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Scalped #8
Scalped 8: Has de pecar para salvarte
¿Qué impulsa al sheriff Wooster Karnow a cruzar la línea divisoria que separa los dos lados de la ley? ¿Cuán profunda es la bajada a los infiernos que ha hecho del agente Baylis Earl Nitz un ser tan despiadado? ¿Cómo se están reestructurando las relaciones entre los principales actores de este violento drama escenificado en la aciaga reserva lakota Prairie Rose? Tendrás que leerlo para saberlo. ¡No te pierdas el siguiente capítulo de la saga criminal más celebrada del momento en el mundo del cómic!
Scalped, la prestigiosa serie regular noir de la línea Vértigo, queda al borde de la cincuentena de números en este recopilatorio que reúne dos vibrantes entregas autoconclusivas -con Jason LaTour (Noche Roja) y Davide Furnò (Greek Street) a los lápices- y todo un nuevo arco argumental dibujado por el ya habitual R.M. Guéra.
Scalped, la prestigiosa serie regular noir de la línea Vértigo, queda al borde de la cincuentena de números en este recopilatorio que reúne dos vibrantes entregas autoconclusivas -con Jason LaTour (Noche Roja) y Davide Furnò (Greek Street) a los lápices- y todo un nuevo arco argumental dibujado por el ya habitual R.M. Guéra.
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2011
10 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Jason Aaron
2,411 books1,665 followersJason Aaron grew up in a small town in Alabama. His cousin, Gustav Hasford, who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel The Short-Timers, on which the feature film Full Metal Jacket was based, was a large influence on Aaron. Aaron decided he wanted to write comics as a child, and though his father was skeptical when Aaron informed him of this aspiration, his mother took Aaron to drug stores, where he would purchase books from spinner racks, some of which he still owns today.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 28, 2025
(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: Baddies go hero, though goodness is zero (no altruistic thoughts), luck or divine, stars all align, intentions matter not.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #43-44 ◦ Issues #45-47 ◦ Issues #48-49
Notes: Baddies go hero, though goodness is zero (no altruistic thoughts), luck or divine, stars all align, intentions matter not.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #43-44 ◦ Issues #45-47 ◦ Issues #48-49
July 12, 2024
Dash's return 'The Rez' has been nothing like he'd imagined, but then again, it might be exactly what he expected in this intense, down and dirty, unrelenting look at the dark side of the Native American communities that have been set aside and disenfranchised by the 'Americans'. The masterclass in visual storytelling by both writer and artist is heading towards an end. In this volume there's a challenge to Red Crow's power base; Dash continues his quest for some sort of justice for his mother’s murder and Officer Falls Down maybe in trouble? 9 out of 12, fine Four Star read.
2017 and 2013 read
2017 and 2013 read
September 14, 2018
In Scalped, Vol. 8 (of 10): You Gotta Sin to Get Saved, things slow down a bit and the storylines of several characters’s storylines set us up for the final 20 issues/chapters of this 1,200 page epic. In this one, a Sheriff Karnow takes on FBI agent Nitz, and as usual we have reasons to find both of them despicable. Dash, still trying to play Nitz off against Red Crow, is invited by the latter to in a sense become his heir, to take over the rez at some point. Can a sinner save the rez, after all he has done to destroy it? Dash has only wanted to get off the rez. Carol, Dash’s (ex?)- lover, living now in Gramma Poor Bear’s house, may be on the road to spiritual recovery, to become Young Mama Poor Bear. Can Dash get on that road, or is the end of another road for him?
In the darkest hour, Aaron and Guera seem to be pointing to the spiritual as a way to possible get out of this mess, following centuries’ old traditions. Preparing for what can only be the shoot-out at the Rez, ala Sam Peckinpah, I was moved by the struggles of Dash and Carol to find some goodness in themselves. Red Crow faces a traditionalist challenge to his immoral reign, with some surprising results that also point to spiritual possibilities (for Red Crow! I’m serious!). The one-eyed meth materials deliveryman, Dino has his arc continuing, supported by Carol. Is Catcher an indigenous mystic or just insane? Can we imagine any goodness coming out of this mire? These are the central questions as we approach the finish.
