Graphic Novel Review: THE SIXTH GUN by Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt

THE SIXTH GUN, Book 1: COLD DEAD FINGERS by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt (ONI Press,  January 2011)  

My first exposure to the work of Bunn and Hurtt was the Free Comic book Day Edition of THE SIXTH GUN which previewed the opening issue of the six-part mini-series. I was impressed enough to write in a blog that “this has the potential to be a rip-roaring supernatural western equal to the best of Lansdale and Truman’s classic JONAH HEX stories.” If you’re a fan of those books or weird western in general you will appreciate THE SIXTH GUN.

   In the final days of the Civil War an evil bloodthirsty Confederate General, Oliander Hume, who practiced black magic was deemed too dangerous to imprison. He was bound in chains, confined to a wooden coffin, and dropped into a deep pit. Some years later, he is still alive and revived by his wicked wife and acolytes. He longs for his lost revolver, one of six magical weapons, that has fallen into the hands of an innocent girl. With his bride and four monstrous horsemen he raises an army of the undead to claim what is his. When reunited with the five other revolvers in his possession he will gain unstoppable power. 

   Only gunslinger Drake Sinclair, a former follower of Hume, stands in his way, protecting the young girl. But he has his own reasons for seeking the gun, which has now bonded to the girl (Becky Montgrief). The entire story is populated with colorful characters, every one with an interesting and authentic Western-style name.

    This book has a very rich look. The colors are ideal and well-suited to the narrow panel style of Hurtt that recalls the best work of Will Eisner. Glimpses of the future/past throughout the story are shaded in tones of red and black, in extreme contrast to the highly colorful panels depicting current events. The realistic backdrops of the Western skyline are a perfect wash of colors, all the more remarkable for Hurtt’s ability to include this much art/detail in a small panel format evocative of 1950’s EC horror comic books.

  The power of the sixth gun manifests itself first in Becky’s dreams and then whenever she holds or uses the gun for any length of time. Each gun has unique attributes and properties that transfer to the user, as these are explained as the story moves forward. The properties of the sixth gun were directly responsible for the battlefield successes of General Hume, only one of the reasons he wants to re-gain possession of it. Drake’s former association with Hume may not make him the most trustworthy protector of Becky. Both he and crusty companion Billjohn O’Henry seem to be mapping their escape route/activities based on visions revealed to them by the mysterious Gallows Tree.

    The potential for greatness hinted at in the early issues reach full fruition in the final three issues which conclude the first story arc. Issue #6 is a big battle issue spotlights more of Hurtt’s great work and an incredible amount of action, expanding the scope of the scenes with many short but rectangular and wide-screen panels which span two-page spreads. 

    THE SIXTH GUN is a bold mix of western post-Civil War adventure with supernatural and macabre elements. Bunn balances the rapidly forward-moving plot with enough details, insights and clues to make this a solid read. The conclusion is satisfactory but the danger is not completely eliminated. I’m looking forward to Book Two and beyond. FIVE STARS.