WARNING! Potential spoilers ahead for Scarlett #2

Iconic G.I. Joe character Scarlett is already going to extremes in her Energon Universe debut, as her self-titled miniseries ratchets up the tension of her mission considerably in its second issue. Skybound Entertainment’s Energon Universe shared continuity continues to be one of the most exciting ongoing projects in comics, and Scarlett remains a thrilling extension of that.

In a preview released by Skybound, Scarlett #2 – written by Kelly Thompson, with art by Marco Ferrari – opens with its protagonist being held at the Clan Arashikage compound. Tied to a chair, Scarlett shows off the extreme lengths she’s willing to go through to escape.

As seen in the preview pages for the issue, Scarlett stitched a razor blade into her abdomen before embarking on her current mission. Scarlett also claims she placed a lock-pick in her mouth, which helped draw attention away from the hidden razor in her stomach.

Skybound’s “Scarlett” Sends Its Title Character On An Intense First Mission In Her Debut

Scarlett #2 – Written By Kelly Thompson; Art By Marco Ferrari, Lee Loughridge & Rus Wooton

Scarletr #1 featured the title character infiltrating the Arashikage ninja clan to help her old ally Jinx, but it wasn’t long before Shana “Scarlett” O’Hara found herself in the fight of her life against some of the deadliest ninja warriors on the planet. None other than Storm Shadow appeared at the end of the first issue to subdue Scarlett, taking her as the Arashikage’s prisoner. Her maneuver with the razor from Scarlett #2 is a hardcore detail on the part of the creative team, and further drives home Scarlett’s espionage influences.

Scarlett #1 opened with an homage to Goldfinger, as Scarlett infiltrated a high-class party, changing from a scuba wetsuit into more formal evening wear – although Scarlett went with an elegant dress, as opposed to Sean Connery’s iconic white tux. The espionage influence is appropriate, as many of creator Larry Hama’s initial ideas for G.I. Joe stemmed from a rejected pitch from Marvel Comics for a Nick Fury, Jr. series. Scarlett’s specialty in the classic Joe continuity was counterintelligence, and it looks like the Energon Universe will be keeping this aspect of her character, judging from the preview to Scarlett #2.

The Energon Universe Scarlett Debuted with Amazing Espionage Action

It’s Only Going To Get More Intense

Scarlett’s expertise in intelligence and espionage was displayed in other ways in the first issue of her miniseries, notably in the secret written code developed between Scarlett and Jinx, which the issue established that only the two of them can discern. Having the foresight to sew a razor blade into her skin, in the event of her capture and the need to make an unorthodox escape, speaks to the character’s preparedness. Overall, it makes Scarlett an engaging read, as fans wait to discover what other espionage tactics Scarlett will make use of in future issues.

One of the great things about Skybound’s G.I. Joe miniseries is how each one has established their own genre identity, appropriate for the specific character featured. Duke read like a man-on-the-run action movie, Cobra Commander was a full-on horror comic, and the upcoming Destro series looks to be a political war thriller. By having Scarlett occupy the espionage and martial arts arenas, the G.I. Joe corner of the Energon Universe continues to fill out its ranks with an expansive and diverse set of influences.

Source: Skybound