Title: Scalped, Vol. 5: High Lonesome
Author: Jason Aaron
First published October 27, 2009
128 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781401224875 (ISBN10: 1401224873)
Rating: 4.33
Overview
Jason Aaron and R.M. Guéra return with the fifth volume of Scalped, a gripping crime drama set in the heart of Native American culture. Dashiell Bad Horse, the once-troubled young man who fled the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation fifteen years ago, is back, and he’s ready to take on the corruption and organized crime that have taken over his home.
With his trusty nunchucks and a fierce determination, Bad Horse is determined to make a difference. But the arrival of a new player in town threatens to upend everything he’s worked for.
In Scalped, Vol. 5: High Lonesome, Aaron and Guéra pull back the curtain on a world of deceit, danger, and redemption, taking readers on a thrilling journey through the dark heart of America’s heartland.
Collecting issues #25-29 of the acclaimed series, this volume is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and graphic novels alike.
About the Author
Jason Aaron was raised in a small Alabama town. His cousin, Gustav Hasford, who authored The Short-Timers, a semi-autobiographical novel that inspired the film Full Metal Jacket, was a significant influence on Aaron.
As a child, Aaron wanted to write comics, and although his father was doubtful when he revealed this goal, his mother took him to drug stores where he purchased books from spinner racks, some of which he still owns.
Aaron’s career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), which gave him the chance to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron submitted his work to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story, The Other Side, which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries. Aaron regards this as the “second time” he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther, and eventually an extensive run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008.
His ongoing work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline and a “Secret Invasion” with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, Aaron signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker’s Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented that “With Wolverine: Weapon X we’ll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story, but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre.” In 2010, the series was relaunched as simply Wolverine.
He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
Editoral Review
Scalped Volume 5: High Lonesome, authored by the talented Jason Aaron, is a gripping crime graphic novel that builds on the dark themes and imagery of the series. From the outset, we are transported to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where the story unfolds amidst a cluster of events that converge with each other.
The fifth instalment of the series continues the saga of the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation, infusing new layers of complexity into the already intricate storyline. The novel revolves around several characters struggling with their own demons, primarily Chief Red Crow and his erstwhile protg, Dashiel Bad Horse.
As the story progresses, we get to witness their interactions and confrontations amidst violence, grudges, loyalties, and betrayal. The strength of the novel lies in its vivid descriptions of the environment, themes, and characters.
Aaron’s writing punctuates the already evocative artwork of artist R.M. Guera, bringing to life the poverty, addiction, trauma, and systemic racism that pervade the reservation. The emotional depth and complexity of the characters are also notable, especially that of Dashiel Bad Horse who continues to be a fascinating antihero.
Moreover, the underlying message about the importance of preserving cultures, traditions, and connections to one’s roots is evident throughout the novel. Aaron effortlessly portrays the struggles of the characters in retaining their identities in a world that is increasingly hostile to their existence.
The historical and cultural significance of the novel is also undeniable, with the portrayal of the harsh realities of Native American life on reservations. However, the novel’s pacing can feel sluggish at times, especially with the plethora of subplots that require resolution.
The excessive violence can also be a turn off for some readers. In the end, Scalped Volume 5: High Lonesome deserves high praise with its engaging story, poignant themes, and exceptional characters.
The novel is a must-read for fans of the genre and enthusiasts of graphic novels in general. Its relevance to current issues in society only adds to its value as a work of art.
It is interesting to note that Scalped has potential as a television series, given the captivating elements of the source material.
With that said, this novel contains graphic and violent content that may not be suitable for all audiences.
Therefore, I would recommend this graphic novel primarily to mature readers who have an interest in crime fiction, graphic novels, or the portrayal of Native American reservation life. I would rate Scalped Volume 5: High Lonesome with 4 out of 5 stars for its strengths in storytelling, character development, and themes.
