REVIEW: 'The Gimmick' #6 by Joanne Starer and Elena Gogou

THE GIMMICK #6

Writer: Joanne Starer

Artist: Elena Gogou

Letters: Rob Steen

Publisher: Ahoy Comics

Release Date: August 30, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

The furious finish! At the end of his run, fugitive pro wrestler Shane Bryant faces the friends who helped him, the loved ones he hurt, the feds who pursued him, and a wickedly corrupt boss-as well as a surprising set of consequences. Featuring AHOY's usual backup stories and illustrations.

Score:

7.5/10

QUICK REVIEW: 'The Gimmick' got off to a good start earning comparisons to some Cohen Brothers' films for its quirky charm and the misadventures of its characters. Shane's journey as a popular wrestler with hidden superhuman strength accidentally kills a competitor and goes on the run while being chased by the daughter of the man he killed. Meanwhile, his estranged wife and young child demand answers from Shane, and the FBI is also hot on his trail. It was an amusing enough joyride with characters whose moral compass always seemed broken and this finale reveals just how corrupt certain people are. It makes a statement at the end and while accurate and evergreen in general, I don't know if it was earned. 'The Gimmick' was one big misadventure, with quirky characters, and an irreverence that made it entertaining even when the story would veer from the plot. Issue six takes the reader full circle on Shane's journey and because of the unpredictable nature of the series, I wonder if the ending is that satisfying. Elena Gogou's art provided a lot of energy and personality to the zany antics.

'The Gimmick' had a lot to offer. A promising start that drew inspiration from Elmore Leonard, and the Cohen Brothers, with professional wrestling but lost a little focus along the way. You're left with no one to root for and an ending that would resonate more in a darker comedy.

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