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Scarlett #1-5
Scarlett Vol. 1
THE NEXT CHAPTER OF CODENAME G.I. JOE BEGINS HERE.?
Shana M. O'Hara has been investigating the mysterious rising power in Japan known as the Clan Arashikage and survived to tell the story. But that was before she discovered her former partner Jinx is still alive and working with the enemy. Now, Scarlett must take on the most dangerous black-ops mission of her career to determine if Jinx really has betrayed her...and to discover a shocking truth that will change the balance of power on Earth. Red-hot writer KELLY THOMPSON (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist MARCO FERRARI (FRONTIERSMAN) introduce some of the most anticipated characters in the Energon Universe in ways you never expected.
Collects SCARLETT #1-5?
Shana M. O'Hara has been investigating the mysterious rising power in Japan known as the Clan Arashikage and survived to tell the story. But that was before she discovered her former partner Jinx is still alive and working with the enemy. Now, Scarlett must take on the most dangerous black-ops mission of her career to determine if Jinx really has betrayed her...and to discover a shocking truth that will change the balance of power on Earth. Red-hot writer KELLY THOMPSON (Black Widow, Birds of Prey) and artist MARCO FERRARI (FRONTIERSMAN) introduce some of the most anticipated characters in the Energon Universe in ways you never expected.
Collects SCARLETT #1-5?
Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2024
9 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Thompson
658 books1,044 followersKELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.
Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 15, 2025
A very action filled introduction to Scarlett, very much a mixture of Black Widow and Kill Bill.
April 10, 2025
5.2/10
My least favourite of the "Energon" books so far, as i found it to have the weakest writing and art. It's not bad though, it has it's moments and the pace is good. I hope i will understand and like Scarlett more in the books and stories to come.
My least favourite of the "Energon" books so far, as i found it to have the weakest writing and art. It's not bad though, it has it's moments and the pace is good. I hope i will understand and like Scarlett more in the books and stories to come.
July 10, 2025
EN I already suspected that this franchise (G.I. Joe) would probably be the most difficult to integrate into this new Energon universe — and once again, that becomes evident here.
The artwork didn’t win me over. It’s not bad, far from it, but I don’t think it’s the most suitable style for a story of war and espionage. It felt too juvenile, clashing with the tone one would expect from this kind of narrative.
As for the story itself, it’s not exactly weak. It starts off without much spark — to the point where I feared the worst — but thankfully it gains momentum as it progresses, ending up as a fairly solid read.
These G.I. Joe spin-offs haven’t been bad, but for now, they’re still far from the quality seen in "Void Rivals" and "Transformers".
--
PT Já suspeitava que esta franchise (G.I. Joe) seria, provavelmente, a mais difícil de integrar neste novo universo Energon — e mais uma vez, isso fica evidente aqui.
A arte não me conquistou. Não é má, longe disso, mas não me pareceu o traço mais adequado para uma história de guerra e espionagem. Achei-a demasiado juvenil, o que acaba por colidir com o tom que se espera deste tipo de narrativa.
Quanto à história, também não é propriamente fraca. Começa sem grande chama, ao ponto de eu temer o pior, mas felizmente vai ganhando fôlego à medida que avança, acabando por se tornar numa leitura bastante sólida.
Estes spin-offs de G.I. Joe não têm sido maus, mas continuam, para já, bastante aquém da qualidade que vimos em "Void Rivals" e "Transformers".
The artwork didn’t win me over. It’s not bad, far from it, but I don’t think it’s the most suitable style for a story of war and espionage. It felt too juvenile, clashing with the tone one would expect from this kind of narrative.
As for the story itself, it’s not exactly weak. It starts off without much spark — to the point where I feared the worst — but thankfully it gains momentum as it progresses, ending up as a fairly solid read.
These G.I. Joe spin-offs haven’t been bad, but for now, they’re still far from the quality seen in "Void Rivals" and "Transformers".
--
PT Já suspeitava que esta franchise (G.I. Joe) seria, provavelmente, a mais difícil de integrar neste novo universo Energon — e mais uma vez, isso fica evidente aqui.
A arte não me conquistou. Não é má, longe disso, mas não me pareceu o traço mais adequado para uma história de guerra e espionagem. Achei-a demasiado juvenil, o que acaba por colidir com o tom que se espera deste tipo de narrativa.
Quanto à história, também não é propriamente fraca. Começa sem grande chama, ao ponto de eu temer o pior, mas felizmente vai ganhando fôlego à medida que avança, acabando por se tornar numa leitura bastante sólida.
