Comic Book Review - Scarlett #4
Scarlett finally meets Jinx, but what is the weapon that lies on floor 48?
Scarlett #4 picks up with Scarlett reuniting with Storm Shadow and Jinx after completing her suicide mission. The Arashikage are still searching for a mystery weapon that’s of great importance to the ninja clan, and we’re now at the cusp of finding out what this weapon is. Elsewhere this issue finally reunites Scarlett and Jinx with the former attempting to convince Jinx that those rescue missions haven’t been all for nought. Naturally, things aren’t all as they seem as writer Kelly Thompson throws another curve ball in this already action-packed series.
With the bulk of this issue dealing with Scarlett finally linking up with Jinx there’s plenty of exposition from both sides. Thompson handles this perfectly with a touching scene as the two friends trade information with Scarlett willing Jinx to take the easy way out. Of course, Jinx isn’t willing to give up on her mission which then sees the duo take matters into their own hands away from their Arashikage allies
As I’ve mentioned before whether you’re a fan of G.I. Joe or a relative newcomer, this series is incredibly approachable for both sets of readers. Thompson caters for everyone as she brings us a narrative that introduces Scarlett to new fans, whilst simultaneously not dumbing things down for veteran audiences. On the surface, this series is a rescue mission that’s gone well off the rails, yet scratch just beneath the surface and its ramifications will no doubt have a big influence on the wider Energon Universe. The ending to this issue does lean into this with quite a cliffhanger for the future. Whilst I won’t spoil it, it’ll get a reaction from long-time Joe fans.
Marco Ferrari’s work has been a real standout across the series and here’s it’s no different. Whether it’s Scarlett and Jinx having a heart-to-heart or blockbuster action sequences, Ferrari conveys both with relative ease. Action scenes themselves are extremely well choreographed with great detail given to allow each sequence to literally flow across the page. We also get another fantastic double-page spread as Storm Shadow, Jinx, and Scarlett share a Last Jedi-inspired battle across a packed penthouse suite. Again, it’s gorgeous stuff from Ferrari who seems to up his game across each issue.
Even with Ferrari’s great array of artwork, it’s down to Lee Loughridge to bring it all to life. The colour palette here does a wonderful job of throwing you straight into the atmosphere of a building under siege. The cool blues of the pristine interior soon make way for orange and reds as the warning lights and alarms sound. This scheme works extremely well and gives the script quite a sense of urgency
Overall Scarlett #4 continues the great coherency of its creator team as they build a brilliant comic book story. Scarlett continues to be the perfect example of exposition and blistering action which perfectly fits into the overall tone of the Energon Universe.
Rating: 9.5/10
Comments
Post a Comment