Tag Archives: scarlett couture

Review: Scarlett Couture #2

ScarlettCouture_2-COVER-BIt is an unfortunate state of being for independent comics that they are under higher scrutiny than most the big two.  Although there are seemingly many more avenues of creativity for the medium with fewer controls on the creativity itself, most seem to regard the independents as something of a hit-or-miss.  There are lots of gems, but there are also lots of duds, and for those that are willing to be open-minded and to look for the gems, there is a lot of sifting through to get to something noteworthy.  This will mean unfortunately for the independents that they often get judged by their first appearance, not so much judging a book by its cover but rather by its first chapter.

This being the case for Scarlett Couture, anyone that read the first issue might have thought that the storytelling was a bit clunky and uninspired, but those that gave up so soon might find themselves missing out on what turns out to be a decent series.  After escaping the explosion at the end of the last issue, Scarlett is forced into tracking down those behind the bombing.  This leads her to a most unlikely place, her father’s beat in Queens and the murder scene that he is investigating.  As she learns more and more about the crimes she learns that more and more of her colleagues are under fire.

The first issue didn’t work because of its somewhat simplified story line, and while that is also kind of the case here, the writer does a much better job at making the characters approachable.  As series creator Des Taylor says in his letter col at the end of the first issue, part of the appeal of the characters is that they are untouchable in a sense, in that they are elite supermodels.  While this is true, there is only so much to surface, and while the first issue was mostly bereft in terms of establishing Scarlett and her colleagues as characters, this issue rectifies that somewhat.  With a stronger focus on the characters, the action fits in better as well resulting in a better overall experience.  This still has some way to go, but at least it is heading in the right direction.

Story and Art: Des Taylor
Story:  7.7 Art: 7.7  Overall: 7.7  Recommendation: Read

Preview: Scarlett Couture #2 (of 4)

SCARLETT COUTURE #2 (OF 4)

WRITER/ARTIST: Des Taylor
COVER BY: Des Taylor
PUBLISHER: Titan Comics
PAGE-COUNT: 32PP
PRICE: $3.99
ON SALE: May 27

Things are heating up for Scarlett Carver, secret agent and fashion heiress.

Having rescued a kidnap victim and escaped an explosion by the skin of her teeth, Scarlett finds the clock is ticking if she is going to discover exactly who is behind the murders of seemingly innocent models – and what it is that they want!

Scarlett Couture #2 comes with 2 covers to collect.

ScarlettCouture_2_COVER-A

Review: Scarlett Couture #1

ScarlettCouture002In recent months there has been an interesting wave of new series starring female superspies/assassins.  The premise is a simple one, to take what is a stereotypical role for women, and to have a woman perform that role while undercover as a field agent.  It worked with 1960s housewife in Lady Killer, it kind of worked with 1970s porn star in Red One and it is being implemented once again here for modern day supermodel in Scarlett Couture.  This double life is one which has to be handled carefully enough though if it is meant as part of social commentary as opposed to perpetuating the stereotypes, a fine line needs to walked to ensure that the proper message is being sent, that women heroes can be strong without needing to be exploited for it.

The story here follows Scarlett, the head of security for a fashion house who doubles as a secret agent.  The issue starts with two fellow supermodels kidnapped and Scarlett being tasked to go find them.  The story follows a farily common route for that of a secret agent – “Wait for backup!” “There is no time, I am going in alone!” and so very little stands out in terms of the story save for the unusual background of the associated characters.  As the plot unfolds there are a couple of small surprises but not anything really out of the ordinary.  It thus falls to the depiction of the heroine to make this story work, and the fine line which needed to be walked is not adhered to as much as needed.

The result is a story that doesn’t really come off as strong as it could.  There are a lot of cases of strong female characters being written by male writers, but such is not always the case here, as the writer seems to be pandering at times to the male readers by writing in such a way that the female main character talks kind of how men would like to think that she is talking.  As such this feeds into the stereotype as much as it tries to break it and the end result, while entertaining at times, still ends up a little flat.

