Scarlet Traces: The Great Game #1

European Comics
Scarlet Traces: The Great Game #1
By Hervé St-Louis
July 23, 2006 - 17:04

Dark Horse Comics
Writer(s): Ian Edington
Penciller(s): D’israeli
Inker(s): D’israeli
Cover Artist(s): D’israeli

Lady Charlotte is back from reporting about England’s war on Mars but nearer home, greater forces are at work trying to coopt society into a fascist nation. Other countries oppose England, of course but what can they do against the one nation who has vigorously protected Earth from Martian invaders. Lady Charlotte is drawn the middle of all these political matters as she becomes a first hand witness and reporter of the destruction of an entire television broadcasting station. Is England still safe for democracy? This story picks up right after Scarlet Traces, published in 2003.

This story felt a lot like V for Vendetta and Give Me Liberty. However as remarkable as this story with an elaborate alternate timeline and universe is, there are severe plot inconsistencies. The shadowy old man controlling Britain ordered his lieutenant to scare Lady Charlotte’s newspaper publisher because his death would give liberals a cause to oppose the state. Yet the thugs that attack him kill quickly. Seems like the chain of command was working properly or that the author gave way to a sensationalist plot event to make Lady Charlotte take a stand. It lacks further thoughts.

The artwork is great and looks like something created in continental Europe. The characters look like they come from another era which is great as this is how the series is set up. Yet the mix of early 20th century visuals with large spaceships creates something far different from any Flash Gordon or Buck Rogers’ serials. The colouring is responsible for many of the mood changes in the story. It looks great.

7/10