In order to find her missing friend Jinx, Scarlett goes undercover, deep into the belly of Clan Arashikage, to discover the truth. Scarlett #2 sees Scarlett captured and tested in solid second issue.

In the first issue of the series, Scarlett is recruited to infiltrate Clan Arashikage to figure out what’s going on with her missing friend and fellow soldier Jinx. The issue had her fighting her way in by the end surrendering in an attempt to be a part of the group.

Writer Kelly Thompson continues the interesting direction in Scarlett #2 as Scarlett is now captured. While Clan Arashikage accept her and what’s going on with Jinx? It’s an interesting story as Thompson lets things play out slowly. There’s more fights, some interesting details, but overall it makes Scarlett come off like more of a badass.

For those that read the issue, you’ll know what I’m talking about but how Scarlett frees herself is a scene of cringe, holy shit, and showing she’s tough as nails.

All of it is helped by the art of Marco Ferrari. With color by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Rus Wooton, the art is solid and interesting. There’s a sort of glee in how Scarlett is depicted. She has a fight ahead of her but she’s also enjoying it. It’s the expert combatant who’s enjoying the fight in front of them while they still kick ass. It’s very solid and entertaining delivering some badass moments that visually don’t feel like anything seen in G.I. JOE previously (though it’s not like I’ve read every issue).

Scarlett #2 is another solid issue that sets things up further for the mission and delivers action and moments that are memorable. It’s another great expansion of Skybound’s G.I. JOE universe while keeping things tight and focused.

Story: Kelly Thompson Art: Marco Ferrari
Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara is about to take on the most dangerous black ops mission of her career: infiltrating the mysterious rising power in Japan known as Clan Arashikage. Her one lead is her former partner—Jinx—turned Arashikage enforcer. Now, Scarlett must use her very particular set of skills to survive undercover…and discover a shocking weapon that could change the balance of power on Earth. Scarlett #1 kicks off the next chapter in the lead up to the formation of G.I. JOE.

Skybound has been slowly building its Energon Universe that brings together Transformers, G.I. JOE, and more. They’ve brought a logic to each piece of the puzzle and how they fit together, making it all logical and organic. In this new take, G.I. JOE doesn’t yet exist, but a proto-version is there in the background. G.I. JOE’s part of the story primarily started in Duke, and now shifts to Scarlett, moving the spotlight to the beloved character.

Written by Kelly Thompson, Scarlett #1 gives us an interesting insight into the character as she’s sent on a mission and then completely ignores her orders and the mission parameters. We not only get to see her insubordination but also the logic behind it, giving us a character who’s in the right and will do what she thinks is right. But, Thompson takes it further, mixing in Jinx, and intertwining the two’s history and giving us a friendship. The comic creates a very interesting base concept as Scarlett is sent on a mission to bring Jinx. It gives us action, excitement, and shows us how much of a badass Scarlett is.

The art by Marco Ferrari is solid. With color by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Rus Wooton, the visuals of the comic pops. There’s solid action and small details that creates tension throughout the comic. It feels like something is going to snap at any moment. It captures the energy of the comic much like Duke‘s art matched that series’ paranoia.

Scarlett #1 is another great addition to the G.I. JOE side of the Energon Universe, giving us more insight into the world and the key characters. It also gives us a Scarlett that feels both familiar and new. She’s a badass we want to see kick ass and it’ll be great to see this version interact with a team once it all comes together.

Story: Kelly Thompson Art: Marco Ferrari
Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle