The Scorpion #2
Published and © by Atlas (Seaboard), May 1975
Title: “The Devil Doll Commission”
Synopsis: When an eccentric financier goes missing, the Scorpion gets pulled into a case plagued by voodoo and zombies.
Writer: Howard Chaykin
Penciler: Chaykin
Inker: Chaykin, Bernie Wrightson, Michael W. Kaluta, Walter Simonson and Ed Davis
Review: While not as well crafted as Scorpion #1 (see review), this second issue by future comics-master Howard Chaykin is another winner. The writer/artist mixes a little horror into the adventure stew this time out, and the results are good, pulpy fun. Visually, Chaykin is already a top-notch storyteller, but the extended cast of inkers –including other Bronze Age up-and-comers like Michael W. Kaluta, Bernie Wrightson and Walter Simonson – is just a bit inconsistent. With the exception of over-the-top sexuality – missing from this Code-approved comic – Scorpion #2 includes everything readers have come to expect from a Chaykin comic.
Grade: A-
Cool factor: Chaykin. Doing a pulp, period piece. With the help of friends.
Not-so-cool factor: The Ernie Colón cover continues the Atlas (Seaboard) tradition of covers that have little to do with the story inside.
Character quotable: “The Scorpion is not a charitable institution.” – Moro Frost, adventurer and businessman
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on May 6, 2010.
