One Impulsive Decision Can Change the World In Scarlet #3
by Josh Davison
[*Mild Spoilers Ahead!]
Kit flashes back to when an angry and violent man came into her barber shop looking for her sister and her ring. In the present, Kit sees that same man with the military forces outside Portland and shoots him without a second thought. The U.S forces outside the city immediately attack Portland, and Scarlet must decide how to respond.
Scarlet #3 provides another swift and intense read for the audience. It ties the personal tragedies of Kit’s life with the large-scale conflict of Portland. It highlights the idea that the grand tides of history really can bend to the whims of relatively small actors and impulsive actions.
The comic neither condemns or condones what Kit does, and it’s hard to blame her given how awful this one man was to her family.
Scarlet immerses its readers enough in the conflict of Portland’s holdouts that one can almost think that they have a chance in succeeding in their revolution. When the military launches a full-scale assault on Portland, you are reminded that they never really had a chance in an open conflict.
That’s not really a spoiler, and, in fairness, the story isn’t over yet. Scarlet almost certainly has something else up her sleeve.
I find myself uncertain how this story could end. There are the obvious conclusions–that Scarlet and her people will be massacred or captured. However, that would be unsatisfying on its own. I look forward to seeing how this volume ends.
Alex Maleev doesn’t disappoint with the artwork. This consummate pro continues to douse this story in texture, personality, and generally high-quality visual work. The colors are well-blended, dirty, and drive home that feeling of being caught in a desolate warzone. Maleev and Brian Michael Bendis really are a powerful comic team.
Scarlet #3 is another effective issue in this Jinxworld revival. The characters continue to be compelling, Scarlet herself is a great lead, and the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This one gets a recommendation. Feel free to check it out.
Scarlet #3 comes to us from writer Brian Michael Bendis, artist Alex Maleev, letterer Joshua Reed, and cover artist Alex Maleev.
