Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Scalped #34
Vertigo Comics (DC)
Aaron & Guera
The Gnawing arc comes to a conclusion in this issue and make no mistake everything does indeed change. This issue, perhaps more than any other in the series, is a game changer. Up to this point the story has dragged every character into some level of villainy and put each one on the antagonist side, even if briefly. However, in this issue the lines of good guy and bad guy get drawn and folks get killed off. At the end there is a new status quo. Sure some plot threads still exist that could blow things up in a different way, but this issue wraps up many plots that have been running for a couple of years. This is an excellent issue.
This issue deals squarely and definitely with Dash, Red Crow, Diesel, Nitz and many of their problems, mostly with each other, but with some of their running confrontations, such as Red Crow's with the Hmong. This issue manages to layer in plenty of the other characters as the missing fugitive is hunted by Red Crow's crew and the FBI. However, Dash's interests are also represented in an interesting way as the fugitive has the option of offering Dash up to Red Crow for his own safety. As if this little manhunt wasn't enough a brewing war comes to a head.
The Hmong army shows up at Red Crow's doorstep looking for blood and Red Crow and his crew are ready. The resolution may actually top the fugitive storyline as it has a bit of a shocker in the end. While this is playing out Diesel is released from jail.
Diesel has found a friend in his fellow undercover agent, Dash. Up to now Dash has hated Diesel, for good reason. However, as the story begins to build to this climax and Dash's drug use increases as well as the lines he's crossed to stay in Red Crow's good graces, it seems that Dash is willing to make a run from everything with Diesel. However, they both have some unfinished business that gets resolved in this issue.
The comic book is fantastic because nearly every single key player seems to make an appearance in this issue. Falls Down, Catcher, Carol and many others all get themselves involved as the reservation nearly explodes between Red Crow and the FBI in addition to Red Crow and the Hmong. The issue is enhanced greatly by the artwork.
Normally, this comic has some vile acts in it. However, this comic breaks that mold by having some good old fashioned gun violence. It works well as the cover of night blurs the vision of which character is shooting or being shot. The art also conveys some amazing facial expressions as the moment of truth comes for a couple of the main characters. This issue is equally amazing with the art as it is with the story.
The finale of this arc is reminiscent of the baptism scene from the Godfather. Power is taken and consolidated in a bloody fashion and characters go down paths that they can't return from. This comic is the culmination of a terrific arc and should not be missed.
5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
