Tag Archives: scarlet

Scarlet and Torso Get New Collections from Dark Horse

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Coming off the recent announcement that Brian Michael Bendis would be bringing his Jinxworld imprint and new comics exclusively to Dark Horse Comics, the expansion of the line continues with brand new collections of two classic Jinxworld titles—Scarlet and Torso!     

Scarlet, written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Alex Maleev is about a young woman pushed to the edge by a world filled by police brutality, government corruption, and unspeakable crimes. After a mysterious murder and a near-death experience, Scarlet Rue wakes from a coma with her world shattered. Fueled by rage, guilt, and her vision of a better future; she takes the fight to her oppressors… and anyone else who gets in her way. Striking back against the corrupt cops who tore her life apart and sparks an uprising in this all too real tale of power, corruption, and lies.

Complete with behind the scenes material, sketches, and design concepts from both Bendis and Maleev, this collection is the definitive omnibus of their fearless political thriller set in the seedy underbelly of Portland, Oregon.

Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Marc Andreyko and illustrated by Bendis himself, Torso recounts the story of an aging Elliot Ness in his hunt for one of America’s first serial killers: the torso killer!

Cleveland. 1935. Eliot Ness, fresh from his legendary Chicago triumph over Al Capone and associates, set his sights on Cleveland. He went on a crusade that matched, and sometimes even surpassed, his past accomplishments. But dismembered body parts started washing up in a concentrated area of Lake Erie Sound. Headless torsos that left no clues to their identity or reason for death. Elliot Ness and his colorful gang of The Unknowns chased this killer through the underbelly of Cleveland for years. As far as the public was concerned, he was never captured. But what really happened is even more shocking.

This 1999 Eisner Award-winner for Comic Book Excellence is re-designed in this latest edition to the Dark Horse/Jinxworld library!

Scarlet trade paperback will collect all fifteen issues of the entire Scarlet series and will be available everywhere books are sold May 4, 2022. It is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at your local bookstore. Scarlet will retail for $29.99.

Torso trade paperback will be available everywhere books are sold June 1, 2022. It is available for pre-order on Amazon and at your local bookstore. Torso will retail for $19.99.

Preview: Scarlet #5

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Scarlet #5

(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
In Shops: Jan 02, 2019
SRP: $3.99

It’s the final issue of the new SCARLET epic-and the cover says it all! Scarlet escalates her campaign against corruption to the next level. Don’t miss the blistering finale to this year’s chapter of SCARLET, from the Eisner Award-winning team of Bendis and Maleev!

Scarlet #5

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Conan the Barbarian #1

Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

It’s a short week of releases with the holiday and you can get every single issue for under $50! So, instead of picking which you should get, we’re doing something a little bit different with going over what they are and why you should check out each release!

20th Century Boys: Perfect Edition Vol. 2 (VIZ Media) – These perfect editions collect two volumes of the award winning series and a perfect chance to get what you’ve been missing!

Champions #1 (Marvel) – The superhero team is expanding in members and their scope making sure to have a global focus! A perfect chance to jump on the series.

Conan the Barbarian #1 (Marvel) – The classic character returns to Marvel for all new adventures and it’s a must for fans of sword and sorcery.

Detective Comics #995 (DC Comics) – We’re here for the run up to issue #1000. It doesn’t happen too often and makes the lead up pretty exciting!

Heroes in Crisis #4 (DC Comics) – This series definitely has a love it or hate it thing going on but we want to see what happens next and if it goes where we think it’s going.

Man Without Fear #1 (Marvel) – Daredevil is “gone” but Hells Kitchen needs protectors. This mini-series focuses on those around Daredevil’s life in his absence.

One Dirty Tree (Uncivilized Books) – Noah Van Sciver’s new graphic memoir exploring his childhood growing up with eight siblings in a Morman family.

Scarlet #5 (Jinxworld/DC Comics) – The new volume wraps up and we want to see where the series goes.

The Walking Dead #187 (Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics) – The series has revived itself with the introduction of the Commonwealth and we love to see what’s next with each issue.

Winter Soldier #2 (Marvel) – The first issue ended with a solid new villain (we think) and the overall direction for the series and character is cool. It’s all about finding redemption for others and taking on Hydra.

Preview: Scarlet #4 (of 5)

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Scarlet #4 (of 5)

(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
In Shops: Nov 28, 2018
SRP: $3.99

It is true? Has Scarlet surrendered? Did the new American Revolution fail already? It’s the unthinkable! Or is it? Discover the truth in the latest explosive chapter of the epic story set in a world we may soon find ourselves in, as those pushed by corruption decide to push back. From writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev, the creators who brought you the Eisner Award-winning Daredevil and Iron Man!

