Scalped, Book Three

Scalped #5-6

by Jason Aaron (Writer), R.M. Guéra (Illustrator), Davide Furnò (Illustrator)

Against all odds, undercover FBI agent Dash Bad Horse has managed to keep his cover intact while gaining the trust of Lincoln Red Crow, the man whose criminal empire he's been tasked with bringing down. But like everything on the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation, the road has been dirty and dangerous, with death always just a slip of the tongue away. Tough as he is, Dash is starting to buckle under the pressure -- and after the brutal murder of his mother, the job has finally pushed him over a line he never intended to cross.

Now, just when he needs all his wits to navigate the ever-shifting web of intrigue around him, Dash has numbed himself blind with sex, booze and heroin -- and three decades' worth of secrets are about to explode all over the rez.

In Scalped Book Three, acclaimed writer Jason Aaron (Original Sin, Southern Bastards) and artist R.M. Guéra (Batman Eternal, Django Unchained) deepen their generational saga of crime, betrayal and redemption, with guest art by Davide Furnò and Francesco Francavilla and covers by Jock.

Collects: Scalped #25-34.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Crime, Noir, Graphic Novels Comics, Comix, Dc Comics

256 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2015

About the author

Jason 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.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: Review pending re-read. Individual reviews for included volumes can be found here:
- Scalped: High Lonesome
- Scalped: The Gnawing

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dash and Carol reconnect.
Awwww.
But instead of helping Carol up from her downward spiral of random sex and drugs, she helps Dash learn how to use heroin to numb the pain.



You find out more about FBI agent Baylis and the reasons behind his need for revenge against Lincoln. And in a shocking turn of events, it doesn't make him any more lovable or relatable. Good to know some things never change.



A con man hits the casino and some unforeseen craziness pulls Dash into a life-and-death situation. And on top of all of that, we find out who killed Dash's mom, Gina.

Highly recommended for fans of crime noir.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Been down so goddamn long that it looks like up to me."

Jeez, this thing just keeps getting better and better. By the climax of this installment, the tension is so high you can almost smell it coming off the page. Bad Horse is getting in WAAAYYY too deep and Red Crow is getting closer and closer to losing everything. And I want to see them both find some sort of peace. If you're a crime fiction fan and not reading Scalped, it's not too late to make a change and get your life together!

I want to take you away from here. I want to tell you my secrets and I want you to love me for them.

[Maksym Karpovets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Що мені подобається в цій історії, так це розкриття основних проблем індіанців. Якщо перші два томи фокусувались на криміналітеті й безробітті (умовно кажучи), то вже третій том досліджує тему наркозалежності й корупції. Зрозуміло, що експлікація цих тем відбувається завдяки персонажам. Цього разу Аарон більше розповідає про голову ФБР, його життєву драму, що привела до маніакального бажання впіймати Червого Ворона. Водночас плавно розкривається тема корупції корінної поліції, яку ідеально підкреслює епізод у в'язниці з Містером Брассом (про якого розповідав ще в попередньому томі). Також загострюються, драматизуються лінії Червоного Ворона (який близький до того, щоб втратити усе) й власне Даша (який, що очевидно, присідає на наркоту). Проте навіть у такому жорстокому, гнилому світі панують речі, які не підвладні логіці. Містична чи ірраціональна складова ідеально доповнює сюжет, немов викидає нас у сферу повного захоплення й подиву.

Окремо хочу виокремити історію Дізеля, білого брутального хлопаки, який також працює під прикриттям. Флешбеки з його дитинства мене змусили трохи зависнути, адже все життя Дізель хотів бути подібним на індіанців (будучи ще яскраво вираженим блондином), а насправді не мав "достатньо" крові для цього. Це доволі парадоксальна ситуація, адже більшість індіанців навпаки страждають від своєї ідентичності, позаяк вони позбавлені усього того, що мають "білі". Тому виникає питання, чому ж Дізель так наполегливо хоче бути серед них? Можливо, Ааарон показує, яким чином романтизований образ індіанців із їхніми піснями, полюваннями й усім дискурсом розбивається в друзки, коли стикається із реальністю сучасної резервації? Іронія у тім, що Дізель так наполегливо хотів зберегти традиції корінного населення, коли більшість індіанців намагались забути свої корені, убачаючи в них причину прокляття й занепаду. Не випадково Червоний Ворон повторює про корені (гарний епізод із Діно Бідним Ведмедем у попередньому томі), адже помічає кризу не стільки в алкоголізмі та наркотиках, скільки в занепаді традиції як основи будь-якого народу й культури.

