Scout Comics 2018
Written by Don Handfield & James Haick
Illustrated by Rafael Loureiro
Coloured by Dijjo Lima
Lettered by DC Hopkins
`Fall, 1985. When the patriarch of a Florida crime family on the wane is murdered, his will leaves pieces of his criminal enterprise to his illegitimate offspring. These three teenagers each inherit a store in the local Twin Palms Mall, and must decide whether to embrace the family business or try to go legit, all while trying to navigate all of the John Hughes-type drama of high school in the 1980s. Finding a date for the prom is one thing, but doing it with the Columbian drug cartel out to kill you is another.
Alright so this was one hell of an issue it delivered on it’s promise and so much more. If this is what the guys planned for the series to be like they’ve made a fan outta me that’s for sure. The way that this starts and how that is paralleled in the ending took me by surprise and I have to say while it appears that this issue has everything including the kitchen sink the way the guys put this story together everything fits like one amazing jigsaw puzzle.
The way the story is structured is absolutely beautifully done. I mean while I wasn’t aware people were wearing that many rings in the 80’s I have to admit that the opening here was sensational. The drama and the impact of it leaves no doubt that readers will want to see and know more after picking it up and leafing through it. The combination of story and artwork here is extremely well done and does exactly what it’s supposed to, introduce the story and make you want to see more.
I kind of like the way that we are introduced to the kids who will take centre stage in this story. It really does have that whole Breakfast Club aspect with the whole range of different characters and shall we say classes, the poor kid, the transfer jock and the rich girl granted since it’s 2018 the ethnicity of the characters is more diverse while the gay kid isn’t present the representation isn’t bad, unless no I won’t get my hopes up. Still I like how it’s been made to feel as they get a moment of the spotlight before anything happens that will change their worlds forever.
The interior artwork here is really strong and the attention to detail is pretty amazing to see. From the jeans, or cheerleader outfits to the hairstyles and the mall itself what we see here is as much a part of the story as the characters themselves and that’s because of Rafael and Dijjo. The utilisation of page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels shows off a very solid eye for storytelling. Backgrounds are utilised smartly and the fact that this doesn’t look like a stereotype of the 80’s is a huge bonus.
So the huge twists in this story really took me by surprise. The main one which is essential to the ongoing story and I cannot wait for these kids to confront their mothers about the reality of their existence. Then add into the mix things like J.D. and what he’s been doing well that just adds another layer to the story I wasn’t prepared for. Yet it also makes me see the possibilities for Lena and it almost scares me how easy it would be for me to see her making some difficult choices.
The writing, the story & plot development and the characterisation here is absolutely amazing to see unfold and to have such strong interiors to go with it is just icing on the cake. Once again Scout Comics brings us something strong and interesting and show why they are the ant who moved that rubber tree plant.