Allegheny Teen Center Reading Program #3 - Scalpedcast pt 3

Summary: Hank 300 and Nick 237 tag team Scalped Vol. 3: Dead Mothers, analyzing (hehe "anal") its rich characters and themes. In this story arc, we're introduced to Mr. Brass. He's a torture-happy enforcer that poses a problem for Red Crow's tenuous balance of crime and justice on the rez. Does Mr. Brass enhance the story by adding complexity? Or does he detract from it with his over-the-top violence? We also meet Sheriff Karnow, a caricature of crooked country cop (alliteration!). Is Karnow a welcome addition to the rich cast of characters? Or does he alter the emotional tone of the story with his buffoonery? Finally, we follow up on last week's discussion of Scalped's lack of substantial female characterization. We question if Scalped's constant use of female nudity (albeit realistic nudity) is better or worse than the idealized sexualization of the female body often found in superhero comics. NEXT: Scalped Vol. 4: The Gravel in Your Guts and a retrospective tribute to Esther McGillson, the ATC's treasurer from 1976-2012.