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Comics Reviews

Disney Villains: Scar #1 adds to the classic animated film

A solid start

I’ll admit it, I’m not sure if I’ve ever watched The Lion King. I feel like I’ve seen the musical, but the film, can’t really remember. So, going into Disney Villains: Scar #1, I’m pretty blank as far as what to expect. I know the basics, Scar thinks he should be king and has an issue Simba possibly taking the throne “away” from him.

Disney Villains: Scar #1 takes place during the film, a story that’s parallel to it, revealing unknown moments in Scar’s journey. The first issue shows Scar at a low point, beaten, broken, a plan begins to formulate which sends him on a journey to claim the throne.

Writer Chuck Brown does a fantastic job of creating a story that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a bigger story. Scar, grumbling and angry, is a character that’s easy to understand and his journey can be enjoyed even not knowing the main story of The Lion King. While I don’t know them, Scar’s journey has him coming across and meeting various characters who I’m sure are more familiar to those who know the movie. But, prior knowledge isn’t needed at all.

The art by Trevor Fraley is solid. The characters look good and there’s a dark cloud that hangs over the issue without it feeling gloomy. That’s helped by the color by Chiara Di Francia and lettering by Jeff Eckleberry which each adds to the overall vibe of the debut. At moments, the visuals actually make you feel a bit sorry for Scar. But, you’re quickly reminded he’s the villain of the story… as far as we know.

Disney Villains: Scar #1 is a solid start. It does a fantastic job of forging its own path of a story while also weaving that through an established and loved story that has existed for decades. It’s additive in that way presenting a main character we know we’re supposed to hiss at but the comic delivers just enough to feel some sympathy too.

Story: Chuck Brown Art: Trevor Fraley
Color: Chiara Di Francia Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

By Brett

Brett is a political consultant who resides in Arlington, VA. He grew up in Cleveland, OH and Buffalo, NY and attended the University at Buffalo, majoring in Political Science.
Since then Brett has made his mark on politics working in various positions such as a Legislative Staffer for the Erie County Legislature, Special Assistant for Senator John Kerry, as the Database Administrator for Forward Together PAC, Database Director for Chris Dodd for President, and Internet/Database Director for Virginians for Brian Moran, and Email Deliverability Czar for Salsa Labs and NGP VAN.
In 2007 Brett formed 5B Consulting providing his expertise on database solutions, new media and email strategy.
He's a long time geek, reading comics since he was a child and learning to spell his name on an Atari 800. When he's not working, he's reading comics, playing video games and relaxing with a nice cup of tea.
You can follow him on Twitter @bhschenker