WARNING! Spoilers ahead forScarlett#4G.I. Joeis about to launch a new ongoing series set in theEnergon Universethis November, but before the war between the Joes and Cobra begins, another one is brewing on the other side of the world. The latest issue of theScarlettminiseries sees the Cobra terrorist organization enter Japan to take control of the secret weapon that the Arashikage have in their possession, leading to an all-out ninja war in Skybound’s new continuity.
Coming from the creative team of Kelly Thompson, Marco Ferrari, Lee Loughridge and Rus Wooton,Scarlett#4 finds the title character successfully infiltrating the Sato buildings controlled by the Mugenonami clan to retrieve the Arashikage’s mysterious weapon.
The previous issue ended with ahelicopter bearing the Cobra insignia arriving on the scene, as the classic enemy of theG.I. Joefranchise enters the fray to do battle with the Arashikage ninja over the secret weapon. The end of this issue reveals what the fuss is all about, as theArashikage weapon is revealed to be a glowing magic sword known as the Inochi No-Ken – “the Sword of Life.”
Cobra Troopers Storm Japan as War Breaks Out With the Arashikage
The Cobra organization is still new in the Energon Universe, having been formed byCobra Commander at the end of his own self-titled miniseries. Seeing them show up inScarlettis a big deal, as it meansthe terrorist organization is beginning to come out of the shadows and stage major operations in full view of the public. It also means that fans get to see the new Cobra Troopers in action, as they take on the Arashikage ninja in a slam-bang action scene that would make John Wick himself proud.
Even more intriguing is the Inochi No-Ken itself. While there’s no such sword in previous iterations of the franchise,the blade’s pinkish-purple glow suggests it might be somehow powered by Energon. That would also explain Cobra’s interest in acquiring it, as Cobra Commander has been on a relentless search for Energonfollowing his capture of Megatron in the hidden society of Cobra-La. Storm Shadow takes control of the sword in the very last panel of the issue, something that Scarlett comments is a “game-changer.” Whatever properties or powers the sword possesses, it sounds like Scarlett isn’t wild about the idea of it being wielded by Storm Shadow.
“Inochi No-Ken”: The Arashikage’s Secret Weapon Revealed
With only one issue to go,Scarletthas certainly raised the stakes for its story of double agents and ninja action.How the “Inochi No-Ken” fits into the larger story of the Energon Universe remains to be seen, butthe launch ofG.I. Joe#1in November means the battle against Cobra will continue as Skybound’s shared continuity continues to grow. Scarlett, Storm Shadow, Jinx and the rest will likely show up in the newG.I. Joeseries, continuing the ongoing saga of theEnergon Universewell into its second year.
Scarlett#4is on sale now from Skybound Entertainment
