1st Impressions: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 3

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 3
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Trevor Hairsine, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Brian Reber & Guy Major
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Xaran and Gilad end up going shopping as they are monitored by a group called the House of the Wheel. Yet, this does not go unnoticed as the two make their way to the Geomancer. As the father/daughter duo continue on their path, we find out exactly what Xaran’s done for the last several thousands of years. As Gilad and Xaran track the Geomancer, some frightening revelations come about.

ART:

                I give it to Hairsine, Bernard and Sicat. Their art is a great blend. And while Hairsine’s style is a bit rougher, the transitions between both styles is near seamless visually. There is a good amount of detail from both artists as Bernard really get to stretch his artistic muscles here with flashbacks of Xaran’s past. Hairsine continues to deliver some very impactful panels while still being a bit gritty; which fits for Gilad, the Eternal Warrior. There were some great angles, panel composition and exceptional displays of emotion that was put into these pages this issue. I also give it up to the artists for doing a great job making sure everyone looked distinct.  Major and Reber do an outstanding job coloring the issue with just the right tones and colors to give the book its gritty, yet cultured appeal. Great use of backgrounds and anatomy by Hairsine and Bernard. A really solid job by this art team this issue.

WRITING:

                Pak really dives into Xaran this issue, fleshing her backstory out and really making her better for it. Readers will come to understand why Xaran is the way she is and Pak does this with a style and smoothness that makes melted chocolate jealous. Xaran’s development really gives her a more multi-layered body and is a testament to Pak’s writing abilities. Gilad himself has gotten some really great development as a father who understand his daughter is an adult who challenges his beliefs. It is a really interesting look on how a parent walks away from something they strongly believe but is picked up by the child.

                The pacing of the book is perfection while the dialogue is witty, insightful and full of life. When it needs to be fun, Pak does fun but still maintains Gilad’s more serious nature. Xaran’s arrival has softened it some but definitely a welcome look into the immortal warrior. The plot itself gets a nice jump this issue as we find out much more about the Geomancer, the House of the Wheel and Nergal than we could have anticipated. And the cliffhanger was COMPLETELY from left field. Kudos to Pak for writing such a great issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This book continues to just get better and better. Gilad definitely feels more multi-layered. So does his daughter. The art was great. Pak is creating a mythos with Eternal Warrior that will stand the test of time among some of the greatest in comics history and this issue definitely proves it.  DEFINITELY pick up this book.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 3 a solid 10 … out of 10. Buy it Wednesday, November 20^th!

1st Impression: Shadowman # 9 Review

SHADOWMAN # 9
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Neil Edwards, Roberto Del Torre, Lewis LaRosa, Rocco Martellacci, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Andrea Cuneo & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                It’s the final show down between Jack and Darque during this issue as the two clash in the Deadside. Darque’s full plan is revealed as he is using the souls he corrupted to give him power and build a tower back to the land of the living. And it’s starting to work.

                Meanwhile, Baron Samedi does his best to rally the free spirits in the Deadside against Darque and his forces. As they join with Jack to face off against Darque … a sacrifice is made in order to stop the mad sorcerer.

ART:
                The art for the issue varied because it had a VERY LARGE, variety of artists (pencilers & inkers), that put their stamp this issue. And that lead to feeling a bit disjointed visually while reading the book.  There was some really spectacular art in there by Edwards, Del Torree  and another but there was some art that just was TOO simplistic, and clashed with the rest of the book. I am not saying that they are bad artists. I am just saying that it was NOT the right mix.

                Overall, most of the backgrounds were detailed. We saw multiple characters and a wide range of emotions. Reber does his best to keep the multiple artists construct that is Shadowman #9 together through his colors. With the exception of one or two … he succeeds.  Reber is really proving himself to be one of the best colorists in the business ….with the right colors and right tones for the right scene.

WRITING:
                This writing this issue was superb. It was a strong closing to the story that began about 6 months ago now in Shadowman # 5.  There were high stakes. Good amount of character development.  A right mix of action with emotion. Colorful characters and great pacing. This current storyline really continued to set up the status quo for Jack … which seems to be that NO ONE is safe.

                There is a great pace for the story as it reaches its climax and the payoffs are well worth it. My own disdain for the comic is the inclusion … or lack there of  Dr. Mirage.  She was introduced in the beginning of the arc then just dropped.  And she wasn’t in this issue and I can understand why but still feels like she was supposed to have a big part in the storyline.  Other than that, I really feel that Jordon establishes that NO ONE is safe around Jack and that their fight with Darque is very deep and personal one.

                 The issue was paced well.  The dialogue was interesting, concise and clear. Jordon also enriches the story by making sure that the stakes and the prices paid were personal to Jack and the others.  A great job overall by Justin Jordon.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Good book. Strong finish but the multiple artists worked against this issue and the lack of explanation for Dr. Mirage  hurt it, but not too much. Solid book to read.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 9 a 7.5 out of 10. It’s a good book. It could be better but still good conclusion that will grab you and don’t let go.