REVIEW: 'Scout's Honor' #4 by David Pepose, Luca Casalanguida, and Matt Milla

Since the days of the Final War, the Ranger Scouts of America have honed their survivalist teachings for a singular purpose: to conquer the radioactive horrors of the Colorado Badlands.

But after discovering the truth behind the Ranger Scout doctrine, Kit is driven into the post-apocalyptic wilderness and left for dead. With a savage predator on her trail, Kit must use eve-ry ounce of training to survive - but after all she's sacrificed, can this true believer endure los-ing her religion?

SCOUT'S HONOR #4

Writer: David Pepose

Artist: Luca Casalanguida, Matt Milla

Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual

Publisher: Aftershock Comics

Release Date: April 14, 2021

Cover Price: $3.99

Score:

★★★★★ (5/5)

One of the remarkable things about 'Scout's Honor' is the pacing that allows for so much to happen in only four issues so far. This is first and foremost about Kit's journey and her awakening about the deceit and treason of the Ranger Scouts. Issue four is a pivotal moment for Kit's growth as she's exposed for illegally entering the Eagle's Nest, learning of Dr. Hancock's fate, and worst of all, breaking the third law, being a girl scout. It's been quite the arc for Kit in such a short time which has made this series so exhilarating. 

Face to face with the Scoutmaster, Kit is accused of treason and sentenced to death. The cult leader seems unfazed by her allegations, reveling in the need to have strife with the Highwaymen to keep people loyal to the scouts for their protection. It's all a scam and Kit is finally free to be herself even in the face of certain death. She escapes to the Badlands and has to fend for herself. It's this sequence in the Badlands that despite the danger from Hellspiders, lightning, and acid rain, that Kit reaffirms her beliefs even the doctrine of Hancock, and emerges reborn and free. She's finally allowed to live her truth beholden to no one. She's lost everyone she's cared about and now she's been abandoned by the organization she gave everything to. And yet, she maintains her faith and plots her revenge. Kit's bravery, toughness, and resiliency allow her to fight through every adversity and it's inspiring. 

The story comes to life with the incredible art from Luca Casalanguida and Matt Milla. The dystopian landscape of the Colorado Badlands is grueling, unforgiving and Luca's designs are cinematic in scope with some effective action pieces. Luca lights the fuse so Milla can explode with some eye-popping colors. Literal explosions layered in bright colors and gorgeous gradient of complementary colors in some panels that are simply brilliant. Carlos Mangual's lettering is just as striking as the crack of thunder and lighting fill the pages with more and more ferocity. 

'Scout's Honor' #4 is a turning point for Kit that changes everything. Pepose and company continue giving readers their money's worth in this fast-paced adventure chockful of drama, action, and danger. You won't find a better time in comics than 'Scout's Honor.'