But I’ll say this much: No fewer than three central characters are hospitalized by the end of this volume. So we are not close to the dawn of a new day yet. And volume 9 is entitled "Knuckle Up," so we are not yet ready to see any peace pipes handed around the fire.
The central memorable image of this volume is Dashiell Bad Horse configured as a kind of Spiderman, challenged to avenge his past, with webs everywhere. But the question remains: Who is going to be tbe spider trapped in the web? Catcher? Red Crow? Or is it Dash himself?
In the darkest hour, Aaron and Guera seem to be pointing to the spiritual as a way to possible get out of this mess, following centuries’ old traditions. Preparing for what can only be the shoot-out at the Rez, ala Sam Peckinpah, I was moved by the struggles of Dash and Carol to find some goodness in themselves. Red Crow faces a traditionalist challenge to his immoral reign, with some surprising results that also point to spiritual possibilities (for Red Crow! I’m serious!). The one-eyed meth materials deliveryman, Dino has his arc continuing, supported by Carol. Is Catcher an indigenous mystic or just insane? Can we imagine any goodness coming out of this mire? These are the central questions as we approach the finish.
But I’ll say this much: No fewer than three central characters are hospitalized by the end of this volume. So we are not close to the dawn of a new day yet. And volume 9 is entitled "Knuckle Up," so we are not yet ready to see any peace pipes handed around the fire.
The central memorable image of this volume is Dashiell Bad Horse configured as a kind of Spiderman, challenged to avenge his past, with webs everywhere. But the question remains: Who is going to be tbe spider trapped in the web? Catcher? Red Crow? Or is it Dash himself?
March 30, 2018
Just as the title, as well as Rasputin would, suggest you do indeed have to sin to get saved. Logical eh? And indeed there is more than enough sin in this series to go around. So gather around the campfire ye sinner and hear yet another tale of villainy and vice on the "rez."
With a less than 20 issues to go from this point, the depiction of a spider and it's web it quite apt for this ensuing final act. The author as spool spinning arachnid weaves together a tale of final judgement for all involved. Everyone is in the set up to get theirs with not a single scintilla of compromise on this barren wasteland.
With coloration and imagery highly reminiscent of all of the "Man with No Name," trilogy's intro we once again feel right at home. However an initial diss toward John Wayne peels irrevocably peels back the simplistic veneer we might expect perfectly embodied by the equally inauthentic Sheriff Karnow. Inauthentic for now, sure, yet a whole lot of character development occurs from here on out and his foreshadows what is to come.
Next issue too features another tale of ups and downs that we all face. This time Agent Nitz truly suffers from the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Such a nonlinear development shocked me as a reader with a continual bevy of well placed plot twists and turns.
Karnow and Nitz are the first to experience significant character arc then it is Dashielle's turn to enter the most brutal of human blood sports - politics. As an increasingly close aid to Red Crow, The upcoming political contenders drive not just the rest of the story but provide for another level of lethal conflict across the "rez."
While all this is splattering across the Native American political enclosure, Dino's tale takes center stage in issue #47. Eye-patched and bitter about life, a growing relationship with Carol well holds off such otherwise crushing despondence toward reality. When he gets ljbf'd, the crushing maw of nihilism enshrouds the jet black back abyss he seemingly walks into at the end of the issue.
To describe a single iota of the final issues beyond sharing the focal point of the dramatis personae - Red Crow, Catcher, and Dashielle, would be plot spoiling at its worst. Superb plot twists are only exceeded by the phenomenal art and dialogue we've been accustomed to at this point. Hoo Ha!
Killer read here.
With a less than 20 issues to go from this point, the depiction of a spider and it's web it quite apt for this ensuing final act. The author as spool spinning arachnid weaves together a tale of final judgement for all involved. Everyone is in the set up to get theirs with not a single scintilla of compromise on this barren wasteland.
With coloration and imagery highly reminiscent of all of the "Man with No Name," trilogy's intro we once again feel right at home. However an initial diss toward John Wayne peels irrevocably peels back the simplistic veneer we might expect perfectly embodied by the equally inauthentic Sheriff Karnow. Inauthentic for now, sure, yet a whole lot of character development occurs from here on out and his foreshadows what is to come.
