The Books of Gail Simone

A part of the Countdown to Infinite Crisis series of stories, this book overcomes the handicap of having a ridiculous-sounding name. Lex Luthor has begun gathering together hundreds of supervillains in an organisation called the Society, intended to prevent the abuse of power on the part of the heroes which is covered elsewhere in the series. This book follows the story of the Secret Six (also a very dodgy name), who are six villains that refused to live under the Society's rule. They are Catman, Deadshot, Cheshire, Scandal, Ragdoll and Parademon. I really enjoyed reading about how these six characters, considered insignificant and weak by their enemies, actually manage to overcome the odds stacked against them. As with any good team story, it is the relationships between the Six that make for the best reading, be it the violence and grudging respect between Catman and Deadshot, or the unlikely friendship of Ragdoll and Parademon. The other great thing about the Six is that they are genuine badasses! I couldn't get enough of them kicking the crap out of other villains and they don't pull their punches the way that heroes might. So what else has this great book got? Dozens of supervillains (including favourites like Mister Freeze, Scarecrow and Solomon Grundy), sexual tension, lesbians and a shootout between Deadshot and Deathstroke. I mean, what more could you ask for? (Other than more lesbians!)