Comic Books

Scales & Scoundrels #1 Review

A new fantasy series that’s well worth a look.

September 5, 2017

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New comic series from Image Comics seem to sprout up every other week (or maybe every week some months) so it’s no surprise a new fantasy series is out this week. That said, you don’t see such awesome titles in new series quite like Scales & Scoundrels, which instantly caught my eye. Bring it on!

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So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

It’s hard to make an honest living in a land brimming with magic and mystery, and treasure hunter Luvander is tired of being a penniless adventurer. Ever in search of gold and glory, she sets off for a fabled dungeon, “the Dragon’s Maw,” an ancient labyrinth, at the bottom of which slumbers endless wealth…or certain doom! But what starts out as a road to riches becomes the first step on an epic journey to destiny, for Luvander holds a secret in her heart that will shatter the chains of fate and bring light to a world encroached upon by an ancient darkness. Writer SEBASTIAN GIRNER (SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER!) and artist GALAAD are proud to present SCALES & SCOUNDRELS, a colorful and exciting new monthly fantasy adventure from Image Comics, for scoundrels of all ages!

Why does this matter?

Writer Sebastian Girner seems to be on a roll with inventive all-new series as he’s also the co-writer of Shirtless Bear-Fighter. Who gave him the right to steal all the cool comic names this year?! This series is taking fantasy quite seriously so if you’re a D&D player, or just love all things fantasy know you’re in good hands.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

There’s a great detail in environmnets throughout the issue.

The art on this book is quite nice by Galaad; he brings a cartoony look somewhat reminiscent of Skottie Young, but with an edge that keeps it feeling grounded and somewhat adult. It’s dubbed an all ages book, but the detail put into the environments makes it feel a step above. There’s also a great use of color with pinks and purples populating scenes and making the world feel magical and otherworldly. The design of the main character Luvander is eye-catching, with the perfect amount of attitude that should have folks young and old alike drawn in. In a key scene showing the reader Luvander’s past, Galaad draws an excellent double page montage; it’s beautiful art but also great at revealing the rich backstory in a way that intrigues and doesn’t tell too much too soon.

Girner’s script is skilled at pulling you in as well. From a barroom brawl that shows off Luvander’s seemingly magical abilities (too early to tell if it is magic) to the not so heroic acts she may enact to keep herself fed, Girner makes ensures this main character is complex and interesting. As with any good fantasy, Girner also pulls a band of heroes together more or less in an new and interesting sort of way. Like any good multi-casted series Girner has varying personalities in play which should be fun to explore as the issues come in.

This is also one of those series that doesn’t give you too much info up front and that adds a bit of mystery and intrigue that’ll be fun to uncover. There’s a danger that not enough details will drop as time goes on, but as far as first issues go there’s just enough to pique your interest.

The main character is pretty tough.

It can’t be perfect can it?

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If there was just one more page revealing what Luvander will be doing with her new band! Maybe it’s a good thing I’m quite interested to see what is next, but it does seem somewhat bad form to not at least tell us what the big adventure will be! The characters are set up, a villain too, but where are these heroes going? I wanna know now!