It’s safe at this point to say we’re in good hands with the new Energon Universe, with Scarlett perfectly capturing the blend of character and fight-scene action we’ve come to expect. Scarlett #2 is out this week, and Scarlett is in more danger than ever. She’s put herself in this position to save a friend, but this issue reveals the stakes are even higher than she could have imagined.
Scarlett #2 opens where we left off, with our hero captured by the clan Arashikage. She’s right where she wants to be, but she’s also tied up, and they’ve taken the lockpick she had in her mouth. This is where writer Kelly Thompson takes this character beyond the usual spy, as Scarlett is willing to cut herself open and hide a razor blade inside herself. Wicked!
This leads to a fight sequence that shows Scarlett is adept at fighting against highly trained assassins without weapons. Marco Ferrari continues to show that he’s the best artist for this gig as the nuance in each fight move feels unique and is not phoned in. To see Scarlett kick a chair, then at the enemy, is a sight to behold. It makes the action unique and interesting.
Now that’s badass.
Credit: Skybound
After another flashback with Jinx, Thompson utilizes a little flash forward to amp up the stakes. It’s a clever way to increase the tension and add interesting bits of action as Scarlett learns about a new mission.
The captions are well written, drawing us into Scarlett’s analytical mind. She’s on a mission, and she’s hyper-focused. An element that you don’t often see get lifted up is how calm Scarlett is, even when facing well trained fighters or diving off ledges. She’s next-level fearless.
As an espionage title, I wonder how much Scarlett knows she’s being set up and whether Jinx needs saving at all. It’s an element missing from the series, although it’s still early for that element to develop. At this stage, it almost seems too quick how fast Scarlett goes on the mission at the end of this issue, but as far as five-issue story arcs go, I’m sure all will be revealed.
Scarlett #2 offers up more espionage fight scenes, and further developments on a suicide mission Scarlett is committed to enduring. The Energon Universe is as strong as ever when it can delve into character as well as series like Scarlett does.
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