HARBINGER WARS # 1 Review

HARBINGER WARS # 1
Written by Joshua Dysart & Duane Swierczynski
Art by Clayton Henry, Clayton Crain, Mico Suayan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

       Almost a year ago now, Valiant relaunched. Now, we have their first major event. And I can honestly say this starts off with a bang. We get introduced to more Psiots and you find how this issue not only sets up the events but also a look into what Project: Rising Spirit has really been doing. There are a lot of new characters this issue but you still see the major players: Pete and the Renegades, Bloodshot and his group of kids, Harada's crew & finally, Project: Rising Spirit themselves. You get all that? That means 4 different factions. Technically, there is a 5th faction which makes this all the crazier.

      We start looking at the role that Pete is supposed to play in this while we get the first face to face between Harada & Bloodshot that ....

ART:

   This book has 3 different art styles. These art styles are very distinct. Crain's hyper detailed painted look. Henry's classical comic style. Suayan's own interesting mix of art. Yet, these three styles are utilized extremely well throughout the book. Each act of the story has a different art style, which works for the book.
Crain's art is gorgeous and really shines with his pages featuring the new Harbingers. Meanwhile, Henry & Suayan give strong showings. The fact that each act is split between artist makes the reading experience less daunting over the changes. Suayan's art seems a bit darker but I present that is due to the surrealism behind Pete's scene at the time.

  Reber's colors are fantastic. He really does a tour de force helping each different style look their best while having a kind of color cohesion. He makes the best of the art put out by the 3 artist and works on all their strengths to give vivid, pleasing works.

   The artist changes is only a slight gripe cause it can feel daunting but over all, a superb job by the artistic team.


WRITING:

     Writing wise, it was an excellent first issue. It gave you the characters. It gave you the final sparks that start the fire. We get an introduction to a slew of new characters that seem interesting. We get ourselves another leader in Cronus. Dysart & Swierczynski pace this book to perfection, letting the events of what happened in Bloodshot and Harbinger to spill organically in this first issue on top of the new developments.

     The characterizations were enjoyable. Torque just feels like a fun character. And the stakes continue to be high. Dysart & Swierczynski grab you with each of the acts and hold tight. You are enthralled from the moment you open the book till the final panel where you will say "Shit just got real!" 

    Really strong writing makes this book a must read and have.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

     Okay. I was interested and scared when they first announced Harbinger Wars. I guarentee that this is an event worth getting. It takes what has been done in the other titles and meshes the events well with its own major event. The characters are appealing, relatable and fun. The art is fantastic, even with the multiple artists. Harbinger Wars # 1 is how ALL EVENT COMICS SHOULD BE LIKE!

    With a dynamic and explosive plot, art that will just floor you and characters that you will love (and or hate on purpose), Harbinger Wars # 1 really sets it up well. I cannot wait for the rest of the event.


RATING:

       The art change is the only thing that works against it but it only does that barely.  Get this book! I give Harbinger Wars # 1 an 8.5 out of 10.