Estes spin-offs de G.I. Joe não têm sido maus, mas continuam, para já, bastante aquém da qualidade que vimos em "Void Rivals" e "Transformers".
December 31, 2024
Scarlett is Black Widow if she were Basic?
Huh, never knew she was a Georgia Peach.
Anyhow, lot's of Ninja Fighting Action and a little more insight into the Energon-verse, but not all that much here even if it was a fun ride like an '80s actioner.
Huh, never knew she was a Georgia Peach.
Anyhow, lot's of Ninja Fighting Action and a little more insight into the Energon-verse, but not all that much here even if it was a fun ride like an '80s actioner.
December 11, 2024
This was a load of fun and action packed. Scarlett is sent in undercover to see about Jinx who has been missing for awhile and to check on a particular weapon to try and prevent it from going into the wrong hands. Loved the characters in this one as far as following Scarlett, seeing her relationship with Jinx and Storm Shadow. It was dope seeing Corba as a force on the rise and people are starting to learn about them. I’ve been having a blast with all these titles in the energon universe and I am looking forward to reading the Destro series and the new on going G.I. Joe series.
January 27, 2025
Loved thus book. This a good old-fashioned ninja action book, with a bit of spying thrown in. My only dissapointment with thus book is my favourite GIJOE/Ninja character was not in this book, but he definitely deserves his own book and I am assuming they are saving a big entrance into thus universe for him. Aside from that, this book is awesome.
Scarlet sees a ghost. More accurately, a woman who was like a sister to her, but has been missing for over two years. Now, Scarlet needs to infiltrate the deadly Arashikage clan for answers. However, to the surprise of no one, a clan of ninjas will not simply let anyone in, and if she survives the initial meeting, how far will she go to prove her loyalty?
Decent story, but this book is all about the big fight scenes/panels, and they do not disappoint. Things are getting very interesting. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Scarlet sees a ghost. More accurately, a woman who was like a sister to her, but has been missing for over two years. Now, Scarlet needs to infiltrate the deadly Arashikage clan for answers. However, to the surprise of no one, a clan of ninjas will not simply let anyone in, and if she survives the initial meeting, how far will she go to prove her loyalty?
Decent story, but this book is all about the big fight scenes/panels, and they do not disappoint. Things are getting very interesting. I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 10, 2024
2.5 stars.
October 15, 2024
Excellent mini series. Lots of action and intrigue. Characters were great, right on point with their personalities from the original GI Joe dossiers. This will make a great addition to the main GI Joe title when all four mini series combine to kick it off next month. Always enjoy a good ninja story 🥷
November 20, 2024
Shana 'Scarlett' O'Hara goes undercover with a ninja clan to rescue her best friend/sister and gets imbroiled in a plot that has drawn the eye of Cobra.
As someone with no GI Joe knowledge, I expect some of the 'aha!' character moments are lost on me here (I assume Storm Shadow is a big Joe person, that seems like a name I should know), but I still had a lot of fun with this spy thriller. The set pieces are insane, and the beating heart of the relationship between Scarlett and Jinx is easy to get invested in. There are some broader ties to the Energon Universe that I did catch, and I'm sure this isn't the last we've seen of any of these characters as yet.
New (at least to me) artist Marcelo Ferrari (as well as having a cool name) does a great job on these five issues, capturing the frenetic pace of Thompson's script and throwing in some great splash pages too along the way. There are a couple of double page fight scenes that I had to look twice at, they were so good.
As someone with no GI Joe knowledge, I expect some of the 'aha!' character moments are lost on me here (I assume Storm Shadow is a big Joe person, that seems like a name I should know), but I still had a lot of fun with this spy thriller. The set pieces are insane, and the beating heart of the relationship between Scarlett and Jinx is easy to get invested in. There are some broader ties to the Energon Universe that I did catch, and I'm sure this isn't the last we've seen of any of these characters as yet.
New (at least to me) artist Marcelo Ferrari (as well as having a cool name) does a great job on these five issues, capturing the frenetic pace of Thompson's script and throwing in some great splash pages too along the way. There are a couple of double page fight scenes that I had to look twice at, they were so good.
April 3, 2025
Scarlett is another addition in the Energon Universe, and has some interesting connections to the broader Universe, with certain items and characters tying into both G.I. Joe and Transformers. While it introduces several G.I. Joe heroes and villains, it doesn’t do much to develop Scarlett herself—she feels like a fairly generic protagonist. The standout aspect of the story for me was her relationship with Jinx, which was quite beautiful. The artwork was strong overall, but some of the action panels felt cluttered and hard to follow due to too much happening at once.