Review: Scarlet #3 (of 5)

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Scarlet has fought back against the corruption that destroyed her life-and now the next American revolution is underway! The city of Portland has been shut down-or, in the eyes of some, taken hostage-and Scarlet must decide how far she is willing to take her crusade. Enter Kit, the woman who will reduce Portland to rubble.

It’s weird to read and review a comic about revolutionaries (or terrorists depending on your side) on a day when some is sending bombs to likely political opponents in real life. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Scarlet #3 describes itself as telling the “story of a generation pushed too far in an alternative world we may soon find ourselves in.” Except, it doesn’t feel all that alternative at all and that we’re in the beginning stages of the world Bendis created so many years ago.

When Scarlet began, it was a response to the situation of the time which gave rise to the Occupy Movement. It was Occupy gone to the extreme of militancy. Since then, while the book slumbered awaiting a return, Black Lives Matter, Standing Rock, the Women’s March, March for Science, and so many more movements have risen up and mostly simmered down. Scarlet is what happens when that spark finally happens and it questions what comes after the revolution?

And this is specifically looks at that spark, the first gunshot, the moment that takes things to the next level. And again asks, what’s next?

It’s an interesting issue that explores how this, all of this comic and the real world movements, are born out of abuse by those in power, those with privilege. And it shows that some just won’t stand for it anymore and whether consciously or unconsciously, we’ll fight back.

The art by Alex Maleev, with lettering by Joshua Reed, is amazing as always. There’s a reality to it all despite the destroyed American city. We, the reader, can still connect and relate to everything. This doesn’t feel like a foreign future but a reality we can experience now. Reed’s lettering too is key as Scarlet has a habit of talking directly to the reader and with subtle switching of the speech bubbles, a different tone and experience is had.

There’s something surreal about this issue’s release today of all days and it feels as though it’s as pertinent to today’s political situation as it was when the series debuted 8 years ago. It’s the rage many of us feeling and a reality many of us would like to see happen. All it’ll take is a spark and some inspiration. But for now, we can imagine that revolution kicking off and experience that possible reality on the printed page.

Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Alex Maleev
Lettering: Joshua Reed Design: Curtis King, Jr.
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Scarlet #3 (of 5)

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Scarlet #3 (of 5)

(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
In Shops: Oct 24, 2018
SRP: $3.99

From the Eisner Award-winning team that brought you Daredevil and Iron Man comes the latest chapter in their critically acclaimed series SCARLET. Scarlet has fought back against the corruption that destroyed her life-and now the next American revolution is underway!

The city of Portland has been shut down-or, in the eyes of some, taken hostage-and Scarlet must decide how far she is willing to take her crusade. Enter Kit, the woman who will reduce Portland to rubble.

SCARLET tells the story of a generation pushed too far in an alternative world we may soon find ourselves in as created by writer Brian Michael Bendis (SUPERMAN and ACTION COMICS) and artist Alex Maleev.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Books of Magic #1 (Vertigo/DC Comics) – The latest entry into Vertigo’s new line of Sandman comics. We’ll always check out at least the first issue.

Dead Kings #1 (AfterShock Comics) – Steve Orlando and Matthew Dow Smith is described as True Grit set in the world of Final Fantasy. The creators alone have us sold. That description puts it over the top.

High Heaven #2 (AHOY Comics) – AHOY Comics is guaranteed entertainment and great value for your dollar. The first issue was twisted in all of the right ways and we want more.

Mars Attacks #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Ack. Ack. Ack. Ack. Ack.

Old Lady Harley #1 (DC Comics) – Lets see what DC can do with the concept…

Return of Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – The first issue left us with so many questions but we’re excited to find out more about how Wolverine actually returned.

Scarlet #3 (Jinxworld/DC Comics) – Brian Michael Bendis’ story about a revolutionary in America feels like it’s perfectly timed and needed in today’s world.

Spider-Geddon #2 (Marvel) – The first issue of this event was solid and based on how much fun it was we’re excited for this second issue.

Spider-Girls #1 (Marvel) – A Spider-Geddon tie-in, Mayday parker, Anya Corazon, and Annie May Parker team up and we’re totally in for the adventure.

Whispering Dark #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – A soldier’s helicopter is shot down and behind enemy lines she has to deal with a supernatural horror.

Preview: Scarlet #2 (of 5)

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Scarlet #2 (of 5)

(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Alex Maleev
In Shops: Sep 26, 2018
SRP: $3.99

Scarlet has declared war against those who would abuse their power against innocent people-and that war has shut down the city of Portland and brought the eyes of the world upon her. But as the revolution grows, will it slip through her fingers? Oh, and the president is on the phone. It’s another blistering chapter of a world we may one day find ourselves in from the creators that brought you the Eisner Award-winning Daredevil and Iron Man.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Doomsday Clock #7 (DC Comics) – After a bit of a break, the DC event is back and we’re still intrigued as to where it’s all going as it moves into the latter half of its run.