Next issue too features another tale of ups and downs that we all face. This time Agent Nitz truly suffers from the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Such a nonlinear development shocked me as a reader with a continual bevy of well placed plot twists and turns.
Karnow and Nitz are the first to experience significant character arc then it is Dashielle's turn to enter the most brutal of human blood sports - politics. As an increasingly close aid to Red Crow, The upcoming political contenders drive not just the rest of the story but provide for another level of lethal conflict across the "rez."
While all this is splattering across the Native American political enclosure, Dino's tale takes center stage in issue #47. Eye-patched and bitter about life, a growing relationship with Carol well holds off such otherwise crushing despondence toward reality. When he gets ljbf'd, the crushing maw of nihilism enshrouds the jet black back abyss he seemingly walks into at the end of the issue.
To describe a single iota of the final issues beyond sharing the focal point of the dramatis personae - Red Crow, Catcher, and Dashielle, would be plot spoiling at its worst. Superb plot twists are only exceeded by the phenomenal art and dialogue we've been accustomed to at this point. Hoo Ha!
Killer read here.
December 11, 2011
This flawless series continues with an excellent eighth volume, "You Gotta Sin To Get Saved", which sees Bad Horse receive an offer from Red Crow that will change everything - either he gets to take down Red Crow or replace him. Carol's presence in Granma's house has an unfortunate side effect on Poor Bear and an ominous consequence later on in the series, if the rantings of Catcher are to be believed, while the fate of Officer Falls Down is decided, the killer of Bad Horse's mother becomes desperate and crazier still, and there are a couple of side stories for Sheriff Karnow and Agent Nitz.
This is another packed book of characters that get more interesting as the pages go by. The intrigue is relentless and the desperation of some of the characters amped up so much it's unbelievable. All I can say is that this is another home run from Jason Aaron and RM Guera and anyone who's following this series and is wondering if the quality is dipping as the series winds down will be pleased to know that if anything it's getting better. Absolute top quality writing and artwork from everyone involved, I loved it and cannot wait until the next volume comes out.
This is another packed book of characters that get more interesting as the pages go by. The intrigue is relentless and the desperation of some of the characters amped up so much it's unbelievable. All I can say is that this is another home run from Jason Aaron and RM Guera and anyone who's following this series and is wondering if the quality is dipping as the series winds down will be pleased to know that if anything it's getting better. Absolute top quality writing and artwork from everyone involved, I loved it and cannot wait until the next volume comes out.
January 26, 2012
Lincoln Red Crow is the hero? Wow Aaron, you sure got some balls on you. In the early days of this series, he was a ball breaking, hard-as-nails sumbitch who I was easily convinced was the villain. By the time I finished this book, I am convinced that I'd started with a very different understanding of the character than Aaron did.
This book is still drawing out the drama and suspense on addressing which circle of hell this express train of pain will crash. My patience is starting to stretch, as I'm waiting six months between editions (for a few books now) to see Aaron pay down the crazy conflicts he's been building for so long, and which always seem "just around the corner" from exploding. One part of me feels like he's dragging this out, but every time I finish another volume I realise just how badly I want to read the next installment - and I know this team has given me another piece of great fiction.
There's still a lot of side character development here, and every one of them is a fascinating and flawed human.
On the art front, the guest artists are good but don't live up to Guera's legacy on this series. Unfortunately, for me at least, neither does Guera's contributions here. I can honestly sat that while Guera has always been heavy with the inks, they've usually walked the line between setting a mood and muddling the storytelling. Here, in many places I just don't know what exactly is going on, who's doing what or what the flow of action is. I'm also pretty sure that Guera didn't used to draw the characters in caricature before. Maybe Guera is moonlighting as a political cartoonist?
This book is still drawing out the drama and suspense on addressing which circle of hell this express train of pain will crash. My patience is starting to stretch, as I'm waiting six months between editions (for a few books now) to see Aaron pay down the crazy conflicts he's been building for so long, and which always seem "just around the corner" from exploding. One part of me feels like he's dragging this out, but every time I finish another volume I realise just how badly I want to read the next installment - and I know this team has given me another piece of great fiction.
