Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Scalped #51
Vertigo Comics (DC Comics)
Aaron & Guera
Scalped begins the final ten issues with one that allows the characters to take a deep breath and ready themselves for a war. The issue is a good one (there is never a bad issue of Scalped), but the issue really doesn't present much substance to it that can be realized here. So, in a way, if this were the only issue you read of the series you probably wouldn't be impressed. There is a one puzzle here that makes me wonder how Aaron plans to pull off, that I will try to get into without spoiling too much. Guera actually outshines Aaron in this issue with two particularly powerful sequences. Another solid read.
The issue really centers on Red Crow shutting down all the drug outfits on the reservation. The problem here is that he owns them and presumably created them. Red Crow has seen the light so to speak in the previous arc. As you might expect Red Crow is called out for this. What occurs is probably the highlight of the issue.
Shunka gets into a fistfight with one of the drug dealers getting arrested. The drug dealer is considerably bigger and obviously can take a hit as good as he dishes out, but Shunka holds his own. This happens in front of Red Crow. The subtle hint here is that Shunka is showing Red Crow what he would be dealing with if he turned on Shunka. Or is the hint that this is what Shunka has in store for Red Crow? If this is the case then Aaron is going to have to pull off a miracle making Red Crow the protagonist and replacing the chief villain with Shunka.
The other highlight of the issue is the argument that Red Crow and Agent Nitz have in front of Dash in the hospital. It's excellent stuff as both drag out some big skeletons from the closet all the while knowing that Red Crow has no idea that they are both FBI agents.
These are the two scenes were the artwork takes the issue to another level. The anger and rage that is shown in the argument is nothing short of classic cinematic drama. While the fight is brutal and almost shocking over the few panels it occurs. The story is slightly average for Scalped standards but the artwork makes the story so much better.
The perplexing piece to the issue is the ending. It seems that the issue takes place over the course of a few days so why are these character still in the back of a cop car? And where exactly are they going? Is this a time continuity issue or a real plot point?
Scalped is a great series and this issue moves all the chess pieces into place for the final few issues. However, Carol is the big component missing. The ending of this series simply won't be satisfying if she isn't a major player. Another excellent read from Scalped, as always.
4 out of 5 geek goggles
