THE SCORCHED #53 (IMAGE COMICS/SPAWN UNIVERSE)
The Belarus incident has Jessica Priest and her squad backed into a corner.
With her new initiative in place, The Scorched’s attempts of search and rescue have hit a major stumbling block.
Breaking into a guarded compound is one thing. Trying to sneak out a room of political hostages is a completely different story with bullets flying in thier direction.
THE SCORCHED #53 by Thomas Healy, Alessandro Vitti , DINEI RIBEIRO & ANDWORLD DESIGN (IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE COMICS) sees the first mission come to a tense close!
Let’s take a closer look at what goes down here.
THE SCORCHED #53 by Thomas Healy, Alessandro Vitti , DINEI RIBEIRO & ANDWORLD DESIGN (IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Healy keeps a certain intensity to the mood with the writing. Even with Jessica holding court, the uneasiness of buying her plan never leaves the pages. Her tone stays strong as she declares no one will fall on the way out. This leads into a combustible moment. The writing stages the initial shot with loud accuracy. It forces Jessica to regroup fast. Knowing her focus on the business at hand, worrying is only allowed for a split second. Priest’s drive leads into more uncharted territory when others arrive in her path.
Readers watch as her interactions with armed soldiers is vintage in delivery. The tone she carries cements her will becoming unbreakable. Even outgunned, Priest never falters on getting what she wants out of this scenario. The gravity of the encounter finally gives with a new revelation into plans. It speeds events to head for a fast finish. Healy sprinkles in some new capabilities for one member before letting a firey finish begin. The parting shot leaves a bold statement before heading into more fallout for Priest’ dangerous ambition. A solid finale to the opening round in this new stat quo.
Vitti & Ribeiro keep the attention on Priest as she holds court amongst everyone. The half panel image connects with readers the fear and anxiousness of the hostages while the team plans. Panels hone in on Priest’s snarl as her growing frustrations begin to creep inward. Pages do a great climb to bring forth a destructive encounter. A stunning full page image shows one member in a dire state. It reaffirms the weight involved in this covert mission.
Pacing speeds up events as Jessica must rebound from her team’s current set-back. The art doesn’t shy away from the bloody reality for one member. It motivates Priest to take action and to hell with the consequences. A striking full page shows how fast events can turn. The look of fear on certain shoulders speaks loudly to the readers. It becomes even more tense as a half panel provides Priest some back up. Even in the major reveal, her expressions never waiver. The art showcases other members with a unique full page conversation. Once in the ending act, the action resumes with a excellent half panel close. It leaves events with a great walk-off point, knowing missions are only going to get more difficult from here.
FINAL GRADE: 8.2
The Belarus Incident ends on a steady note while establishing Priest’s new agenda with this latest chapter. Healy’s writing locks in on the cold reality of this team’s drive. Vitti & Ribeiro delve into Priest’s reaction to the chaos. An intense look at a bold new future.
Let me know your thoughts on THE SCORCHED #53 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