December 17, 2024
Two down, two more to go, regarding the four miniseries that will set up the G.I. Joe side of Skybound’s Energon Universe.
Probably the most iconic female character from the G.I. Joe franchise, Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara gets her own five-issue series, where she takes on the most dangerous black ops mission of her career. As she infiltrates the mysterious rising power in Japan known as Clan Arashikage, who are searching for a mysterious weapon, her one lead in her former partner, Jinx, now an enforcer for the clan.
While my G.I. Joe knowledge isn’t as strong as my Transformers knowledge, I was well-aware of Scarlett, who has featured in two of the G.I. Joe movies, as well as being the main protagonist in IDW’s G.I. Joe: World on Fire, which explored ideas of war, oppression and PTSD. In the case of Scarlett, writer Kelly Thompson isn’t that interested in doing a deep character piece and revels more in the world of espionage and ninjas.
That is not to say the title is without moments of characterisation as the opening action sequence pretty much establishes her as a spy who doesn’t abide by direct orders and often succeeds more, much to her superiors’ chagrin. While there are flashbacks that showcase the friendship between Scarlett and Jinx, the story itself moves as a quick pace to get to the next action set-piece that the book doesn’t take a breather for things to simmer.
This may not be as toyetic as the other G.I. Joe books like Duke and Cobra Commander, there are still characters that diehard fans will get a good kick out of, such as Storm Shadow, though considering this book leans hard on the ninja side, there is no sign yet of arguably the most popular character: Snake Eyes. As previously stated, this is more focused on action than anything else, but artist Marco Ferrari makes it a kinetic, bloody read that revels in the acrobatics and weaponry you would expect from ninjas.
While this functions more as a standalone narrative, towards the climax there are connections to the wider Energon Universe and considering how this book ends, where evil potentially triumphed, it’ll be interesting how this will pay off in the ongoing G.I. Joe series. As for Scarlett, it is the weakest of the Energon Universe titles so far, but it remains a decent, action-filled read.
Probably the most iconic female character from the G.I. Joe franchise, Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara gets her own five-issue series, where she takes on the most dangerous black ops mission of her career. As she infiltrates the mysterious rising power in Japan known as Clan Arashikage, who are searching for a mysterious weapon, her one lead in her former partner, Jinx, now an enforcer for the clan.
While my G.I. Joe knowledge isn’t as strong as my Transformers knowledge, I was well-aware of Scarlett, who has featured in two of the G.I. Joe movies, as well as being the main protagonist in IDW’s G.I. Joe: World on Fire, which explored ideas of war, oppression and PTSD. In the case of Scarlett, writer Kelly Thompson isn’t that interested in doing a deep character piece and revels more in the world of espionage and ninjas.
That is not to say the title is without moments of characterisation as the opening action sequence pretty much establishes her as a spy who doesn’t abide by direct orders and often succeeds more, much to her superiors’ chagrin. While there are flashbacks that showcase the friendship between Scarlett and Jinx, the story itself moves as a quick pace to get to the next action set-piece that the book doesn’t take a breather for things to simmer.
This may not be as toyetic as the other G.I. Joe books like Duke and Cobra Commander, there are still characters that diehard fans will get a good kick out of, such as Storm Shadow, though considering this book leans hard on the ninja side, there is no sign yet of arguably the most popular character: Snake Eyes. As previously stated, this is more focused on action than anything else, but artist Marco Ferrari makes it a kinetic, bloody read that revels in the acrobatics and weaponry you would expect from ninjas.
While this functions more as a standalone narrative, towards the climax there are connections to the wider Energon Universe and considering how this book ends, where evil potentially triumphed, it’ll be interesting how this will pay off in the ongoing G.I. Joe series. As for Scarlett, it is the weakest of the Energon Universe titles so far, but it remains a decent, action-filled read.
March 11, 2025
Very standard Black Widow plot with some GI Joe characters pasted in. We are not introduced in any way to Scarlett or her friend (?) Jinx, though we're clearly supposed to care about their welfare. Scarlett tracks down Jinx, who's working for a ninja cult alongside Storm Shadow. Naturally, after defeating all the ninjas, she joins them to stop some different ninjas from selling a mystery weapon to Cobra.
The pacing is good and the action scenes are pretty fun, though the art is extremely variable. I just wish there was more effort put into any of the characters.