There's still a lot of side character development here, and every one of them is a fascinating and flawed human.
On the art front, the guest artists are good but don't live up to Guera's legacy on this series. Unfortunately, for me at least, neither does Guera's contributions here. I can honestly sat that while Guera has always been heavy with the inks, they've usually walked the line between setting a mood and muddling the storytelling. Here, in many places I just don't know what exactly is going on, who's doing what or what the flow of action is. I'm also pretty sure that Guera didn't used to draw the characters in caricature before. Maybe Guera is moonlighting as a political cartoonist?
October 6, 2015
Volume 8 does not escalate the story in terms of action (but surely there is some fun gunbattles here, thanks to Agent Nitz) but int terms of a sense of heightened character motivations.
As the name of this volume suggests, this is a story of redemption and being again. Some, like Dino and Catcher may have some pretty bad experiences but all in all, this pretty much sets up the stage for thw climax.
As the name of this volume suggests, this is a story of redemption and being again. Some, like Dino and Catcher may have some pretty bad experiences but all in all, this pretty much sets up the stage for thw climax.
October 11, 2020
"Scalped bitmesin," derken finale kaldı iki cilt ve öyle görünüyor ki damakta, zihinde güzel bir lezzet bırakıp ayrılacak. Bu cilt özellikle ilgi çekiciydi. Alışık olduğumuz hikayelere değerli yamalar yapıyor, değerli taşlar gibi gediğine oturuyor. En kısa zamanda dokuzuncu cilde geçeceğim. Onuncu ve son cildin siparişini verdim.
November 14, 2022
At this point in the series, you might expect to have a clear idea of where things are going and how some of the many conflicts will be resolved. But with almost every single volume, Aaron adds a new detail or further develops a prior story thread that takes it in unexpected directions. His ability to include some much deep characterization with so many players in this story, to add new elements, and still keep a flow that seems so natural is admirable. This is a masterful work. The only thing I know for certain is that this is not going to end well.
Rather than leave a synopsis that those not familiar with this expanding storyline might not be able to follow, or might spoil it for others - - I'm just going to repeat myself and give this the highest recommendation once again. This is gut-wrenching, hear-breaking stuff that will leave your eyes glued to the pages. Wonderfully depicted by a trio of skilled artists.
Can it possibly get any better? Every single volume so far says yes, emphatically. Put this series on the highest plateau where it deserves to be, along with other classic examples of the best story-telling in the graphic novel format.
Rather than leave a synopsis that those not familiar with this expanding storyline might not be able to follow, or might spoil it for others - - I'm just going to repeat myself and give this the highest recommendation once again. This is gut-wrenching, hear-breaking stuff that will leave your eyes glued to the pages. Wonderfully depicted by a trio of skilled artists.
Can it possibly get any better? Every single volume so far says yes, emphatically. Put this series on the highest plateau where it deserves to be, along with other classic examples of the best story-telling in the graphic novel format.
November 7, 2018
"You Gotta Sin to Get Saved." Ain't that the truth baby? Another really good installment in this fantastic series. Plot lines twist and turn in on themselves and move along. You want people to be better than they are, and sometimes they want that too, but if wishes were horses .... There are characters I root for, and most can probably not be saved, but young Dino might just have a chance. It goes without saying that there is blood, and violence, and drugs, and lots of people killed or shot up, and the hospital sure stays busy.
My review of the complete series can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of the complete series can be found here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 29, 2018
It's going to be hard for me to keep pace and not finish this series next month. Now that the writing is on the wall and the fate of everyone's about to be known, SCALPED has become quite intoxicating.
What is there left to say, really? The freakin' rez is burning and the lakota tribe is left among themselves to sort their ill will. That series deserves to live beyond comic book pages. It's too good.
What is there left to say, really? The freakin' rez is burning and the lakota tribe is left among themselves to sort their ill will. That series deserves to live beyond comic book pages. It's too good.
