Scalped
Issue: #21
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: R.M. Guera
32 pp. Vertigo. $2.99
Reviewed by Paul Stotts
This was the first issue of the Vertigo series Scalped that I've picked up, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up enjoying it. Dark and disturbing, Scalped could best be described as being the love child of a western and a modern crime drama (clearly a child with some serious behavioral issues). Think about the two recent HBO series "Deadwood" and "The Wire" smashed together with the Godfather movies, and you have a slight idea of what Scalped is like.
Dino and Griff are out joyriding when they get pulled over by the reservation police for reckless driving. The cops shake them down, pocketing five hundred from Dino as "payment" for the infraction. To make matters worse, the cops threaten Dino and Griff with jail if they don't deliver a mysterious package. Blackmailed into accepting the delivery errand, the boys set off for Nebraska. On the way, Dino's car breaks down, and Griff, sweating the whole adventure, decides to bail on the entire situation, leaving Dino alone to deliver the package. Eventually, Dino delivers the package and leaves with an offer that just may change his future.
Meanwhile, Chief Red Crow has a messy situation developing at his casino. Mr. Brass, who is keeping an eye on the casino for his employer who happens to be the majority investor in it, has indulged his bloody impulses. He now needs Chief Red Crow to clean up the unfortunate situation. Later that night, Chief Red Crow has a mysterious meeting with Granny who gives him something that will require him to live a more harmonious life.
Filled with corrupt cops, Indian mysticism, and organized crime syndicates, the issue reads more like a chapter in a novel than a comic book, more character-driven than action-oriented. Writer Jason Aaron builds the drama slowly, introducing each separate plot line and letting the action unfold naturally. This approach is much more preferable than rushing the story to a contrived cliffhanger ending like most comics. By letting the narrative just "be", Aaron plays to the issue's greatest strength: the characters. Within only a few panels, Aaron is able to create not only believable characters, but also ones that are absolutely riveting.
The dialogue is excellent; it's hard-edged and brutal, but believably real. Unlike many weaker writers who show their hand by forcing the story along through exposition, Aaron keeps the explanations to a minimum, and the dialogue benefits from it. The storytelling is focused more on subtle revelation than on bludgeoning.
The artwork in the issue by R.M. Guera really conveys the tone of the story. It's dark and heavy, and quite slick in its execution. Guera's style seems a perfect match for the narrative, beautifully augmenting Aaron's wonderful storytelling. This is steady artistic storytelling; Guera isn't given multiple splash panels in which to wow the reader. He works within the context of the story and does a beautiful job with it.
I've been looking recently for a good adult crime drama comic, and this issue of Scalped has definitely piqued my curiosity with its intriguing storyline and provocative characters. This is a stellar first step that hopefully is a sign of great things to come.
Final Grade: 80 out of 100
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