Comic Book Review - Scarlett #2

Scarlett finds herself at the mercy of the Arashikage Clan as writer Kelly Thompson ups the superspy ante… 

Scarlett #2 picks off straight where the previous issue left off. Taking place within the vast base of the Arashikage Clan, Scarlett finds herself held captive and stripped of her equipment. Kelly Thompson wastes no time in “fleshing” out the character as we see the lengths Scarlett is willing to go to make her mission a success. This bloody opening then segues into quite an action-packed issue as the spy battles her way through the clan’s warriors in her quest to find her friend Jinx. 

Keeping things from getting out of control, Thompson lets the action simmer with flashback scenes that further explore the relationship between Scarlett and Jinx. This is juxtaposed with the present as Storm Shadow questions why Scarlett is at Arashikage. As a test to prove her worthiness Storm Shadow and the clan Hard Master send Scarlett on a mission - and it’s one they don’t intend for her to return from. 

Scarlett #2 continues the blistering narrative that kicked off the series. Thompson packs a lot of energy into the script that it rarely lets you up for air. As someone who’s not too familiar with the G.I. Joe mythos, this comic (along with Duke) is incredibly easy for fellow newcomers like myself. What Thompson does is tap into the characters' rich history while mixing it with an action-packed spy thriller that doesn’t lean too heavily on the past. While we’ve already seen the likes of Storm Shadow and the Arashikage clan, they’re simply side characters within Scarlett’s world. 

Moving away from the story Marco Ferrari’s art is truly superb. Scarlett’s mission flows from scene to scene as Ferrari goes from the intimate and intense opening to full-on high-intensity action. There are plenty of changes in perspective that give everything a blockbuster feeling, whilst simultaneously allowing Ferrari to show off Scarlett’s unique skill set.

 

Lee Loughridge perfectly compliments the artwork with an eye-catching colour palette. The warm tones of the somewhat tranquil Arashikage temple build upon the action taking place, while the noir urban landscape that makes up the comic’s conclusion throws us right back into spy territory. 

It’s so far so good for Scarlett O’Hara as the creative team gives us another incredible issue. There are plenty of ways where this series can go and while it’s still on the fringes of the Energon Universe, its influence is slowly coming into view. With plenty of tight espionage and full-on action, Scarlett is rapidly becoming a must-read. 

Rating: 9/10