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Scarlet, Issue #5

The fifth issue of the Icon comic book series written by Brian Michael Bendis and with art by Alex Maleev.

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End of Book One of the Scarlet Revolution!!

Apr 6, 2011

by woopak_the_thrill
posted in Speech Bubbles: Comics & Graphic Novels

Exclusive to the Lunch Network

Rating:

After reading the first four issues of “Scarlet”, one can expect to be in for the long haul. (see my reviews for issue one, two, three and four by clicking on the links) The series’ main premise is simple, style is original and the way it engages the reader is through its very realistic touch. I knew upon reading the series’ fifth issue that it would be another one of those transitional issues set to introduce the possible last act of this superb maxi-series by Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev. This issue also marks the end of the first part and gears up for the next issues. As promised I will cover the entire “Scarlet” maxi-series for "Beyond the Printed Page" and "Cafe Libri" communities at the lunch network. (cheap plug)

As with my other reviews, I usually allow the characters give the summary of this series (to mimic the breaking of the fourth wall). Following the events of issue 4, Scarlet Rue now stands before a huge crowd of protestors that have gathered in her support.

“…and I will not let the word compromise be part of this equation! If you are in a position of authority, you are not in a position to compromise!! And if you are a witness to corruption or abuse and you turn your eyes away…you forfeit your position. I stand here and I say: NO MORE!!”

This issue further confirms that Scarlet is anything but an anti-hero. She stands for something, she is willing to risk her life to awaken the public to the injustices that have been hidden from them and at the same time promote the fact that authority figures answer to the public. I admit to a certain degree, that this issue may have fallen to the clichés of such themes; but then, remember, it is not how the story reveals the ‘revolution’ but rather how it manages to capture the drama and the impact on its narrative. The language as established remains true and solid, the series contains a lot of profanity and has been rated “M” for mature.

Issue five also plants ideas that one man or woman can indeed make a difference. Scarlet has been courageous that people have taken her side at their own risk. It also displays the lengths that anyone would go to protect their reputation and their way of life. Not only has Scarlet affected the general public, but now even authority figures may have woken up. She may had gained allies and even made her enemies to run scared.

“If they arrest her…if they shoot her…if she kills herself….all this reflects badly….”

This time around, Detective Going and a Federal Agent seems to have taken an interest to Scarlet’s goals. Their motives seem noble, and yet, they are shown stucked in a possible cross-fire of very delicate political issues. Politics play a huge part in this narrative, and Brian Michael Bendis knows what he is going for. He shows both sides of the political arena and Scarlet may indeed be playing ‘chicken’ with politics. It is a game like chess, where each move needs to be calculated and thought-out. Can Scarlet's sheer guts win the day?

Issue five seems to be a little lighter in violence, and yet it feels more chaotic. This is close to the end game and I am very curious as to how Bendis and Maleev are going to wrap this up. I rated this slightly lower than the other issues because it feels to be the issue that introduces the final act. Still a good issue, but you can just tell that things are about to get worst before it gets better for our characters.

Recommended!! [3 ½ Out of 5 Stars]

End of Book One of the Scarlet Revolution!!

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Madpenguin June 25, 2011

I haven't read this, but you're not the only one I know who said some good things about it. I think Nick was recommending me to check it out a couple of months ago.

woopak_the_thrill June 25, 2011

yep, I recommended it to him when issue # 1 came out. Not for the squemish or those who only like super-hero comics...I reviewed the series issue per issue....

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JRider April 07, 2011

I am just enamored with the look/ feel of this series. Talk about gritty! I know it's probably a complete and total pipe dream but were this property to ever expand into motion medium, what do you suppose would be most accurate medium? I'm imagining this would be a kick-ass anime right here. Keep the great reviews coming, I look crazy forward to these. Thanks again!

woopak_the_thrill April 07, 2011

Jay, if EVER they do make an anime series (I say anime since America would water this down) I will be the first one to buy it. Me and Orlok down there that a motion picture should be considered....an R-rated motion picture! Orlok says Amanda Palmer would make a superb "Scarlet".

JRider April 07, 2011

Hahaha agreed! And you're right, unless it were a Rated-R film, America need have no part in it! But man I keep thinking about what an anime this could make. Intriguing for sure!

woopak_the_thrill April 07, 2011

I can already see this--some filmmaker will make this a love story between Scarlet and her dead BF's best friend.

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Count_Orlok_22 April 06, 2011

So, at this point your ratings have been between 3 ½ and 4... think that they're likely to keep up the momentum or do you think the series has reached its peak?

woopak_the_thrill April 06, 2011

For me, this is about the transitional stages, building characters so the reader will become invested. I believe issue #'s 6-12 will be awesome!!

Count_Orlok_22 April 06, 2011

I hope so. I want Marvel to see that original characters and stories can still sell and achieve acclaim. I'm just so sick of them recycling the same Stan Lee superheroes without paying them the respect they deserve, you know?

woopak_the_thrill April 06, 2011

agreed. This is indeed different and original (unique that it broke the 4th wall). I have a feeling it'll score a homerun.

Count_Orlok_22 April 06, 2011

Is it selling well?

woopak_the_thrill April 07, 2011

It is always sold out after the first two weeks and issue #'s 1 and 2 have already been reprinted...so yeah.

Count_Orlok_22 April 07, 2011

Weird, I guess I just haven't read much on it elsewhere. Perhaps the press hasn't given it enough coverage. Even Wikipedia's article is pathetically short.

woopak_the_thrill April 07, 2011

well, they didn't print out as many copies as with mainstream titles and there was a huge gap between the release of issue 3 and 4. Wikipedia has been inviting me to write for them you know? ;)

Count_Orlok_22 April 07, 2011

You should. Their info on comics isn't very good. I considered writing for them on silent films (Murnau especially), vampires, and Tolkien, but then they ended up getting someone to do vampires and Tolkien, so I decided not to.

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FM_ALEX April 06, 2011

Gotta love those plugs Sir, they could never be cheap. Great review as well.

Adrianna April 12, 2011

Agreed, Alex. ;) Excellent review as always, William!

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More Scarlet, Issue #5 reviews

Quick Tip by woopak_the_thrill. April 06, 2011

posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

A Quick Tip by woopak_the_thrill

Issue Five seems to have slowed down in regards to violence and attitude, and becomes more of a political stand-off. Bendis has crafted a tale that seems to be the calm before the storm. I cannot wait!

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About the reviewer

William (woopak_the_thrill)
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