Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: R.M. Guera
Publisher: Vertigo/DC comics
Price: $2.99
Scalped is the first ongoing series from the relatively new writer Jason Aaron. Scalped fits the mold of Vertigo classics like 100 bullets and Transmetropolitan. The lead is a tad unlikable, the supporting cast have secrets, and ulterior motives that may harm or cause havoc to the protagonist, and nothing is what it seems.
Unlike most series Scalped provides the set up and the big reveal in the same issue. The series opens with the introduction of the lead character Dash Bad Horse and the setting of the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation. The premise for the series is simple. Some time Ago Dash leaves the reservation and comes back. He starts a fight in a lawless town and is brought forth by the corrupt tribal head, Red Crow. The tribal head rather than killing Dash, makes him the town sheriff where Dash gets into fights with the town folk as he protects the interests of Red Crow, who wants the casino on the Indian land to open without a problem.
The set up might seem simple, but beauty of it is provided by the context of the series. By placing Scalped in a Native American Reservation in 2007 Jason Aaron tackles the large issues of race, violence, poverty, and corruption in the most rural parts of America. It may show things in a somewhat negative light, but its reality and authenticity make for a compelling setting. Jason Aaron shows that he knows what he is talking about and it make the series richer for it. What is also striking for a Vertigo series is that there is a lot of action. First a bar brawl followed later in the issue by a tribal bust. It’s uncharacteristic to see action in a Vertigo book, and if Aaron keeps up the action like he did here, he might have a crossover hit on his hands.
The art by R.M. Guera is hard to look at. It’s gritty, scratchy and many of the characters are both hard to distinguished, yet definitive. Altough perhaps not to everyone’s taste, Guera’s art on the series gives it a distinctive look. His panel work and choreography are amazing and he brings a sense of place to the scene and a defined sense of perspective to the book. It looks real and his choice of panel design is intriguing. The figure work is a bit difficult, but works for the series. The ability to provide a sense of realism through almost impressionistic techniques (in old-school Frank Miller sort of style) is more effective in this sort of book than the almost photo-realism of the recent Jonah Hex series..
The washed out colors by Lee Loughridge do not help to give the book a great visual appeal and it would be easy to imagine the artwork standing out better as a black and white.
Overall Scalped starts off well with an intriguing story, captivating if broken characters and a distinct identity all its own. The series might be hard to sell to some readers, but it’s really good and folks should try it out. Jason Aaron has written a great tale and while R.M. Guera’s art may not be instantly appealing to most reader’s, it’s distinct, mature look make Scalped a worthy book to try out.
- Francis Davis a career drunk with a love of comics and movies, lives in and works for the City of Chicago. Confidentiality agreements prevent him from saying exactly what he does, but it is important.