September 3, 2018
Léta budované a šponované ticho před bouří se začíná, sice pomalu ale jistě, protrhávat. Je z toho jasně cítit, že se blížíme k finále. Nejvyšší možná kvalita zůstává (snad jen úvodní sešit je kreslen příliš nepřehledně), ale je tu jeden moment, přes který nejede vlak a nelze ho akceptovat. Série založená na tom, že neexistují lehké cesty ven, kde každá akce má bez výjimky nekompromisní následky, si nemůže dovolit tak tupé, zkratkovité, době poplatné a odnikud vzešlé řešení jako je to, díky kterému se dohry vrací agent Nitz. Přitom vás z fleku napadne xy lepších i důstojnějších řešení. Grrr... Jinak však samozřejmě stále to nejlepší s čím se v žánrovém komiksu (speciálně pak v našich luzích a hájích) můžete setkat.
December 4, 2011
Aaron continues to delve deeper into the broken personalities of his cast of characters, and nearly every page will surprise you. People change, revert to their old ways, make decisions that seem mind-boggling, then make total sense. It's an incredible read from cover to cover. I finished this in about 2 hours.
June 6, 2016
Two stand-alone issues preceded the 5-part title story. I would have to say that this volume is the 'slowest' one yet, and that not much really happens. Still enjoyable, however, but not as gripping as the volumes preceding it.
October 2, 2022
(Zero spoiler review for the deluxe edition collecting this arc) 3.5/5
The highest rated book of the series according to the reviewers here... please. This is the most disappointing of the four so far, and Unfortunately, I could see it coming. I lamented, with much foreboding in my bones, that book 3 was heading in a different, and much less enjoyable direction from books 1 & 2, which were some of the best comics I've read. This collection had a distinct feeling of filler to it, with several of the issues, including the opening three, being of no real consequence to the ongoing story, and the two part Shunka solo run, not only being drawn by the weakest of the now three artists on this title, but making some revelations about his character that had my audibly groaning and shaking my head. It certainly wasn't the start to this series I wanted, and whilst things ebbed and flowed from there, Aaron's once delectable dialogue and plotting have fallen into distinctly average territory.
The pacing was once on point, but now it is either unnecessarily rushed or awfully pedestrian. Once imposing characters have been neutered through either Aaron's indifference or malaise, or taking them in some unconventional and bizarre directions. Chief Red Crow, once an amazingly nuanced character, is a damp squib, who now speaks and acts like your average C grade movie villain. I went from loving this character to lamenting his metaphorical death. Dash is another that has been butchered, with the outstanding initial plot and arcs being butchered or ground to halt to seemingly grind out its length or because Aaron just didn't know what else to do. Despite the decent score I've given it, because I do love this world, despite its growing list of flaws, I really am very disappointed with this.
Guerra's art is still poignant and proficient in places, although his cleaner style that appeared through book 3 and continues here has lost some of the magic it once had. Sure, my dislike of my direction could be an influence, but I'm objective enough to separate my feelings for both (at least I think I can, anyway).
I'll keep this relatively succinct, as a zero spoiler review somewhat hampers the depth and detail I can go into, but believe me, I would love to go balls to the wall and really delve into the occasionally fantastic and deeply flawed story here. Until then, I only hope book 5 pulls it all back in and finishes on a high. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
The highest rated book of the series according to the reviewers here... please. This is the most disappointing of the four so far, and Unfortunately, I could see it coming. I lamented, with much foreboding in my bones, that book 3 was heading in a different, and much less enjoyable direction from books 1 & 2, which were some of the best comics I've read. This collection had a distinct feeling of filler to it, with several of the issues, including the opening three, being of no real consequence to the ongoing story, and the two part Shunka solo run, not only being drawn by the weakest of the now three artists on this title, but making some revelations about his character that had my audibly groaning and shaking my head. It certainly wasn't the start to this series I wanted, and whilst things ebbed and flowed from there, Aaron's once delectable dialogue and plotting have fallen into distinctly average territory.
