BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #6 – Review

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #6, from Dynamite Comics on December 22nd, 2021, takes a side trip to recount the history of Vix and how the galaxy’s cutest pet may be the galaxy’s most powerful being.

The Details

• Written By: Sarah Hoyt
• Art By: Tommaso Bianchi
• Colors By: Ivan Nunes
• Letters By: Carlos M. Mangual
• Cover Art By: Lucio Parrillo (cover A)
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Release Date: December 22, 2021

Wait! Don’t Forget To Sign Up For The Comical Opinions Newsletter.

Was It Good?

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #6 is… amusing. Hoyt takes a break from the current plot of Barbarella’s pursuit of the Lady to give readers a flashback story focused on how and why Vix and Barbarella first met.

“But, wait!” you gasp. “Didn’t we already see how they first met?” you puzzle.

Yes and no. It turns out Vix is so much more than meets the eye, and with a little explanation, we learn Barbarella’s recollection of that first meeting is not entirely accurate. Read on through to the next section if you want the details.

There are several things this issue does very well. Hoyt builds out and up the character of Vix in a completely surprising way. Rather than simply being a surly pet/sidekick who speaks broken English, we learn Vix is with Barabarella for a very specific reason that lays out the groundwork for bigger things coming later in the series. Also, humor can be tricky, but Hoyt pulls it off by subverting expectations in a successful way. The juxtaposition between Vix’s perspective of Barbarella and her purpose in their relationship puts a completely different spin on things, and you feel like you’re in on a private joke. A harmless joke, but a joke that gives every scene the two of them are in double meaning.

This issue also marks a full transition of art duties away from Madibek Musabekov to Tommaso Bianchi. Is it noticeable? Yes. Musabekov’s exceptionally detailed line work is jaw dropping, and while Bianchi’s work in this comic is excellent, Musabekov is a tough act to follow. That said, the difference in style and quality is obvious, but it’s not so extreme as to hurt the book. That sounds like a backhanded compliment, but it’s not meant to be. Again, Bianchi admirably holds up against an extremely difficult act to to follow.

What’s It About?

[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]

The end of this issue brings readers back to the end of the last issue. If you don’t remember how the last issue ended, first read our BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #5 review.

We begin on the planet Tynechon, populated by an ancient race of being who consider themselves the Architects of the Universe. These beings have a customary ritual where they send their young out among the stars to befriend a member of a species of their choosing to learn all they can and bring back their knowledge and abilities. The latest traveler is Vix, and she has chosen, against the advice of her elders, Barbarella as her point of study.

Through the story we see how Barbarella “accidentally” met Vix and how Vix always seems to be in just the right spot to prevent Barbarella from getting killed or help her escape capture. During her latest diplomatic mission, things go wrong when the Lady hires royal guards to falsely accuse Barbarella of trying to kill the king. When Barbarella is sent to prison, it’s up to Vix to save the day.

We conclude the issue with the realization that Barbarella’s powers of observation are indeed very weak, Vix learning the Seers from her home world made a miscalculation, and another first meeting.

Final Thoughts

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #6 hits the PAUSE button on the main plot of the volume to build out the character of Vix. Side stories can be hit or miss, but Hoyt pulls this one off with charm, humor, and subverts expectations to successfully give the entire relationship between Barbarella and Vix double meaning. The art duties have changed, and while the output is not as impressive, it’s fine work for an entertaining issue overall.

Score: 8.5/10

As an Amazon Associate, we earn revenue from qualifying purchases to help fund this site. Links to Blu-Rays, DVDs, Books, Movies, and more contained in this article are affiliate links. Please consider purchasing if you find something interesting, and thank you for your support.