The Coming of Mister Scarlet (Wow Comics #1)

Special prosecutor Brian Butler debuted as a fairly focused fighter facing ferocious felons. Immediately, it was revealed in his first appearance that he had a dual identity, although thus far no further details were provided as to his alter ego of Mister Scarlet. Some of the questions left unanswered:

1. How did he receive the extensive training needed to attain such physical feats as he will demonstrate in his costumed crusade?
2. What motivated him to become a mystery man, as superheroes of his day were then known?
3. Why, oh why, would he clad himself in scarlet spandex from head to toe, complete with a yellow cape referred to as a "beach towel"?
4. How far back does his colorful crimefighting career go, as a criminal in story refers to him by name alluding to an established reputation.
5. Who is Cherry Wade, the dependable secretary of Brian Butler who seemingly knows of her boss' nighttime activities?
6. When did Brian and Cherry realize that they loved each other, as first he declares his affection to her and later she returns feelings back towards him?

The story begins with a mystery relating to the murder of a city councilman. Butler as special prosecutor is tasked with the case of ascertaining who is behind this, which he promises the council he will learn within 72 hours. Instead of inquiring the police as to investigating this crime, Brian launches into his first chronicled case as Mister Scarlet, tracking down a stool pigeon Rocco who leads him to councilman Jonas Ludwell. Seems like he was right in not asking for the help of the local flatfoots, as a beat cop named O'Mahoney knows that Rocco, as a hitman, doesn't deserve to be walking free down the streets of this unidentified city, yet lets him keep on strolling. However, a note from Scarlet tips off Officer O'Mahoney that Rocco is best behind bars.

Before visiting the crooked councilman, Scarlet swoops into the flat of Cherry, awaking her from her slumber to pen a letter to be delivered to the Council. Then, he visits his prey Ludwell who is accompanied by gangster Mike Shannon, and despite overwhelming numbers, Mister Scarlet is able to take out all of these goons. Pieces fall in place, as the mystery mastermind soon stands revealed!

The next day, Butler meets with the City Council, and reveals yet another not heretofore referred to councilman and "financier" named Warren Crane is the puppeteer behind these sinister schemes. Ascertaining from paperwork which Scarlet purloined from Shannon, the politician who had been slain was tired of being a pawn in the underworld's schemes, and was thus eliminated. Case closed, although the depths of corruption in Butler's city merits his attention, clad during the day in a suit and at night in sensational spandex.

A few amazing things occur in this initial story. First, Mister Scarlet seems to effortlessly glide from rooftop to rooftop, and carries a firearm for which he keeps in his holster. He doesn't use it except to threaten Rocco, yet the grim grimace he uses to stare down various hoods is either a convincing act or a deeply disturbing sense of anger brewing within him. The nature of this has yet to be revealed. Although as plainclothes Butler, he decks Crane as glibly as Scarlet did with hoods, showing that Brian has no fear of his alter ego being discovered.

Still, it is the relationship with Cherry Wade that will continue to define and refine the characterization of Brian for years to come. The subtext with their relationship indicates a deep affection restrained by... something. But what is not yet identified, although we can answer the following questions:

• Supporting Scarlet: The only recurring character to appear in this tale is Miss Cherry Wade, as she will be known through the years. Is she just an assistant, a romantic interest, or just a confidant. Time will reveal how their roles as supervisor and secretary will develop and reverse as circumstances change.

• Red Romance: Once more, Miss Wade seems to vacillate between hot and cold with her supervisor.

• Menacing the Mister: No lasting adversaries, except for the evil that festers within the city.

• Crimson Capabilities: Surprising agility and acrobatic feats displayed. Possibly some gadgets. Keep an eye on his piece, which is much more than a gun.

• Fawcett Facts: Gotham City is identified as the burg that Butler/Scarlet protects.

Definitely modeled after a Dark Knight published elsewhere, we will see many comparisons between Mister Scarlet and Batman. From the tortured temperament and weapon wielding during their early days, each would be tempered by significant sidekicks they'd both soon meet...