THE SCORCHED #32, by Image Comics on 8/7/24, pits The Scorched against former teammates for the right to control a powerful demonic force.
Credits:
- Writer: John Layman, Todd McFarlane
- Artist: Stephen Segovia
- Colorist: Dinei Ribeiro
- Letterer: AndWorld Design
- Cover Artist: Von Randal (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: August 7, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $2.99
- Page Count: 28
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THE SCORCHED #32:
First Impressions:
This review is going to be a quick review because The Scorched #32 is a quick read, but in this case, that’s a good thing. John Layman and Todd McFarlane deliver the next chapter with speed, energy, and efficiency to keep the arc moving in a relatively entertaining comic.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the team in The Scorched #31, Jessica Priest, aka She-Spawn, reluctantly agreed to go back to work for Jason Wynn and The Agency. Meanwhile, Overt-Kill is no longer a prisoner of The Agency, but his new allies may have questionable motives, and Jessica must confront Overt-Kill and her former teammates when they both race for the same prize.
In The Scorched #32, we begin with a brief flashback to the remaining Scorched members as they discuss Overt-Kill’s repairs and his place on the team. Kilgore is apprehensive about Overt-Kill’s murderous tendencies, but giving Marc the task of repairing Overt-Kill’s cybernetics appears to be good for both of them.
John Layman pause the momentum of the conflict from the end of the last issue to underscore how Overt-Kill’s presence on The Scorched isn’t sitting right with everyone, given his past. Although brief, that scene creates a small amount of interpersonal conflict that keeps the drama factor high.
Now, Jessica and Bishop face off against Overt-Kill, Haunt, and Redeemer for control of Zab, who they believe can be used as an immense power source. Jessica and her allies flee, tossing grenades behind them to stave off their powered former teammates. However, their flight is short-lived when they run into General Zhiren and his team.
What was a two-way battle turned into a three-way battle for control of Zab. Layman and McFarlane make the most of Jessica’s tactical prowess to buy her team a chance, which elevates her character significantly.
When General Zhiren’s brutes attack, Overt-Kill, and The Scorched intervene. Then the scene devolves into chaos. The issue concludes with three becoming two, a lethal strike, and a knowing smile.
Overall, The Socrched #32 is a quick but entertaining read. Layman and McFarlane move the plot forward, raise the stakes, and tease the idea that Jason Wynn isn’t as in control as he thinks he is.
Artwork and Presentation:
Stephen Segovia’s artwork is outstanding in this issue. Except for the opening flashback, this comic is all-action, so you get explosions, energetic choreography that looks effective, and even a fair bit of gore (They don’t call him Overt-Kill for nothing). Visually, Segovia does a fantastic job.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
Of all the Spawnverse titles, The Scorched is possibly the least focused on the fallout from the Heaven/Hell War and Nyx’s ascension to the throne. Yes, the absence of power for most of the team is an obstacle that needs to be overcome in each issue, but the effects of the Dead Zone are treated as an afterthought.
Final Thoughts:
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THE SCORCHED #32 is a fast-paced, action-filled, issue that pits current Scorched members against former Scorched members, and nobody is pulling punches. Layman and McFarlane’s script may be quick, but you get solid character work, plot movement, and meaningful action. Plus, Stephen Segovia’s art is excellent.
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