I thought I would take a week away from looking at the entire industry to focus on an outstanding comic that deserves more attention, and that is Scout’s Honor #1!
SCOUT’S HONOR #1
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Luca CAsalanguida
Colorist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
Publisher: AfterShock
Cover price: $4.99
SOLICITATION: Years after a nuclear apocalypse, a new society has risen from the ashes…and their bible is an old Ranger Scout manual.
A young Ranger Scout named Kit has endured the harsh survivalist upbringing needed to conquer the irradiated Colorado Badlands. But after discovering a terrible secret once lost to history, Kit must risk everything on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth behind the Ranger Scouts’ doctrine.
From multiple Ringo Award-nominated writer David Pepose (Spencer & Locke, Going to the Chapel, The O.Z.) and artist Luca Casalanguida (James Bond, Lost Soldiers) comes a post-apocalyptic coming-of-age tale that proves when all you know is a lie, a Scout’s Honor is the only way to move forward.
LOOKING AT A POSSIBLE FUTURE
Mr. Pepose has really been turning out a lot of great stories in the past couple of years. I highly encourage you to read both volumes of Spencer & Locke (don’t miss the shock at the end of the 2nd series), The O.Z. (which was a major hit on Kickstarter), and Going to the Chapel, which was a fun look at romance stories.
Now, along comes Scout’s Honor, which takes a “what if?” look at the future if the Scout’s manual has survived and an entire culture has been built around it. It looks at several different subjects on many levels, including how some societies have been built on well-respected books as well as the Scouts themselves.
As always, Pepose has one foot in the mythological realms and one firmly planted in reality. And how people are dealing with this situation in completely relatable ways.
The story revolves around a young Scout named Kit, someone who is trying to survive in this world. What we see as a means of learning object lessons for life (merit badges and the like) has life-threatening consequences. Given the many threats around the youth of this book, it’s learn or die!
Pepose unfolds the various circumstances slowly and powerfully, revealing fascinating secrets along the way. If you think you know the whole story, believe me—you don’t! And that’s the way I like it!
I was particularly intrigued by the examination of societies and how they are developed in the world. You can’t help but compare the Scout’s Manual to the Bible and other religious texts upon which many base their existences today. Of course, no situation is perfect, and this debut issue points out just how some living in certain groups have to survive by keeping things in the dark, as it were. I couldn’t help but look at the people around me and wonder just what we’re keeping from each other just to survive!
GRIPPING ART
The great thing about the art in this series is the blend of modern technology that is no longer functioning up to snuff with other aspects of the post-apocalyptic society. Glimmers of what has been and what still could be shine through.
As always, I examine two important aspects of comic art—facial expressions and action sequences. Both really are well done and have me anxiously awaiting the rest of this story. Certain secrets get revealed while we see the reactions of those around the characters. It’s easy to tell who is thinking and feeling what very easily, which helps the story move along well. Also, when things are happening, it’s easy to see what is going on so we can follow what’s happening. Well done!
A GREAT STORY THAT’S WORTH JUMPING ON BOARD NOW
Of course, the human aspects of stories are what will keep us involved as things are revealed, including how people react to threats and new situations. I feel for the people here because they at least have a foundation upon which they can find stability in their lives. Of course, that has to be shaken up for the tale to be told properly, so I’m seriously anxious to get the next issue so I can see what’s going to happen next!
I was a cub scout when I was younger, but I never really made it to the older levels of Scouting, so I’ll likely learn a thing or two in the next couple of months. I’ll feel for the various people who depend on the manual and the social structures they’ve grown accustomed toas they have to find their way when things shift as they must, but it’ll be a “coming of age” story, something I always enjoy! Highly recommended!
Five out of five stars from me! Get on this train now so you can ride it to what I’m sure will be it’s gripping end!
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