REVIEW:’ Far Sector,’ Issue #6

Far Sector #6 is published by DC Comics, under its Young Animal imprint,  written by N.K. Jemisin, art by Jamal Campbell, and letters by Deron Bennett. As the City Enduring continues to prepare for a historical referendum concerning the emotional exploit, another political bomb is about to drop on a city already struggling to keep up with its changing circumstances. And whether she likes it or not, Lantern Mullein will once again find herself at the heart of the upheaval going on around her.

Far Sector #6 focuses its narrative squarely on the concept of responsibility. As funerals for the fallen, and political questions fill the pages of these issues, it continually looks at how characters are handling their responsibilities toward what has happened. When Councilor Marth makes an unexpected call to Mullein’s quarters to talk about the future, his responsibilities to both individuals and the city, are looked at.

With the Councilor once again on the emotion exploit, we see a unique image of him. Seeing a character bounce between having, and not having, emotion is an interesting experience that Jemisin handles with excellent skill. It goes a long way to bring to light how much of our decisions are really thought through. With our emotions often taking the wheel, it raises some interesting questions on how much of right is figured, as opposed to felt.

While Far Sector #6 continues to flesh out Councilor Marth, it also gives plenty of time for Lantern Mullein to be her strong self. I really appreciate the balance Jemisin continues to provide this character. She is headstrong and can be quick to cut someone off at the knees. But she will also hear them out once she has said her peace. And, if they are making sense, she is willing to listen.

While I enjoyed the characters here, this issue does continue to make the series as a whole feel a bit stalled out. It’s hard to both enjoy an element of a book, while also feeling like the emphasis of this element might be detrimental to the narrative as a whole.

Just as the strong writing continues in Far Sector #6, so too does the wonderful art presentation. Campbell continues to capture the emotion and intensity of the moments within the story excellently. This is done in equal parts by his lines, as well as his colors. The vibrant shades and hues he utilizes continue to make the world pop. I can only imagine how much duller this world would feel without the vibrancy Campbell’s art lends it.

Lastly, Bennett’s lettering rounds out the presentation of Far Sector #6 with solid skill. Every dialogue bubble is where it needs to be. Between solid placement and a few nice flourishes with design to keep how people are communicating clear, Bennett fulfills his lettering duties nicely.

With Far Sector #6 ending on a significant cliffhanger, I’m looking forward to seeing how the story develops from here. It promises some unforeseen changes coming to the City Enduring, and a side of Lantern Mullein we haven’t gotten to see before. But like they say: in brightest day or blackest night…

Far Sector #6 is available now, wherever comics are sold.