- Writer: Rick Remender
- Artists: Lewis LaRosa
- Colorist: Moreno Dinisio
- Letterer: Rus Wooton
- Designer: Erika Schnatz
- Editor: Will Dennis
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
The tagline for new series THE SCUMBAG describes this story as well as any “The world’s fate rests with the worst person on it.” To pay off on that lofty claim, the first issue spends the first half the book establishing just how horrible Ernie Ray Clementine is. He’s not ‘super diabolical villain’ scumbag. No, he’s ‘dirtbag loser’ scumbag. He’s both revolting and funny. He manages to be both completely unlikable and yet, you are kind of mesmerized by him in all his nasty glory.
The first issue serves as an excellent introduction to the main character. Just when we see old Ernie hit what hopefully is as low as a person can go, the book shifts to the ‘fate of the world’ part, introducing the stakes and showing us how Ernie falls into it. The end of the issue sets up the rest of the story quite nicely.
The art is quite intricate, effectively showing just how gross Ernie is, showing the stubble and face weathered by hard living. There are also impressive little details, like the logos on clothing and the shocked faces of people in a crowd. The bright hologram effects also stand out in an otherwise purposefully grimy story.
This is definitely a title for adults, with blood, drug use, and cursing. It will be interesting to see where this SCUMBAG goes next.
THE SCUMBAG #1 is set for release on October 21st.
Check back in a few weeks for my thoughts on the second issue (set for release on November 25th) of this series
Are you going to pick up the first issue of this series? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
