1st Impressions: BLOODSHOT & THE H.A.R.D. CORPS # 16

BLOODSHOT & THE H.A.R.D. CORPS # 16

Written by Christos Gage & Joshua Dysart
Art by Emanuela Lupacchino, Guillermo Ortega, Brian Reber & Sotocolor
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Bloodshot and Palmer get introduced to even more new recruits to H.A.R.D. Corps by Kozol; and let me tell you, these recruits do not make Bloodshot or Palmer happy. Genius, Vagabond and Flatline get quick intros and a bit into their backstory right before they head out to face Harada and collect Bloodshot’s nanites back. Yet, Harada is alerted to a break through with the nanites while Kozol wants Superstar to get something from Harada … without telling Bloodshot and Palmer.

ART:

                Lupacchino continues to astound as she really has her footing in this book. Characters are very distinct. The violence is gory yet still some what stylish in her style. Some great clean pencil and ink work from Ortega and her as they really create some interesting and vivid panels. Body language and emotion were made clear through their work. There is also a great sense of panel composition as some of the panels had great angles.  Reber and Sotocolor provide perfection in coloring; giving the right tones and shades to scenes to fit the scene and mood. A really strong showing by Lupacchino and the rest of the art team.

WRITING:

                Gage and Dysart give us an issue full of action, characterizations and interesting plot twists. The new characters in the book definitely help build upon what Dysart and Gage are establishing here. The group feels more mixed with this newer characters. I also enjoy that both Palmer and Bloodshot are seemingly sharing leadership … while Bloodshot is the commander of the H.A.R.D. Corps, Palmer is still weighing in. I definitely enjoy the relationship that is building between them. All the characters save for Granite and Discipline. But given we did see a lot of them last issue, it was okay. And I do love that Gage and Dysart continue to keep the Valiant Universe feel like a universe with more appearances of Harada. While he certainly has an impact, he does not overshadow anyone else. And the twist in this issue was definitely unexpected to say the least. It will definitely make you want to come back for the next issue and afterward, depending on how they develop said twist. The pacing was excellent and the dialogue was very believable and top notch. Gage and Dysart prove their mastery over the written character with this one issue alone. Great job by this scribing duo.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This book continues to just kick a$$! Yes. I am being slightly unprofessional but I could not come up with a better way to say this.

RATING:

                I give Bloodshot & the H.A.R.D. Corps # 16 a well deserved 9.5 …. Out of 10. Buy this Wednesday, November 20^th, 2013.