Scarlet #1
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist Alex Maleev
Publisher: DC/JInxworld
9/10
When "Scarlet" began in 2010, Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev's gritty comic series was about Scarlet exacting revenge upon a corrupt cop who killed her boyfriend. In the next volume, she went after the city that supported these corrupt cops. Fast forward to this current volume and she's leading an American Revolution, with Portland being ground zero.
This comic really resonates with what's going on in the world today. It couldn't have come out at a more perfect time. Scarlet is such an intriguing character. Watching her become this new political leader is amazing. Her monologue throughout the book really helps the reader understand the characters motivations. Seeing Scarlet and her followers cut off from the rest of the city reminds me a little bit of DMZ which is one of my favorite series. The story is really grounded in what could one day be reality. Bendis' characterization is once again the thing that draws me in the most. I'm instantly invested into these characters and what happens to them. That cliffhanger at the end, has me so anxious for the next issue.
Alex Maleev, as always, doesn't disappoint. His art brings such a gritty and somber tone to the story that perfectly conveys the mood of the book. Scarlet being the one thing that stands out brightly was really cool as well. The page showing a Portland reeling from a U.S. military campaign designed to crush a rising insurgency is probably my favorite page of the book.
Bendis and Maleev are one of my favorite creative teams in the industry, the chemistry they have shines through on every book they do. I know this is only a limited series but I can't wait to see what these guys have up there sleeves next.