REVIEW: ‘Plunge,’ Issue #6

Plunge #6 is published by DC Comics under the Hill House imprint, written by Joe Hill, art by Stuart Immonen, colors by Dave Stewart, and letters by Deron Bennett. With the rest of the crew in danger of drowning, or hypothermia, whichever gets them first, Moriah swims down to the sunken vessel to release the child from it’s dormancy in order to save them. But even if she reaches them in time, who will save the world from the child.

Plunge has utilized a classic horror strategy for it’s run. Slow build, crank up the tension just before the end, then nail it with a big payoff ending. That seems to be the plan followed by writer Hill and the rest of the creative team. With Plunge #6 finally out we see whether or not they land that trickiest of moments, the big ending. In the end they managed to land it…mostly.

The problem I find myself struggling with in terms of this series finale is how fast it goes. While each individual moment works by itself, things as a whole feel far too rushed. It seems like in the blink of an eye its all going wrong, and then its done. Hill does manage to lace a couple moments of genuine feeling in here, but it still left me feeling unsatisfied. Not a bad ending, just not as good as I had hoped for.

Another aspect of Plunge #6 that didn’t quite deliver all I wanted from it was the design of the child itself. Again, its not that the design is bad, but in this instance it is just largely forgettable. Another Lovecraftian inspired horror from beyond the stars. If you haven’t seen this style of creature a thousand times it could certainly be something to take note of. For those familiar with the style it is a competent example of a familiar form of bestie.

Aside from the aforementioned complaint Plunge #6’s art is every bit as good as it has been throughout it’s run. Immonen delivers on the emotional moments well, and the camera keeps the viewer in the thick of things, giving the story an overwhelming feel to it. While it lasts.

The color work by Stewart  combines with the art to enhance it’s overall effect one final time. The contrasts used by Stewart make some of these panels so striking and memorable. A wonderful final performance.

Lastly, Bennett’s lettering does a proficient job in delivering it’s narrative to the reader. The story flows smoothly from panel to panel. There is no complaint I can level against the letter work here.

So when it’s all said and done, Plunge #6 delivers an ending that is adequate, if not quite as much as I had hoped for. It ties up it’s story well, and leaves each character in a place I can accept. If this team ever got back together to deliver another tale of horror I’ve enjoyed my time with Plunge enough to get onboard for another go.

Plunge #6 is available August 25th wherever comics are sold.