Skullkickers vol. 6: Infinite Icons of the Endless Epic

So it turns out there WAS a reason behind all of the alternate-universe versions of Rex and Rolf that showed up in the previous volume!  In fact, writer Jim Zub delivers a finale that reveals the series to have had more on its mind than frequently hilarious fantasy-based slapstick violence.  That’s not to say that there isn’t lots of shooting, punching, and beer-swilling fun to be had in vol. 6.  Most of this volume is just one giant bar brawl as our protagonists throw down with the many-tentacled threat of Thool, who has taken over the bar/dimensional nexus known as the Gizzard.  This would appear to be enough threat to face for one volume, but this is only the beginning for Zub and artist Edwin Huang.  Over the course of the next four issues, the two creators manage to raise the stakes in impressively creative and outlandish ways.  Rolf’s leg fulfills its purpose as a demonic nexus, pan-dimensional parasites turn out to have low tolerances for alcohol, and unicorns are revealed to be really frikkin’ stupid.  It’s a glorious blood-and-beer-soaked cacophony and immense fun to read.

If that was it, then Zub and Huang could rest easy on a job well done.  Yet they even have more to offer.  Aside from a round of “Tavern Tales” that is more relevant to the main plot than usual, we also get a number of callbacks to previous volumes.  They at least offer up the illusion that there was a kind of master plan behind the ridiculousness on display here.  More satisfying is the final issue where reality is broken, the narrator finds himself out of a job (With four payments and interest left on his new stove!), and the true nature of Rex and Rolf as narrative archetypes is revealed.  It’s something that makes perfect sense after all that has come before.  Yet the best part is when Kusia, the elven warrior woman, looks at all this, realizes it’s not fair and goes to do something about it.  The result is a new hero(ine) archetype and an unlockable achievement too!

I would’ve liked to have read thirty-six more issues of this series (or at least gotten the summaries of the issues that followed afterward to issue #100, but I guess that’s a bonus for those who bought the single issues).  What we got here may not be remembered for its deep philosophical underpinnings or captivating narrative, yet it managed to be really damn funny with memorable characters who made the journey worth following.  So raise your glass and pound one back for a series that knows how bring the funny, the action, and even the heart at the end!