Advance Review: Penguins vs. Possums #6

Written by: Laura Hong-Tuason, CC2K Comics Editor

The real war between penguins and possums is about to begin.

Writers: Sebastian Kadlecik, John Bring, Lindsay Calhoon Bring
Illustrators: Sebastian Kadlecik, John Bring

Spoiler Alert: If you have never read Penguins vs. Possums, I reviewed Volume 1 (#1-4) here. I also reviewed issue #5. With that said, expect minor spoilers from the series below.

In the last issue, human archaeologists Felicia and C.J. uncover the age-old war between penguins and possums. On the possum side, Amaru loses two of his closest allies and questions his role as The Chosen. Meanwhile, Emperor Xiao of the penguins ignores the caution of his council and prepares the final strike against the possums.

Penguins vs. Possums #6 sets up the biggest, most inevitable war of all penguin/possum wars to come. Amaru is on edge. Finally snapping out of his hopeless stupor, he reclaims his title as Chosen and reaffirms his determination to protect his fellow possums at all cost. However, he is not the same peacekeeper he once was. He’s meaner and angrier, which isn’t made any better when he finds out the elders of the bi-bunal are putting possums to work on trifle matters rather than having them close and fortify a chasm created by the most recent attack. Tired of such political games, Amaru decides to takes things into his own hands.

On the penguin forefront, Emperor Xiao has gone mad with power and is distrustful of his own kind, relying only on his bodyguard, Meilai. He proposes to acquire a hydrogen bomb to rid the world of all possums. The penguin council and his three cronies think he’s crazy. For the record, they’re probably right. All the while, Felicia and C.J. attempt to bring the war from out of the shadows and into the light, which may ultimately tear them apart.

While Penguins vs. Possums #6 isn’t the most interesting issue by itself, it heats up all the action that will take place in the upcoming issues when the series reaches its conclusion. Most of the issue is set-up, but it’s amazing how the writers are able to evoke intense feelings of urgency, betrayal, and loss on all three sides of those affected by the war. It’s not just a war between penguins and possums. A conflict exists within each group respectively. Amaru must go head-to-head with the possum elders and his best friend. Xiao must step out of the shadow of his father and defy the penguin council. Their own kind may very well be their downfall. In the end, it doesn’t look like there will be any real winners, and as the writers have said all along, humanity will have to choose a side.

Penguins vs. Possums remains consistently invigorating, jammed-packed with action, and cleverly thought out. You can get your copy of Penguins vs. Possums #6 through the Fanboy Comics website starting Monday, July 13, 2015. It’ll also be available for purchase this week at San Diego Comic-Con. Find the Fanboy Comics table in the Small Press area (Table O-04). The comic book will feature pin-up work by writer/artist David Flores of Dead Future King.

For more information, follow the series on Facebook and on Twitter @pvpcomic.

3.0 out of 5.0