Grrl Scouts: Magic Socks #5 Review

Grrl Scouts: Magic Socks #5
Writer/Artist: Jim Mahfood
Colourist/Letterer: Justin Stewart
Publisher: Image Comics

A review by Stephanie Pouliotte

The penultimate issue of Grrl Scouts: Magic Socks has finally hit the streets, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve been itching for my fix all month! So remember how I said last issue that Mahfood had put the brakes on the plot with some extended set up and that we were seriously lacking some Gwen and Rita action?

Well Grrl Scouts: Magic Socks #5 opens with the two Grrl Scouts who still have a pulse crashing into a full page spread, armed to the teeth in the midst of their epic battle (televised of course) with Josie’s crew.

It seems like all of Freak City has turned out to watch the downfall of the Grrl Scouts, and even partake in the killing themselves. Josie’s social media following has turned into a fevered witch hunt, but they don’t realize who they’re standing against. To say there were some civilian casualties is an understatement, but even though it may seem gruesome, Mahfood’s exaggerated tone is pretty clear and he cuts the edge off with some hilariously casual and well-timed remarks.

As for Daphne, well she’s still tripping “on the other side” with Raoul Duke. Like most people who partake in some questionable stuff, she’s on a journey to discover “her truth” — whatever the means (you actually do find out exactly what that means.) Speaking of questionable stuff, and without revealing everything that happened on Daphne’s trippy-truth vision quest that makes me seriously stoked for next issue (why do you do this to us Jim?!), Daphne you’ve done some pretty bad things in your life, but passing off oregano to unsuspecting people as weed, that’s just wrong Grrl!

I am in love with the interior title page, with Gwen and Rita silhouetted as they bail from their armored car, falling right into the thick of things. The last two Grrl Scouts standing are a force to be reckoned with and that intensity visually translates as Mahfood tears up each panel. The most gorgeous artwork happens on the other side with Daphne, and though it’s some great stuff by Mahfood, Stewart’s coloring is what really sells the tone.

Verdict
Buy it! If Mahfood hit the brakes a bit last issue, then he cranks it to the highest gear in Grrl Scouts: Magic Socks #5. It’s basically absolute mayhem, and I loved it. Usually this is where I say: “Seriously, how are you going to top this one Jim?!”, but considering what Daphne’s been up to on the other side, I don’t doubt the conclusion will be the craziest issue yet.