The pacing is good and the action scenes are pretty fun, though the art is extremely variable. I just wish there was more effort put into any of the characters.
July 29, 2025
"The future of the Arashikage!"
February 15, 2025
“Okay, Jinx, save my life.
At this speed and height, we’ve got maybe…eight seconds?”
Happy Valentine’s Day to Scarlett and Jinx specifically.
Once again, this was fun! And gorgeous! Little slight once more but I think the constant forward motion of this keeps it from really feeling like a total waste of a few hours.
Basically, this is pre the current Joe/ARAH series, and Stalker needs someone to infiltrate a “new” cult of ninjas that are making major plays in the world. A cult that Shana O’Hara’s long lost girlfriend, erm, I mean “sister” has already worked her way into!
So basically cross The Departed with The Raid and make it about GIJoe stuff and you got this mini series.
Fun stuff to be sure but I was kinda hoping that these other minis would have more the pop and genuine lore contribution like Cobra Commander and Duke did. This one introduces back into play a major Storm Shadow artifact, the Sword of Life, but it’s like…we’ve already seen him using that already back over in A Real American Hero.
Listen, nobody wants these particular toy comics to success more than me do…I DO, but also, I would appreciate more these latter side series bringing a bit more to the table while the main titles have been really killing it. The first two (and the first arc of Void Rivals, to a degree) felt supplemental and interesting and these so far have just felt like…”here’s some fun stuff they got up to before the team books”.
I would like a bit more, please and thank you, Energon Universe.
At this speed and height, we’ve got maybe…eight seconds?”
Happy Valentine’s Day to Scarlett and Jinx specifically.
Once again, this was fun! And gorgeous! Little slight once more but I think the constant forward motion of this keeps it from really feeling like a total waste of a few hours.
Basically, this is pre the current Joe/ARAH series, and Stalker needs someone to infiltrate a “new” cult of ninjas that are making major plays in the world. A cult that Shana O’Hara’s long lost girlfriend, erm, I mean “sister” has already worked her way into!
So basically cross The Departed with The Raid and make it about GIJoe stuff and you got this mini series.
Fun stuff to be sure but I was kinda hoping that these other minis would have more the pop and genuine lore contribution like Cobra Commander and Duke did. This one introduces back into play a major Storm Shadow artifact, the Sword of Life, but it’s like…we’ve already seen him using that already back over in A Real American Hero.
Listen, nobody wants these particular toy comics to success more than me do…I DO, but also, I would appreciate more these latter side series bringing a bit more to the table while the main titles have been really killing it. The first two (and the first arc of Void Rivals, to a degree) felt supplemental and interesting and these so far have just felt like…”here’s some fun stuff they got up to before the team books”.
I would like a bit more, please and thank you, Energon Universe.
June 7, 2025
3/5
Scarlett's introduction to the Energon Universe is fun and gruesome. This was an easy to follow story that gives new characters to join the Universe.
I like the main plot of the book: The Sword of Life (as it turns out, it's filled with Energon), Cobra Commander's attempt to steal it, and Storm Shadow eventually aquiring it. Although this book did not reach the level of writing as some of the other books, it was definitely satisfying and needed for the storyline to continue.
Great stuff once again!
Scarlett's introduction to the Energon Universe is fun and gruesome. This was an easy to follow story that gives new characters to join the Universe.
I like the main plot of the book: The Sword of Life (as it turns out, it's filled with Energon), Cobra Commander's attempt to steal it, and Storm Shadow eventually aquiring it. Although this book did not reach the level of writing as some of the other books, it was definitely satisfying and needed for the storyline to continue.
Great stuff once again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
Well written and action packed. Easily my favorite of the G.I. Joe Energon books.
Scarlett is dissatisfied with her time in the US Military, and so begins to be recruited by the Joes. Her mission: infiltrate the Arashikage Clan and save her former partner and friend Jinx. Heading the training for the clan is Storm Shadow.
Really excited to see the blending and merging of this new universe with the Transformers.
Recommend.
Scarlett is dissatisfied with her time in the US Military, and so begins to be recruited by the Joes. Her mission: infiltrate the Arashikage Clan and save her former partner and friend Jinx. Heading the training for the clan is Storm Shadow.
Really excited to see the blending and merging of this new universe with the Transformers.
Recommend.
December 24, 2024
These Energon Universe books are quite entertaining. The knietic art work was great, as was the character work. Looking forward to reading more of this story in whatever form and the further stories in the universe.