Вже мовчу про лінію Джини в минулому, одну з моїх улюблених, яку теж варто окремо осмислити. Аарон, ймовірно, для декого відволікається від центрального сюжету, але для мене це швидше посилення свого міфу, бачення корінних людей і їхніх проблем. Блискуча розвідка, непересічний комікс.

[Blindzider · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The story is really starting to heat up in this volume, you can feel how events and characters are quickly heading into a direction that will end in some major conflict. The noir feel has definitely become very evident these last two volumes. This is clearly defined as the point where the "hero" picks himself up, steeling himself to do what is right, despite the personal cost.

I didn't feel the art was as strong on this one. A couple other artists filled in on some issues, primarily for flashbacks. Their work was slightly brighter (not as much inks) making things a little easier to make out. I thought R.M. Guéra's art was a little sloppy toward the end, with some faces being a little too contorted and unnatural.

I'm very eager to continue this series.

[RG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just keeps on getting better and better. The ending and build up to it was amazing. Great work from Aaron and team here. This is graphic novel storytelling at its best.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated Volume 1 very low. I believe it was a one star rating. I live on a reserve and as a native person I just found the book over the top and filled with stereotypes and tropes. But, as with many literary experiences I found a fresh insight on my reading of Volume 2. The violence and social decay depicted in the story actually is a reflection of what goes on on many reserves including mine. What I needed to do was swap out the Casino for some other shady entrepreneurial endeavour that exists around here. We have drugs and crime. We have corrupt tribal police. Very few murders but we certainly have overdoses. We have many positive aspects to our community that this book does not portray but that’s OK. It’s a crime noir work of graphic fiction. Volume 2 and now Volume 3 really clicked for me. I get it. I may choose a clean living spiritual path on my reserve but the dystopia of Scalped exists out there. I read this in two sittings in about 3 hours and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Soundtrack was UK grindcore: Napalm Death, Carcass and the always excellent Insect Warfare from the US.

[Aildiin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started to read this one during football commercials and next thing I know I am halfway through the book and totally forgot about the game I was watching.
It is that good !

[Quintin Zimmermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scalped is a visceral tour de force into the badlands, both physically and metaphorically.

The gritty, punched up artwork accentuates the dialogue and the multi-threaded plot careens towards perdition.

There is no clear divide between the proverbial "good guys" and "bad guys". Rather each character grapples with their own inner demons in hopes of taking a right turn towards redemption.

Scalped is sublime in its execution, it doesn't shy away from dealing with harrowing issues and never seeks to dehumanise the many broken people that litter the landscape.

Scalped may start slow, there is also some uneven pacing, but that is understandable for a story that spans 60 issues, a labour of love, four years in the making.

To sum up in one word: brilliant!

[Bassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All hell breaks loose in this third hardcover! The may be the best crime epic I have ever read in my life. The storytelling is so good. With only a few words you have to figure out yourself what is happening on and between the panels. To me, a perfect book, comics can be such a great medium. Highly recommended. And I am looking forward to a second reading once I have finished all five books :)

[Ignacio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Situaciones desesperadas, motivaciones puestas al descubierto, giros inesperados, tensión... El remolino de violencia alrededor de los personajes continúa cerrándose a toda velocidad de manera irreversible. Progresa adecuadamente.

[Tar Buendía · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es largo pero se bebe. La tensión dramática escala y se construye de manera perfecta.

Cada vez me gusta más esta serie.

[Zyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8PMuGEo6...

[Igor Frederico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melhor volume até agora! Claro que não existiria sem o que os outros constroem, mas o último arco, as 4 últimas HQs reunidas aqui são das melhores coisas que li em quadrinhos na minha vida.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a brutal pressure-cooker. Both writing and art dialed up to 12 and then overdriven some more!

[Britton]

I had friends who swore by this series, as well as my local comic shop guy, and Youtubers that I watch who like to talk about comics, so I was quite excited to get into this series. In fact, some of the first reviews that I read on this site before I myself starting using it were of this series. Then I found a certain review of this series that so shocked me by its forceful use of its voice and language that, for one, I had to go out and find this guy and befriend him, as I was quite impressed with this review, and two, ruining a lot of chances for me to enjoy this series, as I couldn't get his opinions out of my head. So for that, I thank you Keely.

