Sinister’s Six #2 impression — The desperate search for a cure continues

X years ago, the X-Virus swept across the land after a gene bomb detonated, affecting millions. In the chaos that has engulfed the United States since, few dared hope to find a cure, focusing more on surviving the Age of Revelation that began in its wake. But for those few that did, the prize they sought may be much closer than they think. For Mr. Sinister has made an important discovery, one that might bring the Age of Revelation one step closer to an end…

*Mild spoilers ahead for Sinister’s Six #2*

Opening on a scene from shortly after the X-Virus was unleashed upon the world, we see a worse-for-wear Alex Summers—aka Havok—fleeing through the wilderness with a very pregnant Lorna Dane, aka Polaris. Who exactly is pursuing the two isn’t revealed, nor is the strange crystalline formation on Havok’s torso, but neither of those things become important in the moment as Lorna suddenly collapses to her knees, her hand coated in blood. 

Before we can see what happens, we’re thrust forward to the present day, where Havok and the rest of Sinister’s team are preparing to infiltrate an abandoned research facility that once belonged to Revelation. It’s here that Mr. Sinister believes the virus was born, and thus could hold the answer to creating its cure. Joining the team on their expedition is Venom, whose cooperation is secured thanks to the shock collar around its neck. Who is currently wearing the symbiote is currently unknown, as all efforts to remove it or even get Venom to speak have ended in failure. However, Sinister is not one to throw away a valuable resource, especially not when Havok argues for Venom’s sake. 

The group infiltrates the facility, which isn’t as abandoned as it appears on the outside. Babels—beings stripped of their language abilities by Revelation—dwell within its forgotten halls, attacking any who dare invade their home. These unfortunate souls aren’t the only danger that awaits the team, however, as Revelation is not so foolish as to leave his secrets easily accessible to any who come seeking them. 

Building off the events of the previous issue, we’re given more insight into the world changed by Revelation. Specifically, we’re given a deeper look into the members of Sinister’s band of unlikely allies/agents and their motivations for working for him. While handled a bit clunkily at times, it adds a great deal to an already interesting concept, fleshing out the characters and giving each of them real reasons for working with someone as mistrustful as Mr. Sinister. Whether it be mere survival, a chance to restore the world to what it was, or something else entirely, all of them have valid reasons beyond simple plot convenience.

Probably the biggest question mark at the moment is Venom’s part in all of this. As stated before, we don’t know who is wearing the symbiote in this dark future, nor why they seem more savage than normal. Whoever they are and whatever happened to them, though, it seems that they have their own plans, though for the moment we’re left in the dark as to what they may be. 

Compared to the first issue, events really pick up pace in this issue. Before, the bulk of the issue was talking after the action sequence at the beginning. Here, however, it feels more like a spec ops style mission, with a good balance of action and stealth mixed throughout. While the story is somewhat hindered by its need to give every character a moment in the spotlight, this isn’t too much of an issue as not only does it provide motivation, but it helps to provoke more of an emotional reaction during the final pages of the issue. 

It’s in these final pages that the story potentially tries to do too much too early. I won’t reveal what exactly happens here, though I will say it’s something I wasn’t expecting for at least a few more issues. It’s not a detriment to the story, and I did greatly enjoy it, but it does make me worry a bit that the plot will begin to stagger after jumping the proverbial shark so soon. I hope I’m wrong, but I guess we’ll see in a month when issue 3 hits shelves. 

Sinister’s Six #2 is available now from Marvel Comics.