Class Writing, Class Art, Class War: ‘The Ambassadors’ #6 Advance Review

With each issue of The Ambassadors being something of a secret origin issue for each of the new recruits to these Global Guardians with gobs, The Ambassadors #6 finally gives us more on founder and all-round genius, Choon-He Chung. A figure only equalled (well, not quite) by her Machiavellian ex-husband, Jin-Sung, who has been creating his own alternative superpower posse in the shadows. 

As well as Choon-He’s backstory being explored, we also have the combined forces of all the characters we have been introduced to over the course of the series so far. Finally, we get to see this new group of superheroes in action. They may make a great team, but thanks to Mark Millar’s writing and good ear for dialogue, we still get to see and hear each one as an individuals. And, in listening in on these various conversations, we get to hear the odd surprise or two as well. Seems not everyone has been completely honest, and it’s more than just one who has been hiding their secrets. 

As a result – and with a page count of 41 pages – it’s a big issue from start to finish, as this first volume ties up loose ends, settles scores (violently, of course, this being a Millar written book) and even has time to introduce another new member into the team. One you can bet is very close to Millar’s heart. 

While on the surface this reads like superheroes versus supervillains, it doesn’t take the genius of Choon-He’s level to see this as something more. Not quite class war, but getting there. While Jin-Sung has mercilessly and avariciously creates a super army of billionaires, Choon-He’s team are made up of more working class folk. Certainly not the type of middle-class superheroes that tend to dominate most mainstream comics, but the odd waif and stray who’s moral fortitude was more than enough to win them a place on the team. Something many billionaires in comics (and the real world) seem to lack. It’s a fascinating take on superheroes, proving that there are still new perspectives to explore in a genre that is often lambasted, fondly or otherwise. So, when the two teams do meet, I couldn’t help think about this particular power dynamic being a theme Millar wants readers to take note of across the whole series, and culminating in this last stand off.

Add to this satisfyingly, socially-minded good read is the art of Matteo Scalera, who brings a very stylised look to this final issue that is only better captures with the delicate watercolour-like colours of Lee Loughbridge, who’s colour work softens the art and does away with the usual hard lines of comic book inks. This softer styled artwork works well in unison with the story that is, for Millar at least, a very optimistic comic book when all is said and done, and out Wednesday 7th June from Image Comics.