Bounty Hunters #6 - Comic Review

Bounty Hunters restarts with Target Valance, a brand-new story arc, picking up shortly after the emotional finale of the previous issue with Valance and the young Cadeliah on a run from the Unbroken Clan who put a huge bounty on their heads. This time, the cold and calculating killer 4-LOM alongside his organic companion, Zuckuss, are hired to track, find, and kill the galaxy’s most wanted.

Make sure to check out the review of the previous issue before moving on!

Target Valance begins with a flashback of Beilert, moments before he joined the Galactic Empire. Ethan Sacks is yet again exploring the cyborg bounty hunter’s past with care—providing meaningful pieces of character development fundamental to the story, since (as the title Target Valance implies) he will be the one driving it in this arc. The first pages of the issues explore the main character’s romantic connection with Yura and move on to his voluntary enlistment in the Empire—from his dream to becoming a great hero to his ultimate fall as the man begins to lose part of his humanity after being awfully wounded in action.

After the emotional and heartbreaking flashback, Bounty Hunters picks up the pace as Valance and Cadeliah resume their escape from the numerous bounty hunters the Unbroken Clan has hired to take down the fugitives. This is where once again the artistry of Paolo Villanelli shines—exalting Sacks’ writing by adding a good dose of dynamism and cinematic feel to the action.

The showstoppers of the issue are without a doubt 4-LOM and Zuckuss. The bounty hunter duo was made iconic from The Empire Strikes Back, but they haven’t gotten the spotlight (aside from the collector’s side and a few comic appearances) until now. Villanelli and Prianto truly bring these characters to life, especially during the panel closeups, showcasing the intricate facial features of the bounty hunters with detailed pen strokes and metallic-organic colors. They are definitely a match for Valance, and we can only hope that the duo will stick around for a bit in paper format and eventually get their own comic series!

The ending of Target Valance Part 1 closes the circle from the flashback with a hurtful, complicated reunion and the prospect for a new, dangerous path. Still no confirmation of Nakano Lash’s or T’onga’s deaths (have you noticed the escape pod in the last issue?), but rest assured all will be revealed in due time. Make sure to pick up your copy today from your favorite local comic book shop and share your thoughts on our social media outlets about the series!