I've grown quite fond of Aaron through my readings of him, some of his works have given me a lot of joy and fun over these last few years. Though it's quite interesting to see him at an earlier point of his career, still finding himself as a writer, sadly I find that Scalped represents some of the lesser aspects of a debut, rather than the more stronger aspects of one.

Scalped seems unsteady, unpolished, and unsure of itself. Aaron hasn't quite come into his own voice here, and seems to be borrowing (quite liberally I might add) from some of his inspirations. At once we see Ennis' influence on this series, and then Miller's and yet, we don't see the strengths of those two's most celebrated work. Aaron shares Ennis' penchant for over the top extremes, though Aaron can't quite match Ennis' skill for merging his extremes with his storytelling in a natural way until later on in the series.

Scalped seems jarring to read at times with its chaotic pacing and constantly switching around from scene A to scene B. It's one of those cases where I find that if he had a good editor on his side, assuaging his more wild tendencies and focusing him in the right direction, then the series would've had a much stronger outing when it first began. Luckily, this jarred pacing does lighten up as the series moves along, and Aaron gains some more confidence in his voice.

The central idea of Scalped is strong, and the set ups of these characters was also strong, so I suppose it's why I kept with it, to see if this potential paid off in any way and in some ways it does. I was particularly fond of the one off stories focusing on the many characters who live in 'The Rez' as it's known, getting inside their heads and seeing their motivations as to why they are the way that they are. I was particularly intrigued by the story of Red Crow, the Native activist turned crime lord, I was fascinated by the internal conflict that he struggles through as the series goes on, and I was compelled as his story went on. It shows the Aaron that I've come to know, the one who likes to muddy the waters about who is good and evil in his stories and often makes who you root for much more complicated in the process.

The series continues to improve as Aaron continues to find his stride, though its still flawed in several ways. The pacing ends up becoming more streamlined as Aaron continues to roll along, finding his voice. But he never quite gets to the heights that he would eventually when he would go to write Southern Bastards, yet we do see the signs of the later Aaron as we go along, leading to an ending that left me melancholic, but also empty. Yet, it was an ending that was rather fitting to this series: not quite at its peak, but almost.

Guera's art is also intriguing, it has the classic 'Vertigo look' in terms of its color palate and texture, but it also is rather fitting for the series, having a style that's moody while also being ugly and decadent, much like the Rez that the series takes place in. But like with Aaron's writing, I find that the art never quite reaches its full potential, I often found it off-putting and shoddy as much as it was evocative and occasionally rich.

As said before, it is quite curious to see Aaron at the beginning of his career, still in the cusp of finding his voice, still finding his way through the Rez, and seeing where the journey takes him along the way. Scalped is an incomplete work (thematically). But it does show Aaron slowly coming to his own, and giving us a hint of the greatness that Aaron would eventually prove himself to be capable of.

[Rolando Marono · Rating 5 out of 5]

