Summary

• Secret Six writer Gail Simone shares her favorite moment, crediting artist Nicola Scott's talent.
• Secret Six #10 sees antiheroes Vandal Savage and Bane forge a connection when Bane tries to stop using Venom.
• The series follows a group of villains, exploring their unique relationships and principles without toning down their potential for evil.

One of the things that makes Batman's villains so fantastic is the fact they are complex characters who have complex desires. One of the greatest examples of this is the character Bane, and there's no better comic to show this than Secret Six - a series beloved by hardcore comic readers, but little-known by mainstream fans. Recently, writer Gail Simone named her favorite scene, and it encapsulates why everyone who loves superheroes should check out the series.

In Secret Six #10, Bane is struggling with withdrawal from Venom, a drug he uses to enhance his strength. This withdrawal results in Bane having intense night terrors, creating a crack in his seemingly invulnerable facade. Surprisingly, hardass team leader Scandal Savage gives Bane some of the first kindness that he's ever received in his life, spending the night by his side to help him cope with the withdrawal.

Writer Gail Simone recently noted on X that it's her favorite moment from the series, praising artist Nicola Scott's talent with the comment, "This is my favorite scene in Secret Six, probably. Amazing work by @NicolaScottArt. I repost it once in a while because damn, she nailed it so hard." Fellow DC writer Tom Taylor commented, "It's so good"

Secret Six Explored the Morality of 'Villains' Without Offering Easy Redemption

Secret Six #10 by Gail Simone, Nicolo Scott, Doug Hazlewood, Mike Sellers, Jason Wright, and Sal Cipriano

Scandal Savage and Bane both had pretty difficult childhoods. Scandal grew up as one of the many daughters of the immortal warlord Vandal Savage. Naturally, her upbringing was not easy, and she quickly came to resent her abusive father. Likewise, Bane was abandoned by his father to serve out his prison sentence in his place. Bane grew up in a prison where he had to defend himself from some of the worst criminals around. The two were thrown together in the Secret Six - a team which was formed when various D-list villains refused to Lex Luthor's new group the Society. Targeted by every other DC villain now working together as a syndicate, the team quickly formed unbreakable bonds of loyalty, despite their immense trauma and deadly personal flaws.

The Secret Six had a constantly changing hip, as betrayals, deaths and schisms altered the team over time. However, Deadshot, Catman, Rag Doll, Scandal Savage, Bane, Jeannette and Black Alice acted as the beating heart of the franchise, each with a different perspective on living outside the law.

Throughout the comic, Bane and Scandal 'play' at being father and daughter, each acting out the normal lives they were denied with someone who it's safe to fantasize with. While this might seem a strange thing for Bane to do, it's actually entirely in character. Bane has always wanted a family and shows immense loyalty and affection for anyone who fills that role. When Bane thought he was the brother of Bruce Wayne, he happily put aside their feud. He also quickly adopted his clone Vengeance as his own daughter shortly after meeting her. The genius of Secret Six was exploring what made each of its tick, exposing their vulnerabilities and deepest desires without ever trying to ignore or justify their crimes.

A version of the arc in which the Secret Six pursue a 'get out of Hell' card was adapted in the 2018 animated movie Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, though with signicant changes.

Bane and Scandal Became Surrogate Father and Daughter

It's A Touching Moment Between Two Broken People

Bane and Scandal's relationship was one of the most fascinating parts of the comic. Readers were able to see the stoic and brutal Bane have an actual softer side where he tries to take care of someone for once. It's a side that wasn't seen before and really hasn't been seen since.

Likewise, Scandal - who almost never shows vulnerability, especially not around men - is able to finally let her guard down and be safe with someone. There were many amazing moments in Gail Simone and Nicolo Scott's Secret Six run, but it's no surprise that this Bane moment is Gail Simone's favorite.

Source: Gail Simone, Tom Taylor