their enemies have already been subjected to a controversial mental conversion. Hyperion, as team leader, checks up on his teammates, including a disgruntled Amphibian. In the hospital, a recuperating Golden Archer regrets his own selfish use of the machine brainwashing teammate Lady Lark.
At the Squadron’s team meeting, six new recruits/ex-villains: Ape X, The Shape, Foxfire, Quagmire, Dr. Decibel, and Lamprey are inducted. Blue Eagle divulges his suspicions re: Lady Lark, which results in the departure of three long-time members. Elsewhere, Master Menace (think Iron Man + Lex Luthor) plans a counter-strike against the Squadron. The Squadron’s renegade ex-member (and former U.S. President), Nighthawk, is glimpsed putting into motion his own game plan.
REVIEW:
Writer Mark Gruenwald adeptly explores similar themes a full eighteen years before DC Comics’ Brad Meltzer and Geoff Johns did with the Justice League amidst its 2004-2006 Identity Crisis–Crisis of Conscience–Infinite Crisis phase. Considering that the original Squadron Supreme is Marvel’s alternate-world JLA, one can appreciate Gruenwald’s ingenuity in remolding this team’s large ensemble closer in spirit to DC’s Watchmen.
Yet, Gruenwald struggles in overcoming the Squadron’s incessantly bland personalities, even for skewed Justice League knock-offs. His originality is more evident briefly depicting a motley crew of reformed villains, as well as in scenes believably exploiting the Squadron’s internal dissension. Accordingly, Squadron Supreme # 6 carefully builds multiple sub-plots in lieu of presenting endearing characters. In that regard, Arcanna Jones, Power Princess, and Amphibian come off as the most likable.
While its fading artwork is a mild disappointment, the issue’s visuals are at least sufficient. If anything, this issue delivers some instances of foreshadowing to set up Issue # 12’s climatic finale, which is frankly an underrated classic.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The back inside cover is Jim Shooter’s “Bullpen Bulletins” column and the week’s Marvel issue checklist.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7½ Stars
