Review - Sex Criminals #6

Review by Paul Fiander
At the end of Volume 1 of Sex Criminals we found out that Jon and Suzy were not alone in their ability to enter The Quiet/Cumworld. This is quite a change from the first issue where they both believed they were the only ones able to enter this state. After just about escaping the law the time seems to have come for our Sex themed Robin Hood’s to enter a world of normality.

This is the set up for the start of the issue but it perfectly echoes a lot of real world relationships. There is the moment when you go from the initial heat of a relationship to the point where you both become familiar with each other. This is the point where a lot of relationships end, the point where you kind out how compatible you are without the allure of the physical. This seems to be the main struggle for Jon and Suzy with the fear of the Quiet/Cumworld police an ever present threat their place of freedom has now been compromised. This affects the couple in an interesting way as we get to see a different side of their relationship.

One of the best parts of the Sex Criminals run so far has been the back matter, this issue is no different as the letter Daddies show they not only do they have an insight into the sexual desires of their readers but are also able to put a smile on your face. It’s a strong tradition in comics to have a letters page but it takes something a little different for it stand out and The Letter Daddies certainly has this down to a tee.

Thankfully the art in the Sex Criminals is back to its best as Chip Zdarsky is back to his best in the interiors. The character models are created to a tee and when the splash of colour is needed to really set things off Chip doesn’t spare the colour palette. The main thing about this issue though is the cover; the way Jon is under the shadow of a pill is great foreshadowing and helps give the issue a great start. The covers in the whole run have been great but this is right up there with the best of them.

Matt Fraction is showing that he has a certain panache for delving into the real sides of relationships. The mixture of real life with the outlandishness of the stories central conceit helps to make this one of the best stories on the shelves today. When you throw in Chip Zdarsky’s art then Sex Criminals really is a story that can take you to heaven and back within 20 odd pages.

Issue Rating; 4.5/5
The Comic is available in both print and digital from Image comics. Follow this link for more details.

Preview Pages

For a review of the first arc may I suggest the Trade.

Sex Criminals, Vol. 1 TP: One Weird Trick
Images courtesy of Image Comics
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