November 26, 2024
Overall the book was pretty mediocre, the story wasn’t to interesting and Scarlet felt like she had a ton of plot armor for most of it. The relationship they were trying to do with Scarlet and Jinx was also weird. Storm Shadow was quite cool on the book so that’s something to like about it. 2.5/10
Read
December 5, 2025The art is the letdown. The character development is the star. you'll like Scarlett and you'll want to know more. Tiny touches of lesbianism.
November 23, 2024
I know bugger all about 'G.I. Joe', and whatever this 'Energon Universe' is (another multiverse of franchises - we don't have enough of those, right?). All I knew before reading 'Scarlett, Vol 1: Special Mission' was that it has a kickass redheaded female lead on the cover, and it was written by Kelly Thompson, so I was immediately sold.
I'd hoped its modern update on and reimagining of a female character didn't undermine and sexualise her, and that it didn't glorify the military, at any rate.
'Scarlett' reminds me of Marvel's 'Black Widow' comics. It is a straightforward female mercenary/agent, heist/mission, special ops comic, with brief, sparing exposition, dialogue, and narration boxes. It is all about showcasing the action, the characters, and the artwork; all very good stuff.
I needn't have worried about the artwork sexualising the women; it manages not to. The comic sees them as people and respects them. There's no fan service of that kind here.
The ultimate, energon weapon MacGuffin? pffft, nah. I'm here for the redheaded mercenary, spy and assassin lady Shana "Scarlett" O'Hara (who in the comic also looks like she could pass for a middle school teacher, she is so adorable; I can't be the only one who sees it, surely?). She is exceptionally cool, skilled, talented, rebellious, cunning and unstoppable. I'm also here for her mysterious, formerly-missing partner/roomie/"like a sister"/very close platonic (?) best friend Jinx. They even have their own secret language.
Well, that's all I'll reveal about this 'Special Mission'. Confidentiality and spoilers and whatnot. Except that it has added codenames to my dewdrop of knowledge of the 'G.I. Joe' universe. Names such as Storm Shadow, Stalker (seriously?), and, unfortunately, Snow Job.
And with that the age rating of this review has been bumped up to a hard R.
There is another character called Hard Master!
This, topped with the militarism, was a children's cartoon and toy line?
Okay, whatever. Hasbro could always have its cake and eat it too. Now especially, with its EU comic multiverse. How far will it go? Too far, inevitably.
Cobra Commander is briefly in this, too. Again, whatever.
I'll just enjoy the EU's 'Scarlett' comic. It's simple, breezy, cool fun. If hyperviolent and kind of racist towards the Japanese, in its ninja, samurai and yakuza depictions (in that way it also reminds me of 'Astonishing X-Men: Kitty Pryde - Shadow & Flame', with its own white, ninja master female lead).
A (sort-of) self-contained bit of action, with brains and heart.
Final Score: 3.5/5
I'd hoped its modern update on and reimagining of a female character didn't undermine and sexualise her, and that it didn't glorify the military, at any rate.
'Scarlett' reminds me of Marvel's 'Black Widow' comics. It is a straightforward female mercenary/agent, heist/mission, special ops comic, with brief, sparing exposition, dialogue, and narration boxes. It is all about showcasing the action, the characters, and the artwork; all very good stuff.
I needn't have worried about the artwork sexualising the women; it manages not to. The comic sees them as people and respects them. There's no fan service of that kind here.
The ultimate, energon weapon MacGuffin? pffft, nah. I'm here for the redheaded mercenary, spy and assassin lady Shana "Scarlett" O'Hara (who in the comic also looks like she could pass for a middle school teacher, she is so adorable; I can't be the only one who sees it, surely?). She is exceptionally cool, skilled, talented, rebellious, cunning and unstoppable. I'm also here for her mysterious, formerly-missing partner/roomie/"like a sister"/very close platonic (?) best friend Jinx. They even have their own secret language.
Well, that's all I'll reveal about this 'Special Mission'. Confidentiality and spoilers and whatnot. Except that it has added codenames to my dewdrop of knowledge of the 'G.I. Joe' universe. Names such as Storm Shadow, Stalker (seriously?), and, unfortunately, Snow Job.
And with that the age rating of this review has been bumped up to a hard R.
There is another character called Hard Master!
This, topped with the militarism, was a children's cartoon and toy line?
Okay, whatever. Hasbro could always have its cake and eat it too. Now especially, with its EU comic multiverse. How far will it go? Too far, inevitably.
Cobra Commander is briefly in this, too. Again, whatever.
