Friday, September 3, 2010

Scarlet #2

Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Alex Maleev

I was impressed with the first issue of Bendis's new series, but was even more impressed with this one.  Scarlet is narrated by a girl who, with her boyfriend, was shot by a crooked police officer without cause (other than that the cop was under the influence at the time).  She survived, but the boyfriend didn't.  Now she is completely healed (physically at least), and is hunting the officer who was exonerated of any wrong doing.

What I like about this story is that Scarlet's original intent of revenge has changed into one of revolution.  She is driven, but also in a little over her head, although her cool demeanor never shows that she knows this.

The real attraction of this book comes from the art though.  Maleev's always been an artist I like, but he's really going all out on this book, carefully representing the city of Portland, and making each page glow with a level of authenticity that is rare in comics.  His figures are always wonderful, but it's nice to see him spending so much time on backgrounds as well.

This is a great comic.  Highly recommended.

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