Story and Art: Des Taylor
Story:  6.5 Art: 6.5  Overall: 6.5  Recommendation: Pass

Preview: Scarlett Couture #3 (of 4)

SCARLETT COUTURE #3 (OF 4)

WRITER/ARTIST: Des Taylor
COVER BY: Des Taylor
PUBLISHER: Titan Comics
PAGE-COUNT: 32PP
PRICE: $3.99
ON SALE: June 24
COVER A ORDER CODE: APR151730
COVER B ORDER CODE: APR151731

High-octane action meets high-fashion drama in the third installment of Scarlett Couture’s Project Stardust. Scarlett swaps her skintight stealth suit for a skintight gown as she and Trent infiltrate an exclusive party on the hunt for the missing link in their investigation. Luckily, the team from Chase Couture are always available to provide the very best of distractions…

Scarlett Couture #3 comes with 2 covers to collect and is available to order from April Previews.

COVER A – Des Taylor
ORDER CODE: APR151730

COVER B – Des Taylor  
ORDER CODE: APR151731

ScarlettCouture_#3_A

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Preview: Scarlett Couture #1

SCARLETT COUTURE #1

Writer: Des Taylor
Artist: Des Taylor
Issues in series: 1 (of 4)
Format: 32pp – FC
Publisher: Titan Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: Wednesday April 29, 2015

From Doctor Who comics cover artist Des Taylor!

Beautiful. Intelligent. Deadly.

Scarlett Couture is all of these things, and more. She’s a spy.

Using her cover as Head of Security for her mother’s internationally renowned fashion house, she gathers intelligence for the CIA. In this explosive first issue, Scarlett follows her instincts right into the middle of the action and finds she needs to use all her wits to get herself out of hot water!

Comes with two covers to collect including a special photo cover featuring model Viktoria Dobos as Scarlett Couture!

Scarlett Couture #1 is available to order now from your local comic store using order codes: COVER A: DES TAYLOR (ORDER CODE: FEB151618) and COVER B: PHOTO (ORDER CODE: FEB151619).

SCARLETT COUTURE #1_CoverA

Titan Comics in April 2015

DOCTOR WHO: THE NINTH DOCTOR #2

Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Blair Shedd
32pp – FC – $3.99
On sale: 04/08/2015

Don’t miss the second thrilling installment of Weapons Of Past Destruction – an all-new miniseries adventure featuring the Ninth Doctor – as played by Christopher Eccleston – along with companions Rose and Jack!

Get dragged into the Time Vortex as the Doctor and his friends uncover time-lost Gallifreyan super-weapons being sold on the black market!

Who are the cosmically-empowered Lect and Unon – and can the Doctor help stop an all-new Time War before it starts?!

ORDER CODE: FEB151603

COVER B PHOTO

ORDER CODE: FEB151604 

COVER C BLAIR SHEDD

ORDER CODE: FEB151605

NINTH DOCTOR #2_Cover_A NINTH DOCTOR #2_Cover_B NINTH DOCTOR #2_Cover_C

DOCTOR WHO: THE TWELFTH DOCTOR #8

Writer: Robbie Morrison
Artist: Brian Williamson
32pp – FC – $3.99
On sale: 04/29/20

The thrilling finale of ‘The Fractures’ is here – and it will get under your skin!

Bursting from a twisted parallel universe and clawing their way through the void, the Fractures are here, and nothing could prepare the Doctor for their insidious assault on reality!

The Doctor, Clara and UNIT must battle the Fractures, as they slip through the cracks in our world to wear the skin – and bodies – of innocent people, puppeteering them from the inside!

When the war spills out of quiet suburbia and threatens the world, it will take a father and daughter – separated by whole universes – to bring the conflict to an end!