The pacing was once on point, but now it is either unnecessarily rushed or awfully pedestrian. Once imposing characters have been neutered through either Aaron's indifference or malaise, or taking them in some unconventional and bizarre directions. Chief Red Crow, once an amazingly nuanced character, is a damp squib, who now speaks and acts like your average C grade movie villain. I went from loving this character to lamenting his metaphorical death. Dash is another that has been butchered, with the outstanding initial plot and arcs being butchered or ground to halt to seemingly grind out its length or because Aaron just didn't know what else to do. Despite the decent score I've given it, because I do love this world, despite its growing list of flaws, I really am very disappointed with this.
Guerra's art is still poignant and proficient in places, although his cleaner style that appeared through book 3 and continues here has lost some of the magic it once had. Sure, my dislike of my direction could be an influence, but I'm objective enough to separate my feelings for both (at least I think I can, anyway).
I'll keep this relatively succinct, as a zero spoiler review somewhat hampers the depth and detail I can go into, but believe me, I would love to go balls to the wall and really delve into the occasionally fantastic and deeply flawed story here. Until then, I only hope book 5 pulls it all back in and finishes on a high. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
April 13, 2018
8 Volumes and Aaron still rocks. This books hold the spirit of Scalped, but slowed a bit down, but stays brutal and ruthless. There is bit of mysticism and lot of internal struggles of many main characters. And that all feels alright. Like silent before storm, or fake way to nice and calm conclusion. I feel that all characters would deserve a rest (alive or six feet under, it depends on them), but I believe this is not the case. Two books to go, will Aaron bring final conclusion in 9th and "epilogue" in 10th, or he will build the mentioned silent before storm one more book and then will go out big - I'm looking forward to find out!
July 16, 2015
Still very good, but it feels like the story is a bit too stretched out at this point. I feel like it should have come to an end somewhere around this volume, but there are still two trades left. On the other hand, two trades seem probably just about right to tie up all the many plot lines that were accumulating since issue 1. Looking forward to the grand finale.
May 26, 2025
Volume 8 ratchets up the tension, with everyone inching closer to the truth. Dash is playing a dangerous game, trying to get closer to the chief while still working with the FBI. Nitz has been promoted to Homeland Security after stumbling upon a terrorist organization in the last volume, and he's now using his newfound power to go after Red Crow.
We see Carol continuing her journey towards a better life, trying to sort things out. She's stopped doing drugs and is genuinely attempting to live a normal life and take care of others. However, the sadness of her abortion, coupled with the loss of her child and husband years ago, still weighs heavily on her mind.
And then there's Catcher, who remains a crazy piece of shit, trying to kill people because he's seeing visions. So that's just great.
All in all, this volume leaves a lot of loose ends. We're heading into the final two volumes with most characters as sinister and awful as they started, with the sole exception of Carol. I really hope she's okay by the end of the series, but knowing this series, the better life you strive for, the worse it usually gets. 4.5 out of 5.
We see Carol continuing her journey towards a better life, trying to sort things out. She's stopped doing drugs and is genuinely attempting to live a normal life and take care of others. However, the sadness of her abortion, coupled with the loss of her child and husband years ago, still weighs heavily on her mind.
And then there's Catcher, who remains a crazy piece of shit, trying to kill people because he's seeing visions. So that's just great.
All in all, this volume leaves a lot of loose ends. We're heading into the final two volumes with most characters as sinister and awful as they started, with the sole exception of Carol. I really hope she's okay by the end of the series, but knowing this series, the better life you strive for, the worse it usually gets. 4.5 out of 5.
December 11, 2011
This flawless series continues with an excellent eighth volume, "You Gotta Sin To Get Saved", which sees Bad Horse receive an offer from Red Crow that will change everything - either he gets to take down Red Crow or replace him. Carol's presence in Granma's house has an unfortunate side effect on Poor Bear and an ominous consequence later on in the series, if the rantings of Catcher are to be believed, while the fate of Officer Falls Down is decided, the killer of Bad Horse's mother becomes desperate and crazier still, and there are a couple of side stories for Sheriff Karnow and Agent Nitz.
This is another packed book of characters that get more interesting as the pages go by. The intrigue is relentless and the desperation of some of the characters amped up so much it's unbelievable. All I can say is that this is another home run from Jason Aaron and RM Guera and anyone who's following this series and is wondering if the quality is dipping as the series winds down will be pleased to know that if anything it's getting better. Absolute top quality writing and artwork from everyone involved, I loved it and cannot wait until the next volume comes out.
