Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps # 23 Review

BLOODSHOT & H.A.R.D. CORPS #23
Written by Duffy Boudreau & Christos Gage
Art by Al Barrionuevo, Brian Level, Allen Passalaqua & Matt Milla
Lettering by Dave Sharpe
Valiant Comics

This is a spoiler free review.

                It is the showdown between Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps. Everything changes after this.

THE GOOD:

                Bourdreau and Gage do an excellent job of deconstructing the status quo as we get to see the end of Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps. We get some closure with strong characterizations with Flatline, Major Palmer, Kozol and Bloodshot. The dialogue is extremely strong with great narrative and good set up for H.A.R.D. Corps in the future. Bloodshot gets some decent development as he makes his move but still knows a friend from an enemy. Flatline steals the show with an awe inspiring characterizations and a great ending for her character.

                Barrionuevo and crew do an outstanding job with the art chores this issues. The colors and shadows were just right. The panels were expressive. The tone of the story and scenes were captured perfectly. The action was dynamic and we got some really great detail from Barrionuevo. From the opening panel to the final one, each one is full of detail and depth. Kudos to this art team for an outstanding issue.

THE BAD:

                This issue was strong writing wise but a bit crammed. With a few more pages, it would have been perfect.

THE VERDICT:

                Overall, a wonderful issue … just need a bit more pages.  Great art. Good closure and enough danging plots for something in the future. A good way to end this storyline. I give Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps #23 a 4.5 … out of 5.

Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps # 25 Review

BLOODSHOT & H.A.R.D. CORPS # 22

Written by Duffy Boudreau & Christos Gage
Art by Al Barrionuevo & Matt Milla
Valiant Comics

This will be a Spoiler Free review.

                We open with a conversation between Bloodshot and Genius that ends abruptly.  It ends so abruptly that Bloodshot now must face his former team … and there will be blood.

THE GOOD:

                This issue kind of throws you for a loop. The status quo that has been established shatters to a million pages within the first few pages. Barrionuevo and Milla bring their A-game as their art really shines. The coloring is dark yet fitting for the story. Barrionuevo brings enough detail and power to each panel, showing great emotion and action. The panel angles were great as well.

                Writing wise, Boudreau and Gage leave one hell of an impact in their first collaboration. The body count helps as well as we lose a little more of the team.  The dialogue is pretty top notch and feels very much in character for everyone. The pacing was good and was pretty good over all.

THE BAD:

                The shift , while building for a little while, I believe came a bit too soon. But again, that is my opinion. This plot development feels slightly forced compared to the tone of the series. Otherwise, it’s a solid issue.

FINAL VERDICT:

                This is a good start to the what seems to be a new status quo. As to what it is? Not sure yet but  an interesting ride. Yet, I still wish this had waited a bit longer before developing. Still, a good issue.  I give Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps # 22 a 7.5 … out of 10.

1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 15

SHADOWMAN # 15
Written by Peter Milligan
Art by Roberto de la Torre, Al Barrionuevo, Brian Level, David Baron & John Rauch

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Jack faces a major mistake of his past in order to see if it will ease his mind and stop the blackouts.  Meanwhile, the Abettors make moves to make sure that Jack would be the LAST Shadowman.

ART:

                De la Torre, Barrionuevo and Level do an excellent job this issue with continue to setting up a great looking book. From the moody backgrounds that look haunting in sunlight, to Jack’s face dealing with the emotional pain of what he had done, our artists really pour a lot of great detail in the work this issue. De la Torre definite hits his stride well this issue with some stunning panel work while Barrionuevo and Level aren’t slouches with their panels conveying a lot of emotion as well.

                Baron and Rauch do a great job with colors. The shading and color are utilized extremely well.  The amount of color does really well setting mood for the panels and giving the book its more horror, thriller appeal. There is a certain level of ambiance too the book that just makes it interesting. A superb job by the art team this issue.

WRITING:

                After the first two issues of the new direction, I will firmly state that I am being won over. The characterizations this issue was really strong.  The plot bears some wonderful fruit this issue as the Abettors and  Jack come to head in a very neat and logical way.  Milligan continues to add personal elements and making sure the history that he added comes to bare as the conflict gets brutal at the end. The characterizations were equally amazing with Jack and Alyssa showing some real growth and development.   Milligan does a great job giving some powerful dialogue that work with the well done art. 
                The pacing was done perfectly and the overall issue was just exquisite. Solid writing by Milligan.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This is definitely a large step up from the last two issues. I feel after my initial dislike of the new direction, this one wins me over.  The art is great and the story is good.

RATING:

                A much better issue. Made me a believer in Milligan work in Shadowman. I give Shadowman # 15 a 9 … out of 10.