Scalped #1

Posted by Sean on January 9, 2007

(DC/Vertigo)

Interesting anecdote to frame my thoughts about the new Vertigo ongoing, Scalped, which Ã¯Â¿Â½ IÃ¯Â¿Â½ll just say up front (to save you from my diatribe) Ã¯Â¿Â½ is phenomenal. I read Scalped immediately after reading the latest issue of MarvelÃ¯Â¿Â½s Civil War. The juxtapositioning of the two blew my mind. On the one hand, you have Ã¯Â¿Â½ with the latest issue of Civil War Ã¯Â¿Â½ a continuation of the prolonged drum roll, now six issues long, for the Ã¯Â¿Â½big fightÃ¯Â¿Â½ scene. Yes, itÃ¯Â¿Â½s been a lot of Ã¯Â¿Â½summer movieÃ¯Â¿Â½ fun. But can anyone honestly tell me that this story couldnÃ¯Â¿Â½t be told in four issues, or that this most recent issue is anything but twenty-two pages of posturing? On the other hand, after reading Scalped #1 Ã¯Â¿Â½ which actually took a good deal longer than the six minutes it took the fly through Civil War Ã¯Â¿Â½ I was left scratching my head, wondering how the hell series writer Jason Aaron was able to fit all that in with just twenty-two pages to work with?

Now I know that I am, to an extent, talking apples and oranges here. But I still feel it worth noting that, in just one issue, Scalped displays the kind of multifaceted and textured story and character development that takes two years to facilitate in most mainstream Marvel and DC books. The economy of AaronÃ¯Â¿Â½s pacing and storytelling structure is unbelievable, and as a result you get thought-provoking bang for your buck.

Ok, rant over. What is this book about?

Scalped follows the exploits of Dashiell Bad Horse, recently returned to the economically and morally depressed Prairie Rose Reservation (or Ã¯Â¿Â½RezÃ¯Â¿Â½) in South Dakota after fifteen years of self-imposed exile. Needless to say, the old neighborhood has changed (worsened) quite a bit. The poverty rate is surpassed only by the crime rate. Meth labs dot the Reservation like sores on a plague victim. Beer is bought by the caseloadÃ¯Â¿Â½the moment the welfare checks roll in. The hope and activism of the 70Ã¯Â¿Â½s has given way to despair, alcoholism and pipedreams that the new casino is going to be the answer. The only game in town is Chief Red Crow Ã¯Â¿Â½ civic leader and crime boss Ã¯Â¿Â½ who has a long history with Dash and his family, and who now has his sights on grooming Dash for a role in the big things to come. But Dash has other ideas.

Some of the solicitations for Scalped, and a few of the reviews, have nutshelled this book by referring to it as Ã¯Â¿Â½The SopranosÃ¯Â¿Â½ on a modern day Indian reservation, a description which I think sells this book short. (DonÃ¯Â¿Â½t worry, IÃ¯Â¿Â½m not going to go on a Ã¯Â¿Â½SopranosÃ¯Â¿Â½ rant). Yes, Scalped is Ã¯Â¿Â½ among other things Ã¯Â¿Â½ a crime (though not strictly criminal) book. But itÃ¯Â¿Â½s also a book about history, heritage, family and the social issues facing what is, essentially, a third world nation sitting smack dab in the middle of our country. The number of diverse (and diverging) points of views and perspectives in this book is astounding. If anything, with the interaction between the criminal and social narrative and thematic elements, Scalped is Ã¯Â¿Â½The WireÃ¯Â¿Â½ on a modern day Indian reservation.

As far as first issues go, I don’t think I’ve read one with as much depth - to the characters, the story and the setting - as Scalped #1 in quite some time. Everything is fleshed out and fully three-dimensional. Nothing is cliched. A former Red Power activist turned crime boss who views the Casino as his revenge against the white man, at least that’s the lie he’s convinced himself to believe. A protagonist wanting nothing to do with his community, and yet wanting everything to do with it. A unique setting that is itself a character in this story. One issue in and there’s already so many layers to this book. A must read.

5 out of 5 Vikings

5 out of 5 Vikings

Filed Under: Rack Raids

Tags: 5/5, Crime-Noir, jason aaron, scalped, vertigo

Fortress Keeper said,

I agree with you whoieheartedly.

For whatever reason, Scalped also had the aura of “Walking Tall” or “Billy Jack,” which adds a bit of old school fun amidst the darkness of the story.
Subotai said,

Adding this to my grab list. Love the Thunderheart reference.
Sean said,

Great new series. Took me by surprise. In a time when I’m slashing and burning most of the books in my pull-slip, it’s great to e able to add one for a change.

So excited about this book.
Subotai said,

Just want to mention this series is fucking great. Issue #9 is one of the best single issues I’ve read all year.
Rack Raids Presents: 2007 In Review (via Top 5 lists) at Rack Raids said,

[...] New Book - Scalped [...]

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Scalped #1

Filed Under: Rack Raids

Tags: 5/5, Crime-Noir, jason aaron, scalped, vertigo

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