REVIEW: ‘Scout’s Honor,’ Issue #4

Scout’s Honor #4 is written by David Pepose, illustrated by Luca Casalinguida, colored by Matt Milla, and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual. It is published by AfterShock Comics. Following the events of the third issue, Kit is targeted for death by her fellow Ranger Scouts and escapes into the Badlands with only the drone Webelo for company. Cut off from the life she knew, she struggles to survive in a radioactive hellscape populated by mutant animals and the warmongering Highwaymen.

This issue is titled “A Scout’s Prayer,” which holds multiple meanings. Throughout the course of the issue, Kit recites the Ranger Scout creed like a prayer-which is rather fitting given the fact that it’s been the one constant in her life. People don’t necessarily have to put their faith in religions; they can place it in other institutions or each other. Pepose’s script captures the struggle of losing one’s faith and what happens afterward, which is a very fitting theme for this book. He also explores how faith can be used to mask hypocrisy, especially where the Ranger Scouts are concerned. 

Casalanguida draws his most horrifying monster yet with the Hellspider. It is a spider three times the size of a tank, with bloodthirsty eyes and a massive stinger. He also makes the elements come to life around Kit, drawing harsh winds as thick black lines and green lightning splitting the sky. Keeping in line with post-apocalyptic fiction, the Badlands are chock-full of unnatural phenomena, and Casalanguida delivers images that will haunt readers’ nightmares. In contrast, Webelo is a rounded flying saucer who belongs in the same class of “helpful robot” as Star Wars’ BB-8 or the Fantastic Four’s H.E.R.B.I.E.

Adding to the hellish landscape is Milla on colors. He paints the lightning a sickly radioactive green, with the Badlands comprised of mostly blues and purples to give off a nightly hue. Finally, the Hellspider sports blood-red skin and bloodshot eyes fitting its hunter’s nature. He also gives Mangual’s letters the appropriate coloring: the “KRAKOOM” accompanying the lightning is bright green as well, and the Hellspider’s roars are a fiery red. Another subtle touch with the lettering is Kit’s prayer, which is represented in slightly smaller letters-both representing the reverence she has for the Ranger Scouts, and the uncertainty surrounding her future.

This issue also promises a confrontation between Kit and her former colleagues. Not only does said confrontation promise to be action-packed since Kit now has new allies on her side, but an emotional reckoning is also at hand. Kit will have to face off against Dez, who was her best friend, and the other Scouts with who she grew up and trained with. I prefer my battles to have an emotional underpinning, and this creative team has set the stage for a heartbreaker of a finale.

Scout’s Honor #4 places its protagonist at an emotional crossroads and explores the nature of faith, particularly what happens when you lose it. With the next issue promising a massive fight, I can’t wait to see how the creators bring it all home. They have proven themselves more than capable of balancing post-apocalyptic action and character development, so I expect a great ending.

Scout’s Honor #4 is available now wherever comics are sold.