*The title is mislabelled here, it's not "You Gotta Sin to Be Saved", it's "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved".
This is another packed book of characters that get more interesting as the pages go by. The intrigue is relentless and the desperation of some of the characters amped up so much it's unbelievable. All I can say is that this is another home run from Jason Aaron and RM Guera and anyone who's following this series and is wondering if the quality is dipping as the series winds down will be pleased to know that if anything it's getting better. Absolute top quality writing and artwork from everyone involved, I loved it and cannot wait until the next volume comes out.
*The title is mislabelled here, it's not "You Gotta Sin to Be Saved", it's "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved".
December 29, 2012
This volume of Scalped was just as astonishing as the earlier installments in the series. I am getting the feeling that once this saga comes to an end, it will rank with Sandman, Watchmen, and Joe Kelly's run on Deadpool as one of the greatest comic book works of all time. This volume is much more plot-driven than the issues featured in the previous installment. The story is advancing toward its inevitably bloody conclusion with all of the suspense and tension of a Sam Peckinpah film. At the same time, none of the character development, tone, and atmosphere that have become a hallmark of the series are sacrificed. I would highly recommend this book (but read the first seven trades first, you are in for a dark but tasty treat).
January 8, 2012
Caught up on the last year's worth of this comic all in one night. If ever a comic cried out to be made into an HBO series, it's this one. It is as gripping as it ever was. One of the most brilliantly realized crime comics of all time. The good guys are pretty nasty and the bad guys have heart, and in the end everyone is left in the shades of gray between. This series pretty much demands to be read in large chunks, though. I can't imagine waiting for a month between issues and I'm so glad I saved the books up for a year to read all at once.
June 10, 2013
If I could give 6 stars to this volume, I would!
A bit fast paced, the plot is cohesive throughout, very dramatic, complicated (in a good way), even funny in one spot... Everyone's histories are catching up with them, characters have learned from their pasts, dues are paid in blood. I can feel the end of the story approaching, but don't want to let go of this series!
The writer, Jason Aaron, is a force to reckon with and definitely to be watched and followed (though he's working on superheroes right now. I'll wait until he works on a more relevant topic.)
A bit fast paced, the plot is cohesive throughout, very dramatic, complicated (in a good way), even funny in one spot... Everyone's histories are catching up with them, characters have learned from their pasts, dues are paid in blood. I can feel the end of the story approaching, but don't want to let go of this series!
The writer, Jason Aaron, is a force to reckon with and definitely to be watched and followed (though he's working on superheroes right now. I'll wait until he works on a more relevant topic.)
November 28, 2016
Outstanding! This is always an extremely fun series to read & this volume was no different. Dont want to give much away, but Dash is finally getting in position to take down Red Crow. The only complaint I've ever had about this series is that at times the artwork doesn't seem as sharp as it could be. However the artwork in this Vol is excellent, & of course the writing is perfect as always. I've got used copies of the final two volumes on order from Amazon, supposed to be here the day after tomr. Can't wait!
March 29, 2012
I've gotten used to Jason Aaron's dizzy spinning his moral compass round but here he strips (literally) some major characters down and makes the spiritual god-digesting mushbrains into toxic agents of either chaos, boredom, or danger. Fear is a man's best friend. Gambling's for fools. Not sure what's going on with Sheriff Wooster T. Karnow other than another dizzy has-been plonk picking a ridiculous battle. I just hope he's not named after Stanley.
March 9, 2012
One of the best series ever. Fantastic stories, human characters with real human flaws, realistic situations. Absolutely beautiful drawings.
The complexity of the love stories of Dash and Carol, Dash's Mom and Carol's Dad, and those that they set aside is continuously intriguing and heart breaking.
The complexity of the love stories of Dash and Carol, Dash's Mom and Carol's Dad, and those that they set aside is continuously intriguing and heart breaking.