COVER A: AJ

ORDER CODE: FEB151612

COVER B: PHOTO

ORDER CODE: FEB151613

TWELFTH DOCTOR #8_Cover_A TWELFTH DOCTOR #8_Cover_B

DOCTOR WHO: THE TENTH DOCTOR #13

Writer: Nick Abadzis
Artist: Elena Casagrande
32pp – FC – $3.99
On sale: 06/10/2015

Eisner award-winning writer Nick Abadzis (Laika) and fan-favorite Elena Casagrande (Suicide Risk) race the Tenth Doctor and Gabby towards the conclusion of Year One!

A terrifying pyramid has appeared in the skies above New York City, and it’s here to claim an ancient secret – buried in the body of a very-much alive movie star!

As the Doctor attempts to unravel the conflict, Gabby and Cindy’s friendship is stretched to breaking point. Has Gabby changed too much in her short time away – or has she changed just enough to save the day?!

COVER A MARIANO LACLAUSTRA

ORDER CODE: FEB151606

COVER B PHOTO

ORDER CODE: FEB151607

TENTH DOCTOR #13_Cover_A TENTH DOCTOR #13_Cover_B

DOCTOR WHO: THE ELEVENTH DOCTOR #12

Writer: Rob Williams
Artist: Warren Pleece
32pp – FC – $3.99
On sale: 05/13/2015

A thrilling TARDIS chase through the atmosphere – after no ordinary comet! Tracking the Entity’s signal from the Berlin Wall in 1976 to Rome, 312AD, the Doctor, Alice, Jones and ARC stumble into an ancient mystery that will forever change the course of human history! And the burden and dangers of a life aboard the TARDIS start to hit home for Jones – is this his farewell tour? Rob Williams (Ordinary) and Warren Pleece blast into a brand-new story arc! Don’t miss the shocking reveal of what’s inside the comet!

ORDER CODE: FEB151609

COVER B PHOTO

ORDER CODE: FEB151610 

ELEVENTH DOCTOR #12_Cover_A ELEVENTH DOCTOR #12_Cover_B

DOCTOR WHO: THE TENTH DOCTOR VOL. 2 THE WEEPING ANGEL OF MONS

Writer: Robbie Morrison
Artist: Daniel Indro
Colorist: Slamet Mujiono
Cover: Tommy Lee Edwards
128pp – FC – HC
ISBN: 9781782761754
$19.99/ $22.95 CAN
On sale: 06/10/2015

The second collection of the sell-out smash new Tenth Doctor series, from award-winning writer Robbie Morrison (Spider-Man, Drowntown, Nikolai Dante) and Daniel Indro (Sherlock Holmes, Green Hornet), sends the Doctor and new companion Gabriella Gonzalez hurtling back into the past – and into the trenches of World War One!

Bombed by the German artillery, arrested as spies by the British, Gabby and the Doctor soon learn that there’s something even worse moving in the gas and wreathes of smoke out in No Man’s Land… stone statues who move only when you’re not looking at them! The Weeping Angels have come to feed on the futures of young soldiers — in their hundreds of thousands!

It’s an unmissable historical epic!

ORDER CODE: FEB151608

TENTH DOCTOR VOL. 2

DOCTOR WHO: THE ELEVENTH DOCTOR VOL. 2

Writers: Al Ewing, Rob Williams
Artists: Boo Cook, Simon Fraser, Warren Pleece
Colorist: Gary Caldwell & Hi-Fi
128pp – FC – HC
ISBN: 9781782761761
$19.99/$22.95 CAN
On sale: 06/10/2015

The second time-twisting collection of the sell-out smash Eleventh Doctor series from writers Al Ewing (Loki: Agent of Asgard) and Rob Williams (Ordinary), with art from the triple threat of Simon Fraser (Nikolai Dante), Boo Cook (Elephantmen) and Warren Pleece (Hellblazer, Incognegro)

A threat in reverse as time inside the TARDIS flows backwards! An ancient alien war for supremacy in the sky comes to near-future London! And the machinations of SERVEYOUinc revealed, when the Doctor hits them where it hurts – their wallets!