La historia sigue descendiendo, la segunda mitad de este tomo es increíble. Se llevaría cinco estrellas sino fuera porque la primera mitad es puro planteamiento y se desvía un poco de avanzar la trama. Entiendo que al final las piezas que acomoda en ese tomo tienen sentido cuando las utiliza en la segunda mitad, pero los primeros tres números del volumen no aportan realmente nada y la introducción del estafador aunque fue un personaje interesante, y Aaron lo narró de una manera muy atractiva, no creo que haya sido muy necesario.
La primera mitad sigue construyendo a Red Crow como un personaje gris y gris. Esto llega a una cúspide en la segunda mitad del libro donde realmente no podría decirte si Red Crow es un villano. Eso me pareció muy bien logrado por parte de Aaron porque la premisa del primer volumen y específicamente del primer número de la serie es: Red Crow es un maldito que le hace daño a toda la reserva y hay que tumbarlo porque somos el FBI y somos buenos. En este tomo vemos el otro lado de Nitz, tanto en uno de los números de apertura como las acciones que hace en la segunda mitad del tomo donde le valen completamente las vidas de Diesel, su otro agente y Dash. También descubrimos porque está tan obsesionado con encontrar la verdad y arrestar a los culpables de la muerte de los agentes del FBI de hace 35 años. Y esa revelación también es bastante grisácea, nos pinta un panorama distinto de Nitz que no era exactamente el que nos habían vendido. Como pasó con Red Crow.
Ahora si, la segunda mitad del tomo. Pensándolo bien si le voy a dar sus cinco estrellas, porque todo el tomo, aún con los tres primeros números que a mí parecer sobran, funciona como un sólo arco bastante denso y que termina de amarrar muchas de las cosas pendientes, abrir más líneas narrativas y construir a los personajes que ya conocíamos.
El segundo arco que contiene este tomo se llama The Gnawing, que significa roer. Y Aaron abre el arco magníficamente con la abuela Poor Bear contándonos una leyenda sobre el mundo, que se cree está sostenido en el espacio por un poste y que abajo el abuelo castor está royendo el palo y que cada que hacemos algo malo, roe más rápido hasta que el palo se rompa y el mundo colapse a la oscuridad. Y que apropiado tanto el nombre como la leyenda porque todo el arco está súper tenso. Después de la primera mitad donde Red Crow hace algo impactante, Nitz presiona a Bad Horse para que se muevan y lo detengan de una vez y por todas. Pero como recordamos Dash está en una muy mala posición por la heroína y en realidad todos los personajes parecen sostenidos en palos de madera con castores royendo a sus pies: Carol, Dash, Red Crow, Diesel, Nitz. Todos están suspendidos y en este tomo Aaron va construyendo la tensión de manera maravillosa para concluir con un impacto y un último número muy doloroso.
Volver a leer Scalped está siendo más doloroso de lo que recordaba pero no dejo de reiterar la maestría narrativa que exuda Aaron en cuanto a relato Noir se refiere. Aaron está completamente en su elemento y se nota. Se nota que lo está disfrutando al máximo; y que los personajes, por más que sufran, están completamente a su merced.

[OmniBen · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Zero spoiler review) 3.75/5
I started reading Scalped about a year ago. I picked up Volume's one and two and inhaled them, falling for Aaron's gritty, urban slang and the depraved, chaotic yet ultimately realistic world he was creating. This was some of the darkest, most hard hitting noir I'd been lucky enough to read. Add in some amazing artwork from R.M Guerra and you had yourself a recipe for one of the finest comics available today. As the paperback run was discontinued, I went about the frustrating task of tracking down the deluxe editions which is the ultimate way to read any comic and my preferred method of collecting. I won't be any paperbacks anymore.
So after a year or so of waiting, and on the back of one of the greatest graphic novels I'd yet read, how did volume three fair. Well, not all that well to be honest. Pretty much everything that made volume one and two great has undergone a very noticeable reduction in quality here. I'd heard a tonne of Aaron's subsequent Marvel runs coming in for considerable flack, although this being the only thing I had to judge Aaron's work on, I always wondered... How could a man with this level of talent have it all go so pear shaped. Admittedly a superhero story is an altogether different beast, but the guy was so on point. Well, I can kinda see it now.
Everything here is worse. The dialogue is no longer dripping with malicious wit or humorous urban jargon. The characters are all less than they previously were. Going from deep and darkly flawed to pale imitations of what they once were. Plotting has gone from gloriously convoluted to unsatisfying and simplistic, with contrivances and plot armour frequently rearing their ugly head. The pacing is off, with Aaron hastily rushing through what could have been a more drawn out, rewarding saga. Hell, even Guerra's artwork seems to have lost a little of its lustre. Going from decadent and brutally messy to a cleaner, more sanitised look.
I don't know, maybe it's just me, but this went from glorious to simply good really, really quickly. A spoiler review would unearth and contrast the noticeable drop in quality with far greater clarity, but we don't do spoilers here. Here's hoping this was a mid-run slump, and shit gets going again for the final two volumes, of which I now have to wait for volume four to arrive in the mail before continuing. Still pretty good though, all things considered. 3.75/5


OmniBen.

[Rahul Nadella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Jason Aaron and R. M. Guéra delivered their best in this volume by showing just how far Dash and Red Crow will go to save themselves, solving their immediate problems by creating new ones that will have to be dealt with in the future. All in all, the last issue of this volume is easily one of the most violent and chaotic issues of the series so far. There are deaths, and none of them are pretty. Significant changes are made to the lives of multiple characters. Towards the end of the issue I actually worried Aaron might avoid instituting many changes. For a time it seems lie everything wraps up a little too easily and neatly. But by the end it became clear I had no reason to worry. The series isn't close to being finished yet, but that doesn't mean the characters can't progress forward, for good or ill.