I'll just enjoy the EU's 'Scarlett' comic. It's simple, breezy, cool fun. If hyperviolent and kind of racist towards the Japanese, in its ninja, samurai and yakuza depictions (in that way it also reminds me of 'Astonishing X-Men: Kitty Pryde - Shadow & Flame', with its own white, ninja master female lead).
A (sort-of) self-contained bit of action, with brains and heart.
Final Score: 3.5/5
November 7, 2024
Scarlett’s a super-duper-mega agent who does swishy martial arts guns swords stuff. She has to infiltrate a Japanese terrorist ninja group - where her bestie/girlfriend/housemate/who knows Jinx is undercover for some reason - to stop Shinobi-wannabe get a glowy sword for some reason. If you have two brain cells to rub together, this one’s not for you. But Vin Diesel fans? Welcome - the drool bucket is in your minder’s lap!
Kelly “Never Written a Good Comic In Her Career” Thompson gives us the worst book in the Energon Universe so far with Scarlett. Have you ever read a book or seen a movie or watched a show where a female character beats everyone up effortlessly? This is that. Thompson’s even written some terrible Black Widow comics for Marvel, and Scarlett is just a shittier version of that character! This is just more of that rubbish.
The story is always vague, generic and uninteresting, and feels completely superfluous to the overall Energon saga, probably because it is. Clumsy, incompetent writing coupled with uninspired art, the feeble narrative staggers from one idiotic set piece to another until it mercifully ends. I was forgetting the book as I was reading it - it’s that thoroughly boring. What was the point of it all? To get fans to buy more Energon Universe stuff.
Utterly pointless nonsense, Scarlett, Volume 1: Speshul Mishin (emphasis on the spesh) is the most easily skippable comic you’ll ever come across. If you can imagine a Black Widow cosplayer sword-fighting a ninja while something explodes in the background, you’ve basically already read this book - there’s really nothing else to it.
Kelly “Never Written a Good Comic In Her Career” Thompson gives us the worst book in the Energon Universe so far with Scarlett. Have you ever read a book or seen a movie or watched a show where a female character beats everyone up effortlessly? This is that. Thompson’s even written some terrible Black Widow comics for Marvel, and Scarlett is just a shittier version of that character! This is just more of that rubbish.
The story is always vague, generic and uninteresting, and feels completely superfluous to the overall Energon saga, probably because it is. Clumsy, incompetent writing coupled with uninspired art, the feeble narrative staggers from one idiotic set piece to another until it mercifully ends. I was forgetting the book as I was reading it - it’s that thoroughly boring. What was the point of it all? To get fans to buy more Energon Universe stuff.
Utterly pointless nonsense, Scarlett, Volume 1: Speshul Mishin (emphasis on the spesh) is the most easily skippable comic you’ll ever come across. If you can imagine a Black Widow cosplayer sword-fighting a ninja while something explodes in the background, you’ve basically already read this book - there’s really nothing else to it.
July 11, 2025
Shana O'Hara is a military spy operative for the U. S. government. Her first mission we see is to gather intelligence at an illegal auction but she engages to stop it once she spots old friend Jinx, a fellow spy who disappeared some time ago. Jinx gets out on her own and Shana is summarily dismissed by her handler. When she gets home, she finds a special operative who recruits her for a mission in Japan to hunt down a mysterious weapon that is being sought by the Arashikage Clan. The Clan is a group of ninjas with some greater ambitions, like infiltrating a high-rise vault that has the weapon. Shana gets in with the Clan, pretending not to know Jinx (who is already imbedded with the Clan) and gets on the mission to retrieve the weapon.
The story is entertaining enough. O'Hara is codenamed Scarlett and is one of the main characters of Hasbro's G. I. Joe line of toys. This recent reboot of the franchise includes crossovers with the Transformers, though nothing about that happens in this volume (other than an add for other graphic novels on the back page). The plot moves at a good pace and the art is surprising un-exploitive. Scarlett is in a small dress at the auction but is otherwise practically dressed and the emphasis is on her skills and character, not on the shape of her body. That's a refreshing change from a lot of other super-heroine comics. I am interested enough in the story to give some of the other ones a try, though I am very dubious about the crossover.
Recommended for G. I. Joe fans.
The story is entertaining enough. O'Hara is codenamed Scarlett and is one of the main characters of Hasbro's G. I. Joe line of toys. This recent reboot of the franchise includes crossovers with the Transformers, though nothing about that happens in this volume (other than an add for other graphic novels on the back page). The plot moves at a good pace and the art is surprising un-exploitive. Scarlett is in a small dress at the auction but is otherwise practically dressed and the emphasis is on her skills and character, not on the shape of her body. That's a refreshing change from a lot of other super-heroine comics. I am interested enough in the story to give some of the other ones a try, though I am very dubious about the crossover.
