With the release of the new Energon Universe line of comics from Skybound, there has never been a better time for G.I. Joe and Transformers comics fans.
Curated by The Walking Dead co-creator Robert Kirkman, the Energon Universe is a re-imagination of the worlds of G.I. Joe and Transformers. The new universe was introduced through the ongoing series, Void Rivals and Transformers, as well as the mini-series, Duke and Cobra Commander. While readers have been thrust directly into the new status quo of the Transformers characters, the past characters and concepts of G.I. Joe and their place in the Energon Universe have so far been introduced through the mini-series. Much like the MCU, the G.I. Joe corner of the Energon Universe is slowly building to the inevitable G.I. Joe ongoing series while introducing readers to specific characters and concepts individually. Duke was a surprise direct spinoff from the Transformers ongoing series that revealed some of the first connective tissue between the Transformers and the Joes and how the two franchises would co-exist in the same comic universe. In Cobra Commander, we witnessed the birth of Cobra and the re-introduction of Cobra-La, a fictional city first introduced in the 1980s G.I. Joe movie. And now Scarlett, which finishes this week with issue number five, is tasked with both introducing this new version of the title character and the mysterious Arashikage Clan.
Seasoned veterans of G.I. Joe in its past incarnations will recognize the Clan Arashikage as the villainous clandestine group that trained both Storm Shadow and Snake-Eyes. At the moment, the Clan has not allied itself with Cobra as it has in the past. Stalker, a classic character who had been re-introduced in Duke, assigns Scarlett an important mission to infiltrate Clan Arashikage and discover what happened to Jinx, the previous agent to be given this assignment. This gives Scarlett a personal stake in the mission, as they had a sisterly relationship before Jinx disappeared. Stalker warns Scarlett that perhaps Jinx has switched sides – a warning Scarlett dismisses, refusing to believe her former friend could ever betray her mission.
Scarlett is able to gain the attention of the Arashikage Clan in Japan, where they force her to prove her worth to them as a potential agent. There, Scarlett catches a glimpse of Jinx who warns her to leave. Not wanting to abandon Jinx, Scarlett continues in the Arashikage, making ground in earning their respect, with only one final test to demonstrate her loyalty for the Clan: She must infiltrate an enemy’s heavily secured skyscraper and steal a weapon of immeasurable value. Accompanied by Jinx and Storm Shadow, the three plan the heist. In this fifth issue, the heist and the fate of Scarlett and Jinx’s relationship all come to a head. The secret weapon, the macguffin of the narrative, is revealed, and its nature directly ties Scarlett into the overall Energon saga.
Scarlett is written by Kelly Thompson, a longtime comic veteran who recently finished a critically acclaimed run on Captain Marvel. As with Carol Danvers, Thompson imbues Scarlett with quiet confidence and inner strength. Scarlett is portrayed as an implacable warrior as she undergoes great physical danger for the sake of love and duty. Placing Scarlett and Jinx’s relationship at the emotional center of the story gave the action such dramatic stakes. One of the best scenes of the issue is a quiet moment where the two can finally talk. It’s a testament to how well Thompson has written these two characters that this emotional scene felt so compelling and allows us to accept the decisions Scarlett makes towards the end of the story.
Marco Ferrari’s art in this issue is a treat. I can feel all of the ninja action unfurling on the page as if the penciled characters were actually in motion. The battle scenes were given wide, horizontal panels that evoked a cinematic feel, yet I never felt lost in the action. Lee Loughridge once again provided the colors and didn’t disappoint, capturing the glow of explosions, as well as the dark shadows.
All in all, Skybound and Image Comics’ Energon Universe continues its hot streak with Scarlett. I think fans will enjoy Thompson’s depiction of the classic character here and her adventures in Japan. Maybe next time, we’ll get at least a glimpse of Snake-Eyes (my childhood favorite next to Flint). Though this mini-series may be over, I hope this won’t be the last time we see Thompson and Ferrari in the Energon sandbox. I eagerly look forward to whatever Skybound and Image Comics have planned next.
Creative Team: Kelly Thompson (writer), Marco Ferrari (artist), Lee Loughridge (colorist), Russ Wooten (letterer)
Publisher: Skybound / Image Comics
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