Some thoughts about One-Star Squadron #6

What is the fate of Minute Man?

Red Tornado is trying to figure out if helping Terry escape was the right choice and he will get the sudden revelation that every little good deed he does matters even it doesn't turn him into the greatest hero in the world.

This series comes to a conclusion and while is not the strongest chapter from this book, is still a fitting one and shows why Mark Russell is still one of the greatest writers out there.

The issue plays with the ramifications of Minute Man escaping after accidently causing the death of one his colleagues and Red Tornado contemplating if letting him go was appropriate. Russell plays with such idea during the entire chapter, showing different perspectives based on the multiple characters that appeared in the book but always reinforcing the theme that has been so prominent here.

Russell has been implementing the idea of depression and how it affects people who are, or consider themselves, at their lowest. The connection with D-list superheroes has been nicely emphasized because each one of them try to get better in their own way, showcasing how society often neglects such people and all of this is reflected in the classic human manner that you can expect from the writer.

Unlike other issues from this title though, this one barely contains any jokes and focuses on delivering the idea that you don't have to be a great hero to do good deeds since even the simpler acts can make a big difference. This is emphasized in both Red Tornado and Terry but in the case of the latter, is more about trying to improve yourself as a person step by step. Speaking about the rest of the cast from a personal level, I'm glad that Russell gave Power Girl a satisfying development from how he portrayed her early on which used her background as a businesswoman but ultimately made her return to her more heroic roots. All of this leads to a bittersweet ending that perfectly complements the tone of the book.

Steve Lieber remains in art duties and his work is still fantastic thanks to his great range of emotions and perfect storytelling that really captured the look of the characters.

While I think there were better issues than this one (particularly the one that focused on Minute Man), it doesn't change the fact that this was a great finale for a great series. This is probably the best book Russell has worked on since The Snagglepuss Chronicles.