Comic Book Review: Tart #1- A Brand New Demon Slayer

By Nolan P. Smith

I knew nothing about Tart when I pre-ordered the first issue from Scout Comics. The cover looked great, and Scout has consistently delivered amazing stories, so I felt compelled to give it a shot. After reading the first issue, I am 100% on board with Tart, and cannot wait for what is next. 

From writer Kevin Joseph and art by Ludovic Salle, the book caught me by surprise. In the 1950s, a young boy has vanished, leaving everyone baffled. Except for Tart Acid, our fierce and crimson-haired protagonist who seems to be a demon hunter of sorts. Tart tracks the boy, realizing he has been taken by a demon away from this world, which prompts our heroine to find a way to the demon realm, which includes shaking down some low-level demons in the process. The story gets even more twisted when she is transported to the home of the demon, rocking an all-new outfit and ready to fight. The showdown with the demon is a great moment, very strong and emotional. In the end, we see Tart in an impossible situation once again, leaving us wanting more on the very last page. 

But that is how it goes with Scout’s Nonstop! Imprint. We get one issue, followed by the full trade paperback a few months later. This was the delivery method used for The Forever Maps last year and is a brilliant way of bringing in new readers. Kevin Joseph has written a very action-packed and enthralling tale of a new heroine, ready to hunt down the evil of the world and look amazing while doing it. Ludovic Salle’s artwork is nothing short of amazing- from the beautiful Tart to the demons to the essence of the time period captured in the setting and background; this book looks fantastic. 

Tart is a breath of fresh air when it comes to the realm of demon slayers. Scout Comics has another fantastic property on their hands, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the story when the trade paperback drops. 

Rating: 9.5 out of 10. 

Nolan P. Smith is the Editor and Co-Founder of Pastrami Nation. Being a reporter for the past ten years, he has worked for a variety of media outlets, from newsprint to the ever-evolving internet platform. Residing in Victorville, CA, writing has always been a significant aspect of his life. You can usually find him at comic book conventions, looking for more amazing books to dive into, or at the gym at odd times of the night. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter @nolanpsmith, and Instagram @kakooee.