REVIEW: ‘Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted,’ Issue #6

Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #6 is published by Starburns Industries Press, written by Ben Kahn (Heavenly Blues), with art by Bruno Hildago (Heavenly Blues), colors assists by James Penafiel, and letters by Sal Cipriano. Previously, Gryffen, a rebellious captain, having recently commandeered a ship, and their ragtag crew of brilliant misfits as they take on the Tyrannical power, the Reach.

Now, Gryffen and their team are working to stop the Reach’s blockade of Telika’s planet, which would kill millions, by planting a genetically engineered seed that will sustain the planet’s life. But as Gryffen flies through the air, after being shot out of a space cannon, and lands in a Reach work camp. There, they must come face to face with their past – specifically Admiral Hunter. As Gryffen fights their way through hoards of troops, with a minuscule amount of help from the locals, they run into Admiral Hunter.

Previously, it was revealed that Admiral Hunter has a personal history with Gryffen. The confrontation between the two is intense and shows a side of Gryffen we have not seen before. While Gryffen may have previously worked with the Reach they wholeheartedly denounce their message now.

Gryffen is a reckless, fearless, and hilarious leader who isn’t afraid of rules or progressive politics that are actually disguised as more tyranny. At the start of the series, they refused to follow the rules of the Rebellion and now, in Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #6, it is no different. And while we don’t know the whole story between Gryffen and Admiral Hunter, we know enough to keep us engaged.

Though Gryffen is not the only person the Reach has hurt as Telika has risked everything and put her trust in strangers in order to save her people. At one point, Telika tells Gryffen her people lost hope a long time ago and the seeds they spread from the sky aren’t going to inspire them as much as new stories, folklore, and a hero to believe in.

Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #6 is far more emotional than the previous issues but still carries all of the heart that has made the series so wonderful. In addition to featuring a non-binary protagonist and being an incredible space epic, Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted is downright hilarious. Writing comedy in comics is hard and the fact that Kahn has crafted multiple points throughout this issue that are laugh-out-loud funny is commendable.

In addition to the fantastic script, Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #6 features a unique and beautiful art style from Hildago. The art is campy, over the top, and captures the humor of the series incredibly well. That combined with Penafiel’s fantastic color assists creates a bright atmosphere that sets it apart from other sci-fi series that have a more traditionally muted color scheme. Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted’s brightness matches the tone. In a world full of dark sci-fi, it is refreshing to see a comic that touches on serious themes without taking itself too seriously.

Overall, Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #6 is a sci-fi adventure that somehow mixes the elements of Star Wars with the humor of Archer. It is over the top and features a charismatic and hilarious character who despite their flaws, is incredibly loveable.

Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #6 is available now, exclusively on Comixology.