Advance Review: Scarlett Couture - The Munich File #1 (of 5)

A few years back, practically four to the date of this book’s shipping date, creator Des “Des Pop” Taylor set the new Scarlett Couture book loose on the Madefire Motion Book platform. This was an exercise in giving comics some life with the addition of sounds, music and motion. I am not sure how successful the experiment was after all, but after spending time with Scarlett and her gang, thanks to Titan Comics publishing the series, you can see that the book has more than just the legs!

Six months after Project Stardust, the Covert Investigation Group, and their top operative Scarlett Carver, are tracing clues leading to LADON a computer program designed to access, override and basically subvert an enemy’s computer system. Think the recent MI movie and you get the idea. Please bear in mind, this book predates MI by the aforementioned four years! For Scarlett and co. its business as usual; guns, legs, fashion all at break neck speed!

Des Taylor is the “do everything” creator responsible for the ongoing adventures of Scarlett. Taking the writing first, it would be easy to get lost in the art. Taylor knows this and ensures that the plot has enough twists, turns and intimations to go with the super fast pace. Whilst you may think this means that dialogue is at a premium, nothing could be further than the truth. Taylor manages to mix in exposition in a way that moves as quick as the action. To keep readers guessing there are a few surprises that should keep you on your toes. It’s a spy book but with more than a hint of glamour thrown in.

It is fair to say that Taylor is probably more well known for his art and this book is no exception to that rule. Every page is chockfull of details and focuses on character movement. The girls look fantastic in every situation, be it running for their lives, driving like maniacs or basically chillin’ in a flimsy nightgown. Almost equally impressive is the dedication to martial arts with particular detail being given to the scissor leg choke. The colors work well in a kind of over the top way that scream digital art, of which it has to be said, Des Taylor is a master!

Scarlett Couture is a fun, sassy, sexy female heroine, I don’t even mind the the hair change from red (my favourite) to blonde. For those that missed the Madefire Motion Book, this “new in print” edition is great way to either acquaint or reacquaint yourselves with Miss Carver and her glamorous, gorgeous, violent and sexy world!

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 5 Stars

Created, Written & Art by; Des Taylor
Published by; Titan Comics

Scarlett Couture – The Munich Files #1 is due in shops August 9th

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network