REVIEW: ‘Rogue Sun’, Issue #6

Rogue Sun #6 is written by Ryan Parrott, illustrated by Abel, colored by Natalia Marques, and lettered by Becca Carey. It’s published by Image Comics. The issue continues to explore Dylan Siegel’s turmoil, as he’s learned that his mother, Gwen, sold her soul in order to kill his estranged father, Marcus. Gwen urges Dylan to give her the Sun Stone that transforms him into Rogue Sun so that she can “free” him from Marcus, while Marcus tells him to use the all-powerful Black Fire to incapacitate Gwen. Torn between two parental figures, Dylan eventually chooses one – and that choice has ramifications that upend his entire life.

This issue is heartbreaking, and I don’t say that lightly. In the vein of fare like Batman Beyond and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Parrott mixes adolescent angst with superhero/supernatural tropes. In this case, it’s learning about how your parents are as flawed as any human being and may let you down. Granted, the circumstances are a bit different since one of Dylan’s parents is a supervillain and the other’s a literal ghost, but Parrott still taps into that human core that has fueled the greatest superhero characters, including Spider-Man and Static. And the ending is one of the saddest I’ve seen in a superhero comic in a while.

The emotion is also reflected in the art. Many of Abel’s panels feature people locked in conversation, with emotions playing out across their faces. In Rogue Sun’s case, his emotions are evident by the strength of the flames surrounding his body. The angrier he gets, the bigger they get. That doesn’t mean there isn’t action; a gorgeous two-page spread features Dylan finally unleashing the Black Flame, which, true to its name, takes the form of a swirling inferno of black and orange. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good superhero showdown, but there are some problems you can’t punch away. And those problems look to plague Dylan in future issues.

As if to reflect the growing darkness in the book, Marques shrouds the book in shadows. The grounds on which Dylan/Marcus and Gwen fight are a greyish blue, with shadows creeping around every corner. As previously mentioned, the Black Flame features shadows mingling in with its flames. And another page features Dylan standing on a rooftop, sadness etched across his face, with only the light to reveal his figure. That same darkness permeates Carey’s lettering, especially when Dylan proclaims, “Rogue Sun!” Unlike the first time he shouted it, this declaration feels less like a heroic proclamation and more of a finality given the placement of the letters. Given everything that’s happened up to this point, it’s also quite fitting – in a tragic way.

Rogue Sun #6 brings a tragic end to the series’ first story arc, forever changing its fire-slinging protagonist’s life in the process. And if fans think this issue is a jaw-dropper, they’ll definitely want to stay tuned for the next two. Parrott is planning to introduce new villains and new challenges for Dylan, and time will tell if he’s in the right shape to face them.

Rogue Sun #6 is available wherever comics are sold.