Three companions – three times the danger, three times the excitement! Experience every twist and secret reveal in the thrilling second act of The Eleventh Doctor’s first year in comics!

ORDER CODE: FEB151611

ELEVENTH DOCTOR VOL. 2

SCARLETT COUTURE #1

Writer/Artist: Des Taylor
1 (of 4) – 32pp – FC
$3.99
On sale 04/29/2015

Beautiful. Intelligent. Deadly.

Scarlett Couture is all of these things, and more. She’s a spy.

Using her cover as Head of Security for her mother’s internationally renowned fashion house, she gathers intelligence for the CIA. In this explosive first issue, Scarlett follows her instincts right into the middle of the action and finds she needs to use all her wits to get herself out of hot water!

COVER A: DES TAYLOR

ORDER CODE: FEB151618

COVER B: PHOTO

ORDER CODE: FEB151619

SCARLETT COUTURE #1_CoverA SCARLETT COUTURE #1_CoverB

CAP STONE #6

Writers: Liam Sharp & Christina McCormack
Artist: Liam Sharp
32pp – FC – 6 (of 6)
$3.99
On sale: 05/21/2015

Charlie reveals her dark past and connection to Captain Stone. Will it be too much for Lord Chance?

ORDER CODE: FEB151601

CAP STONE #6

MONO: PACIFIC #2

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Sergio Sandoval
32pp – FC – 2 (of 2)
$3.99
On sale: 05/21/2015

Mono’s uncovered an insane plot by the Japanese to turn the tide of the failing Pacific war…but for his resourcefulness has Mono finally taken on a mission that even he can’t complete?! Find out in the dramatic conclusion!

ORDER CODE: FEB151615

MONO PACIFIC #2

THE MICHAEL MOORCOCK LIBRARY – ELRIC VOL. 2: THE SAILOR ON THE SEAS OF FATE

Writer: Roy Thomas
Artist: Michael T. Gilbert and George Freeman
216pp – HC – FC
ISBN: 9781782762898
$24.99/ $27.95 CAN/£19.99 UK
On sale: 05/27/2015

Following his self-exile from Melnibone, Elric is faced with his biggest challenge ever!

As he lies dying on the shores of an unknown land, he is taken aboard a mysterious ship where time and logic hold no meaning.  Several other incarnations of the Eternal Champions are there, but why? What could allow the laws of time and space to be broken for these warriors to meet? Could Elric learn anything from that which he used to be or that which he shall become?  So begins an epic adventure across the black seas and into alternate worlds where the lines between dream and reality blur and otherworldly foes must be defeated in order to save the very fabric of the universe and fulfil the albino emperor’s destiny.

ORDER CODE: FEB151616

MOORCOCK LIBRARY ELRIC VOL. 2

THE CHRONICLES OF LEGION VOL. 3 (OF 4) BLOOD BROTHERS

Writer: Fabien Nury
Artists: Mario Alberti, Zhang Xiaoyu, Tirso
56pp – FC – 3 (of 4) – 8” x 11”
ISBN: 9781782760955
$15.99/ $17.95 CAN/£11.99 UK
On sale: 05/05/2015

“I am legion… for we are many!”

In South America, Gabriella De La Fuente is quickly losing patience with her role as dutiful wife, and unleashes the full force of the terrifying power she possesses!

In Russia, Captain Armand Malachi has died, his body is no longer of any use. Among the rank and file, though, there is always a new soul to be pressed into service, a new vessel

to be found…

In London, the man that was Victor Thorpe feels the judgmental eyes of society on him, and decides to take action to silence them all!

