Review: Scarlett #2 (Image Comics)

Infiltration continues as Scarlett finds yet another way to maintain her cover and somehow earn the trust of those who she is out to expose. The intricate details are expertly crafted in each panel. Immediately following the events of last issue where it is revealed a familiar fan-favorite white-garbed ninja subdues her. 

Scarlett plots her escape, and spoiler, she does, it’s through some pretty stomach-churning methods. Apparently the Arashikage were clever enough to remove a lock pick from her mouth… But not her abdomen! Yes. She digs it out. Blade job number one. Once free, our badass heroine goes on a self-defense killing spree, leveling ninjas left and right. There is a very cool panel where after dust settles, there are bloody prints on the glass, which have the appearance of blood on the comic panel. Very clever artwork. 

I’m thrown a bit off-guard as Storm Shadow somehow not only stops Scarlett’s violent rampage and the two being a somber walk and conversation leading to the head of the Arashikage, many fans recall known as The Hard Master. One would think there might be a bit of resentment for the sudden involuntary drop in membership, but then again, if they were killed it might be because they weren’t true Arashikage material? On my second read, it felt very cinematic, like an unspoken respect for true warriors. 

Scarlett spots her friend training, and cue flashback to Jinx and Scarlett training together. It would appear this takes place at a time where trust in others is at an all-time low, and they can only rely on themselves. 

Scarlett is given a choice to aid in a mission, or die. It seems death may be inevitable, but does appear to put her closer to a mission of uncovering a specific power source and weapon to turn the tide for whomever possesses it. I think we know what it could be. It is called the Energon Universe after all. 

Scarlett is a wrecking-machine, but there is also a deep-rooted spot for undying loyalty. I totally dig the way writer Kelly Thompson has written Scarlett for the Energon Universe. Marco Ferrari’s art and colors by Lee Loughridge line up perfectly with Thompson’s writing. Evoking subtle suspense while at the same time pops with action. 

I imagine Scarlett will play a significant role in the larger Energon Universe as stories begin to converge. 

Scarlett #2 is now available at your local comic book shop.