REVIEW: 'Scout's Honor' #3 by David Pepose, Luca Casalanguida, and Matt Milla

 Forced to confront her suspicions about Ranger Scout society, Kit undertakes the grueling Eagle's Guard Trials on her quest for the truth - but standing in her path is Dez, the Scoutmaster's son and her oldest friend. And Dez is not going to let this badge of honor go without a fight...

SCOUT'S HONOR #3

Writer: David Pepose

Artist: Luca Casalanguida, Matt Milla

Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual

Publisher: Aftershock Comics

Release Date: March 10, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

Score:

★★★★☆ (4/5)

After a surprising and awkward kiss between Kit and Dez things have only gotten more contentious as the Eagle's Guard Trials are set to begin. Dez is feeling the pressure trying to get the approval of his abusive father who also happens to be the cult leader of the Scouts. He's got to perform and standing in his way is his best friend and his father's favorite, Kit. With a seemingly unrequited romantic pass in the last issue and the looming trials ahead, Dez is feeling desperate. 

Meanwhile, Kit has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Still reeling from her father's murder she trains incessantly in preparation for the trials. She's also harboring information that could upend this entire patriarchal society. All this while trying to hide the fact that she's a girl. She has to work three times as hard to prove her mettle and stay one step ahead of everyone from the Scoutmaster to the Highwaymen. Despite knowing the Scout's deity, Dr. Hancock, was killed by their very own she sticks to the Scout's code that's been ingrained in her for years. However, digging up more evidence in the murder of Hancock could prove disastrous. 

Pepose has spoiled readers with jam-packed issues so far and this issue is no exception. It's a lot to take in with nary a second to process it which can be good and bad. Nonetheless, Pepose is giving readers their money's worth and then some. In Kit, we have a dynamic and resilient heroine that's defying the odds as she navigates this male-driven world. It's inspiring to see and her character shines through with each chapter. Pepose has his Katniss, his Ripley, his Sarah Connor. 

Luca Casalanguida, Matt Milla, and Carlos M. Mangual continue to do excellent artwork and lettering. They all combine their talents to produce an intimate dystopian landscape that feels eerie and dangerous. Shadows abound during night scenes sure, but also in the confined spaces, the characters find themselves. Even in the daylight, there's a menacing atmosphere. Perhaps it's from the saturated bold colors that Milla uses or the shrieks and noises that are punctuated by Mangual's lettering. Together the action is fast-paced and effectively choreographed which makes each page riveting. 

'Scout's Honor' has not let up. Kit is one of the best heroines in comics right now and has proven her mettle over and over again. Pepose has written a fast-paced action thriller in tandem with fantastic art and lettering from Casalanguida, Milla, and Mangual. If you like 'Mulan' or 'Hunger Games' then you'll love 'Scout's Honor.'