February 15, 2012
Ho.ly.sh*t. I have no idea how they do it, but this keeps getting better and better and more and more gutwrenching and, oh good lord there are no words for this at all. I really, really like where this is going. Wherever that is. Scares the hell out of me on pretty much every character's behalf (and that's saying something).
December 29, 2011
I've run out of superlatives for this great series. It has to be the best comic out there right now. One thing I will say is that R. M. Guera's art is amazing and I really miss it every time someone does a fill-in issue.
March 14, 2013
Fantastic series building to what looks like an explosive conclusion.
October 18, 2023
Though marginally weaker than the previous few volumes, it's only testament to the quality of this series as it neared its fifty issue mark without so much as a hiccup. "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved" is in general, another captivating and stellar installment to Scalped. The opening story follows the Sheriff of White Haven, Nebraska, who employs hardline and racist police tactics against the largely Native population. Though it turns out that the sheriff is dealing with his own insecurities with respect to growing old and coming to terms with his lackluster career. When a known fugitive comes into town, the sheriff sees this as one last opportunity to redeem himself in his own eyes. Though the sheriff is blatantly dislikeable, Jason Aaron takes the challenging task of scraping out as much humanity out of this guy as possible.
Meanwhile, Agent Nitz has been steadily losing support from the FBI on his ongoing investigation into Red Crow's operations. Spiraling into a dark corner, Nitz self-destructs spectacularly leading to his own expulsion from the bureau. Though things suddenly look up for Nitz when he lucks into a career defining moment. This was perhaps the more sillier plot beat in all of Scalped yet, where the series usually swerves away from these kinds of slapstick elements in favor of more grittier and grounded moments. It does get salvaged in the following arc, but this was for me one of the weaker subplots in the entire series.
The culmination of "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved" is the uncovering of the mystery behind Gina Bad Horse's murder. Falls Down has successfully honed in on Catcher as the perpetrator, but Catcher won't go down easy. Capturing Falls Down and putting him onto a horrifying mystic challenge, Catcher's own hypocrisy is on full display. Though he routinely advocates for the spirits of the land as governing his actions, it's clear he is willing to put a thumb on the scale when he needs things to work for him. Dash ends up facing off against Catcher head to head, and it culminates in Catcher's successful capture. Other subplots include a challenge to Red Crow's authority as Tribe Chief, which goes to show that Red Crow is a much better person than many of the other characters give him credit for. Red Crow opens up his own relationship with Dash, which as it turns out will only lead too some dire consequences for all involved.
Davide Furnò illustrates the earlier issues of this volume, and this is his best work yet on the series. R. M. Guéra takes on the main story issues and he continues to find new and innovative ways to depict the violence and mysticism that this series is so steeped in.
Meanwhile, Agent Nitz has been steadily losing support from the FBI on his ongoing investigation into Red Crow's operations. Spiraling into a dark corner, Nitz self-destructs spectacularly leading to his own expulsion from the bureau. Though things suddenly look up for Nitz when he lucks into a career defining moment. This was perhaps the more sillier plot beat in all of Scalped yet, where the series usually swerves away from these kinds of slapstick elements in favor of more grittier and grounded moments. It does get salvaged in the following arc, but this was for me one of the weaker subplots in the entire series.
The culmination of "You Gotta Sin to Get Saved" is the uncovering of the mystery behind Gina Bad Horse's murder. Falls Down has successfully honed in on Catcher as the perpetrator, but Catcher won't go down easy. Capturing Falls Down and putting him onto a horrifying mystic challenge, Catcher's own hypocrisy is on full display. Though he routinely advocates for the spirits of the land as governing his actions, it's clear he is willing to put a thumb on the scale when he needs things to work for him. Dash ends up facing off against Catcher head to head, and it culminates in Catcher's successful capture. Other subplots include a challenge to Red Crow's authority as Tribe Chief, which goes to show that Red Crow is a much better person than many of the other characters give him credit for. Red Crow opens up his own relationship with Dash, which as it turns out will only lead too some dire consequences for all involved.
Davide Furnò illustrates the earlier issues of this volume, and this is his best work yet on the series. R. M. Guéra takes on the main story issues and he continues to find new and innovative ways to depict the violence and mysticism that this series is so steeped in.
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