ORDER CODE: FEB151602

CHRONICLES OF LEGION VOL. 3

THE THIRD TESTAMENT VOL. 4 (OF 4) THE DAY OF THE RAVEN

Writers: Xavier Dorison and Alex Alice
Artist: Alex Alice
80pp – HC – FC – 8” x 11” – 4 (of 4)
ISBN: 9781782760924
$18.99 /$21.95 CAN/£13.99 UK
On sale: 06/10/2015

Disgraced inquisitor Conrad of Marburg has been forced to abandon his erstwhile ward Elisabeth and the young monk, Clement, while he races to Prague with what he believes is the solution to the ultimate enigma of the Third Testament. However, he is captured by the brutal Sayn and must do everything he can to escape!

But Elisabeth and Clement have realized the solution Conrad has is wrong… can they catch up with him before all is lost and the incredible knowledge he has uncovered falls to the forces of darkness? Find out in this the stunning final installment of The Third Testament.

ORDER CODE: FEB151620 

THIRD TESTAMENT VOL. 4

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR VOL. 2

Writers: Jim Campbell, Cavan Scott
Artist: Egle Bartolini, Lucas Ferreyra
64pp – FC – SC – 6” x 9”
ISBN: 9781782762522
$6.99/$7.99 CAN/£4.99 UK
On sale: 05/13/2015

Join Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private on their adventures in this second DreamWorks’ Penguins of Madagascar collection. Feathers are set to fly!

ORDER CODE: FEB151617

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR VOL. 2

DRAGONS VOL. 5

Writer: Simon Furman Artist: Jack Lawrence
64pp – SC – FC – 6” x 9”
ISBN: 9781782760801
$6.99/$7.99 CAN/£4.99 UK
On sale: 05/05/2015

Long has it been whispered around Berk that one day a huge monster will rise from the sea and the world will end… And when a spate of local seaquakes start erupting, agitating dragons, things aren’t looking good… What can scare a dragon?? Hiccup and the gang investigate and they do indeed meet up with something huge… Could this be the end of Berk?

Meanwhile, in a very special back-up story, Astrid is stranded on an isolated island and is hunted by a group of Smothering Smokebreaths… And to make matters worse, she can’t find her battle-axe…

ORDER CODE: FEB151614DRAGONS VOL. 5

SDCC 2013: Titan’s New Projects

At San Diego Comic-Con, Titan Comics, the new venture from publishing giant, Titan, announced a brand-new wave of creator-owned titles set for 2014! The new titles span a mix of established comics and novelist talent, as well as up-and-coming creators and artists from whom you’ll soon be hearing much more – such as Victor Gischler, Tazio Bettin, Pat Mills, Carl Potts, Larry Stroman, Lavie Tidhar, Paul McCaffrey and Des Taylor!

The new wave of titles includes assassin black-comedy Accident Man co-created by 2000AD legend Pat Mills with a cover by the incomparable Howard Chaykin; a brand-new chapter of long-running science-fiction gem Alien Legion, by fan-favorite creative team Carl Potts and Larry Stroman; ladies of literature action-adventure Adler by novelist Lavie Tidhar and artist Paul McCaffrey; adrenal grindhouse-flick Sally Of The Wasteland by Victor Gischler and artist Tazio Bettin, with cover by blazing Image stalwart Tim Seeley; and femme-fatale espionage caper Scarlett Couture by famed good-girl artist Des Taylor.

At SDCC, Titan Comics made a splash with numerous launches including fantasy The First Kingdom Vol.1: The Birth of Tundran by comics legend Jack Katz; new horror fantasy collection Razorjack by Watchmen colorist John Higgins; the Eagle-Award-winning comedy Thrud the Barbarian by writer/artist Carl Critchlow; afterlife thriller Numbercruncher by Si Spurrier, artist P.J. Holden and colorist Jordie Bellaire; SF and fantasy anthology Monster Massacre; genre-mashing hormonal superhero Sharky by Dave Elliott and Alex Horley; and videogame tie-in Devil May Cry: The Chronicles of Vergil.

AccidentMan_GN_Cvr_CBR Adler-promo-image-CBR ALEG_CBR Sally-CBR scarlettcover_CBR

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