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! That was a satisfyingly epic conclusion to the storyline. Scalped is one of those rare series that maintains high quality throughout.
The characters are flawed yet believable. The setting is realstically detailed, and one that most readers probably won't be familiar with.

I'm sure it will be released in some great huge complete tome at some point. It's worth reading straight through if you can manage it. I read another book or two between volumes one and two, and it took a bit for the story to come back to me. I can't recommend this series enough. It's easily one of the best crime dramas I've ever read.

This volume feels like a conclusion, but I see that there are further volumes. Huh. Well I'm definitely along for the ride.

[Paul S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past is prologue.
Excellent piece of work.

[David Cordero · Rating 4 out of 5]

The circle is closing as they are dropping like dead flies. Who’s next?

[Javier Muñoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

En este tomo se va creando tensión en torno a ciertas partes de la historia, algunas se resuelven y otras no, pero no se puede dejar de tener la sensación de que es inevitable que pasen muchas cosas malas en lo que queda de serie, dejamos de lado personajes como Dino oso pobre para centrarnos en otros como catcher o Nitz, e incluso algún que otro personaje completamente nuevo que llega a la serie pisando fuerte aunque no se puede evitar pensar que no sabe dónde se está metiendo.

En el primer arco argumental de este tomo, el llamado triste y sólo, nos encontramos un conjunto de historias cortas de un sólo número que utilizan como nexo común la soledad , las decisiones que provoca en los personajes sentirse solos o los motivos por lo que se encuentran solos en el mundo, conoceremos más en profundidad las motivaciones de Nitz, Catcher o Diesel.

En el segundo arco argumental se mueve más la trama principal, Cuervo Rojo se mete en un embrollo difícil de solucionar cuando mata a quien no debía y dejando un testigo de ello, a Dash le pilla en medio todo el lío con gran riesgo de que se desvele su tapadera.

Es impresionante cómo Aaron logra que empaticemos con personajes como los de esta serie, ladrones, asesinos, malnacidos de toda clase y condición... nos pueden caer mejor o peor, pero Aaron hace que les entendamos a ellos y a sus motivaciones... muy buen trabajo de caracterización que se extiende a los dibujantes, que independientemente de que me guste o no su estilo (Guerà y Francavilla me encantan, Furnó no tanto), capturan muy bien la expresividad de los rostros, las emociones de los personajes.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vol. 5: High Lonesome - After some time away from this series, I’m knocking the rust off and tackling the next book.

Vol. 5 is a bit odd in that it’s kind of a “catch all” (or at least it felt that way to me). Dash hardly appears in these issues. Instead we get the stories of several other characters on the Rez: a con man who arrives in town to rob the casino, the lecherous FBI agent Nitz carousing, Diesel scalping someone in prison, and some flashbacks about Dash’s mother. Finally, near the end, Dash shows up.

My guess is that this volume is a setup to the finale, therefore it has a lot of loose parts.

As far as quality, the series continues to be consistent. Excellent writing, repulsive characters, and hyper-realistic (and often disturbing) art.

Vol. 6: The Gnawing - In Vol. 5, war threatens the rez. The Hmong gang comes after Red Horse (foolishly). Meanwhile, Dash sinks deeper into his heroin addiction. A mysterious stranger from the past returns to pull him out of it.

There’s a lot of bloodshed in this volume. I’m waiting for the series to make the pivot and Dash to become the hero.

[Jinji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last time we left Dashiell Bad Horse, he was in a bad way as he numbs himself with cocaine and Carol. However, a near death experience, coupled with the risk of being outed as an FBI agent, snapped him back into focus. We also get a glimpsed on what happened on the night when Nitz's partners were killed in the reservation, through Red Crow's own investigation on Gina Bad Horse's death. At the same time, Red Crow deals with the Hmong's pinch on his casino. On the other side of the rez, Carol finds out she's pregnant with Dash's child, and had a breakdown right there in the hospital.

This series really does throw around the characters into being a good guy one page, then bad guy the next. It keeps you on your toes, and keeps you interested to follow through on the characters' lives.

Oh, and who's that man making a deal with Diesel, while he's still in jail? Hmmm....

[Marko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treću knjigu sam iz cuga pročitao i to iz razloga što je odlična.

