Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Scarlett #5G.I. Joe’sStorm Shadow just claimed a powerful new upgrade taken straight fromTransformerslore. In Skybound Comics' “Energon Universe” which features their variousG.I. Joe,Transformers, andVoid Rivalsseries in one shared continuity, Scarlett’s recent infiltration into the Arashikage Clan has seen her joining forces with bothJinx and Storm Shadow. To that end, the final issue of Image’sScarlettminiseries features the Arashikage’s retrieval of an impressive new weapon with her help.
In Image Comics’Scarlett #5by Kelly Thompson and Marco Ferrari, Shana O’Hara aka Scarlett continues to earn the Arashikage’s trust on a mission to retrieve the weapon known as the “Sword of Life”. To that end,the issue begins with Storm Shadow himself claiming the sword, mere moments before the arrival of several Cobra agents who want the relic for themselves. However, it’s immediately apparent that this is no ordinary blade:
Glowing with pink energy,it’s confirmed in the issue by Cobra Commander himself that the Sword of Life is powered by energon, the very same power source thatoriginates from the planet Cybertron and is used as fuel by the Transformers themselves. To that end, it’s abundantly clear that Storm Shadow has just become a major force to be reckoned with (even more than he already was).
Storm Shadow Returns The Sword of Life To The Arashikage
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Evading Cobra, Shana eventually decides to stay with the Arashikage by the issue’s end. Understanding that a position with such a closed-off and influential ninja clan is rare and won’t likely happen ever again,Scarlett chooses to maintain her cover, continuing to gain trust and credibility with the Arashikagealongside Jinx who’s doing the same.This will likely be a good thing, especially because Storm Shadow is now the permanent wielder of the Sword of Life.
Both Scarlett and Jinx assumed the blade would go to the Arashikage’s Hard Master.However, it seems the return of the fabled sword to the clan is seemingly a symbol, heralding a “new phase” of the clan going forward with Storm Shadow leading the way with the powerful blade. That said, the details of this new era remain scarce following this final issue ofScarlett.
What Will Storm Shadow & The Arashikage Do Next?
(Whose Side Will They Be On?)
At the moment, Storm Shadow looks to still be a loyal member of the Arashikage.Cobra Commander#5did confirm that the titular leader does have his eye on the ninja warrior alongside other factions and operatives. However, there’s been no indication that Storm Shadow will join forces with Cobra (at least not yet).
Additionally,Storm Shadow likely doesn’t have a reason to leave or betray the Arashikage as he has in previousG.I. Joecontinuities. After all, it’s worth noting thatStorm Shadow’s brother-turned-rival Snake Eyeshas yet to debut in the Energon Universe. At any rate, it’s going to be very exciting to see what Storm Shadow does next with such a powerful weapon in his possession, one that has seemingly granted him a key leadership role within the Arashikage Clan going forward.
Scarlett #5is on sale now from Skybound and Image Comics.
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joeis a long-running franchise centered around a line of action figures produced by Hasbro, which has expanded into a wide array of media including comic books, animated series, and films. The franchise is known for its depiction of an elite military unit, G.I. Joe, fighting against the terrorist organization Cobra. Over the decades,G.I. Joehas become a significant cultural icon, particularly in the United States, with its slogan “A Real American Hero.”
Transformers
Transformers is a multimedia franchise consisting of movies, TV Shows, video games, and comics. The franchise centers on a race of humanoid robots called the autobots who must protect Earth from the Decepticons. Some of the most popular characters include Megatron, Optimus Prime, and Bumblebee. In 2007, the first live-action movie in the franchise was released starring Shia Labeouf.
