Image Comics reviews 8/7/24 – Scarlett #3, Free Agents #2
Scarlett #3
Scarlett #3 was another high-octane action epic with a sparse amount of story. Writer Kelly Thompson largely has Scarlett narrating her efforts to aid the Arashikage Clan with the real objective to keep Jinx
Typically, a heavy action focus would be fine. Thompson offered such a fresh take on Scarlett, Jinx and Snow Job (along with the Stalker cameo) that the slower character-building moments in issue 1 remain the highlight of the series. And some of that is because the all-unstoppable ninja character gimmick has kind of been done and overdone in G.I. Joe comics regardless if Snake Eyes is featured.
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In these action scenes, Thompson writes Scarlett like a one-woman John Wick mixed with the world’s deadliest ninja. Thompson wisely has Scarlett taking some sword damage from random goons, but one character killing scores of ninjas and armed guards isn’t new ground for G.I. Joe.
Marco Ferrari’s artwork is very energetic and lively though at times it does lack detail. That extra bit of refinement holds back the visuals at times especially when Ferrari is portraying Scarlett in motion.
Lee Loughridge’s colors are sharp with bold choices particularly Scarlett’s orange red hair and Jinx’s red outfit. Letterer Rus Wooton continues to lay out dialogue cleanly with clearly thought-out special effects.
Scarlett #3 was a solid entry in the series though the earlier strong character development is noticeably absent. The cliffhanger teases a greater connection to the larger G.I. Joe corner of the Energon Universe, making for a long wait for the next installment.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Photo Credit: Image Comics