Recommended for G. I. Joe fans.
August 25, 2025
Die Geheimagentin Shana "Scarlett" O'Hara entdeckt bei einem Undercover Einsatz unter den Infiltrierten ihre gute Freundin und ehemalige Kollegin Jinx, die vor zwei Jahren spurlos verschwand. In ihrer Geheimsprache gibt sie ihr zu verstehen, sich fernzuhalten, aber da Shana generell Probleme damit hat, sich an Anweisungen zu halten, ist sie nun natürlich angefixt. Sie lässt sich auf eine Mission schicken, in der sie die japanische Waffenschieber-Organisation Arashikage infiltrieren soll - just die Organisation, der Jinx jetzt anzugehören scheint. Arashikage ist im Begriff, sich eine Superwaffe zu besorgen, und da Scarlett als Überläuferin sich beweisen muss, findet sie sich blitzschnell mitten in der Ablenkungsmission, durch die der Diebstahl der Superwaffe organisiert werden soll. Da sie eine Perfektionistin ist, gelingt dies perfekt - und nun muss sie sich entscheiden, ob sie bei den Arashikages bleibt oder mit den gesammelten Informationen zurück nach Hause reist - was zwangsläufig bedeuten würde, dass es dort keine weitere Infiltration geben wird. Shana bleibt.
***
Ein solider Superagenten-Comic mit einer dickköpfigen und sehr sympathischen Protagonistin und einigen interessanten Nebenfiguren. Zugegeben: ein richtiger Kracher war das nicht. Aber es ist wohl auch eher als Auftakt einer Reihe zu sehen.
Was ich allerdings nicht verstanden habe: wenn diese Superwaffe doch die ganze Zeit schon existiert, warum wird das denn erst jetzt ein Problem, wo die Arashikages sie wollen? Sie ist doch auch vorher schon in den Händen irgendeiner zwielichtigen Organisation...?
***
Ein solider Superagenten-Comic mit einer dickköpfigen und sehr sympathischen Protagonistin und einigen interessanten Nebenfiguren. Zugegeben: ein richtiger Kracher war das nicht. Aber es ist wohl auch eher als Auftakt einer Reihe zu sehen.
Was ich allerdings nicht verstanden habe: wenn diese Superwaffe doch die ganze Zeit schon existiert, warum wird das denn erst jetzt ein Problem, wo die Arashikages sie wollen? Sie ist doch auch vorher schon in den Händen irgendeiner zwielichtigen Organisation...?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Shana "Scarlett" O'Hara is a black ops operative sent in to collect intel on a potential purchase of a mysterious weapon by an ancient order of warriors known as Clan Arashikage. When Scarlett discovers that her former partner, Jinx, has gone over to the Arashikage, she decides to infiltrate the organization herself. Becoming embroiled in the balance of being a double agent and her loyalty towards Jinx, Scarlett finds herself caught in a no-win situation. At the core of the story is this mysterious sword that is linked to other corners of the growing Energon Universe of comics.
Kelly Thompson weaves a standard fare spy thriller story here, one that is effective enough to flesh out another corner of the shared universe of G.I. Joe and Transformers related stories. There is an evident homology between Scarlett and her own Black Widow run, so fans of that work will connect with this series readily. Marco Ferrari's artwork is appealing stuff in general, but not really ambitious either. Overall a solid addition to the Energon Universe, and hopefully a strong foundational piece for more stories to come.
Kelly Thompson weaves a standard fare spy thriller story here, one that is effective enough to flesh out another corner of the shared universe of G.I. Joe and Transformers related stories. There is an evident homology between Scarlett and her own Black Widow run, so fans of that work will connect with this series readily. Marco Ferrari's artwork is appealing stuff in general, but not really ambitious either. Overall a solid addition to the Energon Universe, and hopefully a strong foundational piece for more stories to come.
