REVIEW: ‘Infinite Frontier,’ Issue #6

Infinite Frontier #6 is written by Josh Williamson, illustrated by Xermanico,  colored by Romula Fajardo Jr, and lettered by Tom Napolitano. It is published by DC Comics. Picking up immediately after the events of Infinite Frontier #5, the issue features the collective heroes of the Multiverse battling against Darkseid in order to free the Flash. When the dust settles, new paths are forged, and new truths are revealed about the Multiverse-setting the stage for next year’s DC series.

As this is the final issue of Infinite Frontier, Williamson brings all the various plot points together with ease, delivering plenty of action and emotional beats. The biggest of those beats involve Flashpoint Batman and Roy Harper, both of who are struggling with their inner and outer darkness. After his actions in the City of Bane story arc, Thomas Wayne wants to make sure that his son’s world survives-and he’ll battle Injustice Incarnate to the death to do so. Harper manages to overcome his Black Lantern brainwashing with help from Obsidian, who talks about overcoming his own darkness. I can honestly say that it’s refreshing to see a story in which Harper isn’t constantly suffering, and the ending leaves a new road for him and DEO Agent Cameron Chase.

This also marks the second time Xermanico has fully illustrated an issue of Infinite Frontier, which is fitting since he illustrated the debut issue. The majority of the action takes place on Earth-Omega, with the opening pages featuring a battle between Justice Incarnate and Injustice Incarnate. President Superman and Flashpoint Batman also have a tag-team duel against the treacherous Machinehead, providing a new twist on the World’s Finest archetype. And the muted color palette from the previous issue continues to hold a focus, with black being the predominant color-especially in Napolitano’s word balloons for Darkseid. It provides a neat contrast to the heroes and their brighter colored costumes.

The biggest surprise about the series comes from its final pages, which provide a surprising new status quo from Darkseid and the Flash. This series has had unexpected connections to the Crisis on Infinite Earths miniseries, which not only dealt with the concept of multiverses but was also a significant milestone in DC history. Considering that Infinite Frontier also deals with multiverses, these ties make sense, but the creators manage to take things in new directions, especially where the Flash is concerned. Barry Allen played a significant part in the original Crisis, so it is only fitting that he’d do the same for this series-and considering that Williamson wrote The Flash for four years; it’s safe to say he knows how to continue Allen’s journey as a hero.

Infinite Frontier #6 ends the multiverse-spanning series while setting up new stories for DC’s comic book slate in 2022. Williamson has proven himself to be one of the strongest writers in DC’s stable with this title, and he should continue to hold that title as he is slated to take over writing duties for Batman as well as the upcoming Justice League Incarnate miniseries.

Infinite Frontier #6 is available now wherever comics are sold.