Broken Frontier

After twenty-eight issues of espionage, action, and Nick Fury being a badass, this series comes to a close. Hickman writes a thoroughly pleasing denouement for the series, giving certain characters the endings they deserve, others the fresh starts they need, and still keeping others uncertain, leaving their lives open for all kinds of stories.

Nick Fury, for all his struggles, all his tragedy, and all the pain he’s both delivered and felt, has won. Hydra is no more. Leviathan has been reduced to just one more villain in a world of heroes. His team of allies and friends has grown exponentially, and he is building something towards a better tomorrow. So why does it all feel so bitter? Hickman writes a Fury who has lost so much, that even winning is a bitter victory. Through the eyes of his friends, like Dum Dum Dugan and Steve Rogers, we see a man who has given most everything to ensure the world stays safe, and now has almost nothing left. But that’s not to say he doesn’t accept his fate, and thanks to a small cliffhanger ending, there may other things for Fury to live for.

The rest of the supporting cast is given plenty to do, and even though this series is ending, the lives of Daisy and the rest of the Caterpillars will not go to waste. Each member of Fury’s cadre, both old and new, is given a resolution and a new mission, showing that while they may have won for now, there is always work to be done.

Vitti’s artwork has a nice, sketch-like feel to it. While I was a bit unsure of his style after Stefano Caselli stepped down, Vitti has come in and made this book his own. His dark lines and grim facades have an appropriate feel to them for a book such as this. While his work on facial expressions can be wooden at times, his artwork successfully manages to convey the grim determination of Nick Fury and his soldiers.
Secret Warriors the series may be done, but it seems as though their work is far from over. This was a solid last issue from Hickman and Vitti. Do yourself a favor and go say goodbye to this series in style.