December 9, 2024
I'm not sure where to begin with this book. I read it and had to sit back to reflect on the volume. To briefly describe this book in one word, "meh." This volume had aspects that were fun, but they were minimal. The action was good, but it could have used more depth rather than single full-page spreads. There was A LOT of dialogue and thought bubbles, they aren't always necessary. I've stated this in other reviews before since this seems to be a modern writer trope, but the authors need to focus on "Show" rather than "Say". Not every panel needs paragraphs of exposition and even then, the exposition focused heavily on the relationship between Scarlett and Jinx and it was boring. The art went back and forth between the new Energon style and to feeling very rushed. I would recommend as the last volume to read in a long list of prior Energon titles. Grade: C
April 25, 2025
I really liked this one and I think it’s because this volume does everything right where the cobra commander story failed. First off our intro to scarlet instantly makes sense. She’s spec ops, cares about hostages, and does kill needlessly. All of this is shown to us the reader in the first few pages, great stuff. The story expands with the ninja clan and I guess I got a little lost on where all of that was happening globally. However scarlets location in the battle is easy to figure out and follow.
Compare all this to the absolute cluster of nonsense that is the Cobra commander volume. Where I didn’t know what was going on where a big part of the story was even set. Or why anyone was working with CC it was all just so weak.
This by comparison was a fun breezy read that left me wanting more adventures with scarlet and the evil ninjas.
Compare all this to the absolute cluster of nonsense that is the Cobra commander volume. Where I didn’t know what was going on where a big part of the story was even set. Or why anyone was working with CC it was all just so weak.
This by comparison was a fun breezy read that left me wanting more adventures with scarlet and the evil ninjas.
April 19, 2025
Despite the less than 5 star rating, I did enjoy this one a lot. Characters were ones I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would, and the setting and action was just really awesome to get immersed in.
On the other hand, this one didn’t seem to have the stakes I think it was trying to go for. The idea of life and death missions and organizations just didn’t seem to come across as strongly as they were implied to be. Rather, things just continued to work out one way or another. I do appreciate the ending however, as it isn’t completely a win for Scarlett as she has to stay, but I just wished the rest of the vol had consisted of those stakes and consequences a bit.
Overall though, another vol that I really enjoyed and as always, I’m excited for the next!
On the other hand, this one didn’t seem to have the stakes I think it was trying to go for. The idea of life and death missions and organizations just didn’t seem to come across as strongly as they were implied to be. Rather, things just continued to work out one way or another. I do appreciate the ending however, as it isn’t completely a win for Scarlett as she has to stay, but I just wished the rest of the vol had consisted of those stakes and consequences a bit.
Overall though, another vol that I really enjoyed and as always, I’m excited for the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
My first foray into the Energon Universe outside of the current mainline Transformers series. Not exactly the crossover I was expecting — outside of the appearance of an Energon sword, there’s little overt connection between this and the Transformers line. I’m sure that will develop over time but given that there are SO many different stories at play…I’m not entirely sure I want to delve further into this. It’ll largely depend on the offerings at the local library. Pretty solid action though the sword fighting often felt a little unclear. Enemies were mostly there to die, and the subtle platonic/romantic interplay between Jinx and Scarlett could be interesting if it ever develops more. I get the sense they’ll end up written more as found sisters…
June 5, 2025
This might be my least favorite of all the Energon Universe books so far.
Scarlett was a nothingburger character topped with a couple cliches like the, "I don't have a green thumb..tehe" quirk
The story was, for the most part, a bunch of people I don't care about doing stuff I don't care about. Really it only got interesting in the last issue when Storm Shadow picks up the magic lightsaber. I like their being another "evil organization" out there unconnected to Cobra.
But other than that I didn't care much about Scarlett, Jinx, or Snow Job. Except I giggle like a child whenever I read that last name.
I've only got one more mini to go before the GI Joe book starts and I hope it's a step up from this.
Scarlett was a nothingburger character topped with a couple cliches like the, "I don't have a green thumb..tehe" quirk
The story was, for the most part, a bunch of people I don't care about doing stuff I don't care about. Really it only got interesting in the last issue when Storm Shadow picks up the magic lightsaber. I like their being another "evil organization" out there unconnected to Cobra.
But other than that I didn't care much about Scarlett, Jinx, or Snow Job. Except I giggle like a child whenever I read that last name.
I've only got one more mini to go before the GI Joe book starts and I hope it's a step up from this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2024
Definitely the weakest title in energon and well considering the writer its not surprising, but then again its Scarlett on an undercover mission to infiltrate the Clan Arashikage and save her friend Jinx and there are some scenes you see about their sister-hood/friendship and all and why she did it, and well cool action scenes as she does that and we also learn about this clan and meet other prominent characters and its a cool mission, though its a 2 issue story at max extended to 5 feels like.. some of the action scenes were cool albeit a little confusing. But it also has appearances by Cobra Commander and you can see the larger picture forming. But yeah a one time read at max.
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