The Energon Universe expands with a bang as Scarlett O’Hara enters the fray…
Skybound has had quite a lot of success with its relaunch of G.I. Joe. Introducing the Joe universe into their wider Hasbro led “Energon Universe” has been both refreshing and extremely interesting. With Duke and Cobra Commando already establishing their own corners of their shared universe, Skybound now turns their attention to fellow G.I. Joe alumni, Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara.
Taking on the task of introducing Scarlett to this shared world is writer Kelly Thompson and artist Marco Ferrari, who waste no time in establishing the character’s unique personality as a super spy. Opening up to the spy infiltrating an arms deal within the backdrop of Monaco, Thompson soon throws Scarlett into very deep water. As her mission gets underway there’s the added complexity of a hostage situation which forces Scarlett to get directly involved. There’s yet another twist in the tale as for added complexity a ghost from her past returns in the form of Jinx.
A lot of this opening issue goes towards establishing Scarlett’s relationship with Jinx. Thompson does a good job of establishing how the two know each other, while simultaneously maintaining Jinx’s overall motives well in the grey zone. We don’t quite know her motivations. Is she good? Or bad? Well that’s something we’re going to have to wait to find out.
The final part of this opening issue then deals with the famed Arashikage clan. Long time Joe fans will already know the significance to this ancient order as the clan trained both Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. It’s also the location of Scarlett’s next mission as she goes undercover to find out just what the Arashikage have in their custody - and much like Jinx’s motivations this “weapon” is just as mysterious.
Marco Ferrari’s art work shines throughout this opening issue. The climatic battle is a wash of action that’s worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. It’s also a perfect counter to the comic opening chapter which sees Scarlett undercover utilising a more subdued approach. Throughout the narrative we also flash back to the characters past. While these do serve to ascertain Scarlett’s current situation, they do leave a lot to be desired. for those who are heavily into G.I. Joe this isn’t necessarily a bad point. Nonetheless, as a relative newbie, a few extra cells could have connected me to the character's rich history that little more. However, Ferrari and colourist Lee Loughridge do establish these flashbacks with a soft approach that’s bathed within a warm orange palette.
Overall Scarlett #1 offers a great starting point in the Energon Universe for another G.I. Joe mainstay. Real fans will get a right kick out of this issue's conclusion which further establishes the franchise's corner in this world. The art team work well together to build this world of high-stakes missions and spies, with a tight clash of ninja action. If the rest of Scarlett can live up to this opening adventure then Skybound have another milestone in the Energon Universe.
Rating: 8/10
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