Prvi deo treće knjige, prve četiri priče, je najbolji deo ovog ciklusa do sada. Jason Aaron produbljuje likove i cela priča kreće da se odmotava.

Događaj poput onog da se neko slučajno ubode iglom od šprica u kome je otrov i na mestu umre bi u nekom drugom kontekstu bio više nego banalan i naivan, ali u ovom kontekstu priča toliko "vozi" da mi je bilo skroz ok da prihvatim ovako neke izlete, obzirom koliko je sve na granici ludila i pucanja.

Gostujući crtači mi ne smetaju čak mi donekle i prijaju da malo vizuelno razbiju ciklus, pogotovo što su im stilovi crtanja u duhu onoga što je Gera inicijalno zamislio i iako se stilski razlikuju, atmosfera i kadriranje nemaju oscilacija ni u jednom trenutku.

I dalje sjajan serijal.

[Danijel Jedriško · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treći tom "Skalpiranih" dodatno produbljuje priču. Dashiell je u ovom dijelu, kako i naslov sugerira, "Urokan do daske". I pritom ne mislim samo na priču oko droge. Zli konj sve će češće plesati po ivici razotkrivanja: hoće li Crvena Vrana saznati da je agent FBI-ja ili će njegovi nadređeni shvatiti da je bilo preopasno pustiti mladog Indijanca da se suočava s vlastitim demonima?

Svijet modernih američkih domoradaca još nas jednom udara svom žestinom i realnošću, a preplitanje s ključnim događajima iz borbe za indijanska građanska prava sedamdesetih nameće nam pitanje je li se išta uopće promijenilo?

[Dude. Beard. Comics. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Aaron and R.M. Guéra’s gritty crime saga Scalped remains one of the most riveting graphic novel series of the past decade. The story of Dashiell “Dash” Bad Horse and his return to the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation blends pulse-pounding action with profound explorations of identity and morality. Now, Scalped Deluxe Edition Book Three takes this masterful series to new heights, plunging readers into the ever-expanding criminal underworld of the rez.

Aaron’s writing has achieved true brilliance, crafting a narrative packed with multifaceted characters and razor-sharp dialogue. The pacing oscillates between brooding introspection and shocking violence, creating an utterly engrossing reading experience. Meanwhile, Guéra’s visceral artwork masterfully renders both the beauty and brutality of the characters’ world. His innovative panel composition and textured colors draw readers into each harrowing scene.

At the story’s core is the ethical quandary faced by undercover FBI agent Dash as he navigates divided loyalties. While dedicated to taking down corrupt Tribal Council President Lincoln Red Crow, Dash also seeks to help the vulnerable community he left behind long ago. Red Crow rules the rez through ruthlessness and visionary progress, a dichotomy that Aaron explores with nuance. Supporting characters like Carol, Diesel, and Catcher receive expanded development, confronting painful pasts as they struggle to shape their futures.

Relationships between these vividly realized characters form a complex web of betrayal, loyalty, and angst. Secrets and shifting allegiances dynamize the plot, culminating in explosive showdowns. Through it all, Aaron investigates contemporary Native American issues with depth and insight. Questions of identity, disenfranchisement, and the influence of the past permeate the narrative.

For both longtime fans and new readers, Scalped Deluxe Edition Book Three is a must-read chapter in Jason Aaron and R.M. Guéra’s masterwork. With award-worthy storytelling and illustrations, this volume offers an unforgettable descent into life on the fringes of society.

[Przemysław Skoczyński · Rating 4 out of 5]

To jest pozycja, która z czasem będzie coraz częściej okupowała czołowe miejsca na komiksowych listach wszech czasów. Aaron jest niesamowity. Fabuła mimo tak wielu wątków nie pozostawia luk i niedopowiedzeń, wszystko się tu jakimś cudem spina i dopełnia. Czyta się z zapartym tchem, choć to ciężka, przytłaczająca i obfitująca w brutalne sceny lektura. Również ciężka kreska i kolorystyka idealnie wpasowują się w klimat. Wszelkie zachwyty i nagrody zasłużone.

(opinia dotyczy całego cyklu)

[Scott Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark as pitch, which fits a noir book, but Dash Badhorse seems to be finally pulling himself together as this volume draws to a close. It has him going even a touch darker than we've seen so far, but at the same time...Great crime work here. Wonderful comics.