Edge of Spider-Geddon #4 (Marvel) – Each issue so far in this lead up to the main event has been fantastic. All its done is made us wish that each of these characters had their own series! We expect no less from this one.

Extermination #3 (Marvel) – When it comes to the Mutants, Marvel and them seem to be their best when it involves crazy time travel stories. This one has been lots of action and shockers and this is another we have no idea where it’s all going.

Faith: Dreamside #1 (Valiant) – Faith is always a fun time and mixing her with the Dreamside? Yeah, we’re in for that.

Fantasmagoria #1 (Starburns Industries Press) – A horror comic that explors mythology specific to Mexico. That alone has us intrigued to check it all out.

Fearscape #1 (Vault Comics) – This one sounds a bit like a new take on the Sandman and that sort of storytelling. Vault has some fantastic releases so we’re excited to check this out and see what it’s all about.

Fence #10 (BOOM! Studios) – This series has been fantastic bringing the sports manga concept to the twist. BOOM! has been killing it when it comes to that and this one has been amazing with every issue.

Friendo #1 (Vault Comics) – A personal marketing VR has gone haywire. Again, Vault has been top notch when it comes to releases so we’re excited to check this one out.

Gamma #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – Pokémon meets Power Rangers… um ok. Sounds awesome to us!

Heroes in Crisis #1 (DC Comics) – There’s been a hell of a build up to this new event series that explores the trauma that superheroes experience.

High Heaven #1 (AHOY Comics) – AHOY’s first release was amazing and we’re expecting more of the same from this upstart publisher that wants to deliver more when it comes to comics.

Illegal (Sourcebooks) – A powerful graphic novel exploring immigration and undocumented immigrants.

Infinity Wars: Iron Hammer #1 (Marvel) – The first issue that mashed together Captain America and Thor was fun and this one with that’s Iron Man and Thor? We’re expecting lots of drinking… and more fun.

Justice League Odyssey #1 (DC Comics) – The space/tech Justice League… you have out attention.

Man-Eaters #1 (Image Comics) – Chelsea Cain… nuff said.

Scarlet #2 (Jinxworld/DC Comics) – The first issue was a great return for the character and series and we want to see if the second issue can continue to deliver.

Spider-Geddon #0 (Marvel) – The newest Spider-Man event is kicking off and Marvel has been rocking it with the Multiverse Spider-Man stuff. Plus, this issue marks the debut of the recent video game version of the character.

Star Trek vs. Transformers #1 (IDW Publishing) – The title really says it all.

Stranger Things #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – The popular television show comes to comics.

Transformers: Lost Light #24 (IDW Publishing) – IDW is wrapping up their current run on Transformers and we have no idea what’s coming next. We just know this series is wrapping up and bringing all the pieces of the puzzle together.

First Impressions Featuring: Venom, Ve’nam and more Venom!

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Welcome to Graphic Policy’s First Impressions where we take a look at a handful of comics in order to discern just how accessible they are for new readers, because every comic could be somebody’s first – and that’s the first question that’ll be answered with this feature. The second is whether youshould  start there because sometimes a book could be accessible to new readers but the quality could be less than average, and so each comic will receive a score out of ten based upon Graphic Policy’s typical ten point scale.

Where possible we’ll also be providing  recap of sorts for the relevant story beats up until the issue in question in order to help you figure out if the series is something you’re interested in, assuming we’ve read any part of the story thus far. All comics were provided for review purposes unless otherwise noted.

 

Venom: First Host #1 (Marvel)
Can a new reader start here? Yes.
Recap & review: This is just a really good story about the Venom symbiote’s first host. I’m not going to insult you by pretending you don’t know who Venom is, and thusly you don’t need a recap here.
Rating: 8.2

Web of Venom: Ve’nam #1 (Marvel)
Can a new reader start here? Yes.
Recap & review: There’s probably some relevance to the main series given that Donny Cates is writing that and this one shot, but I’m behind in the main series and have probably missed that. Which means that I got to enjoy this as a historically set Venom/Nick Fury/Logan story.
Rating: 8.4

Scarlet #1 (DC)
Can a new reader start here? Yes.
Recap & review: Some shit went down, and now Portland is an isolated lawless (maybe?) city led by Scarlet. I have never heard of or read this story before (this is a sequel), but you can jump in pretty quickly once you accept the premise.
Rating: 8.1

Nightwing Annual #1 (DC)
Can a new reader start here? Uh, maybe?
Recap & review: We all know who Nightwing is, right? Well that’ll help, and you can kinda find your way with this annual, but it isn’t always the easiest to pick up on prior events (though in fairness what’s relevant is explained). Not a bad issue, but not the easiest place to start, either.
Rating: 7.5

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