Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Scalped #60
Vertigo (DC Comics)
Aaron & Guera
One of the best series I have ever read wraps up with a very average issue. I was hoping for an ending that was violent, dramatic and memorable. Instead this issue almost jumped over the violence and skipped right to the wrap up. It doesn't take away from how amazing this series has been but it did leave something to be desired upon completion. Part of the unsatisfactory experience was how ambiguous the artwork was in parts. Whether it was intentionally or not, I found it to be confusing. This was a good read but not among the best in this terrific series.
The issue is supposed to pick up with the three-way standoff between Catcher, Dash and Red Crow. Instead, the violence takes place off panel as one of the three lies bleeding out while the other two finish their work. However, the story slips into a dream-like state as it seems one of the characters fantasies about what he wants to do, but before he can do it, Nitz comes in.
Nitz makes a straight line for one and only one character. This pairing leaves a lot unresolved with Nitz and the two he doesn't go after. The result is that only two characters of the four survive and a lot of the problems between them never get resolved. If this sounds confusing, it's not because I am not using names, but because the story is rather confusing based on the bad blood between these four for so many issues. In theory, they should all want to kill each other and none should probably live through it.
The wrap-up portion of the comic really lands on the women from Dash's life. It's a sad ending, but a purposeful one for the two women. They both seem to have a future that is probably brighter with Dash out of their lives.
The artwork is really amazing for much of the book. The emotions are really deep when the characters are re-visited at the end of the book. The difficult panels were when Nitz entered the gun fight, specially the dream sequence that precedes it, and the woman holding the baby at the end. I found myself confused at both portions. The darkness of the comic book probably contributed to this, but I can't help but wonder if the direction of the art intended it this way.
I wanted a big, bloody gun fight. Instead, I got a few panels of strange fighting between only one potential dance partnership. I expected the wrap-up and that didn't disappoint, but when you add up the components it makes for an okay to good issue and that's all. This is a great series and don't be fooled by the so-so ending. This series is well worth your time. I am going to miss this title without question.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
