Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 23

In this prelude to Armor Hunters we see Aric get taken on a new mission to space to search for something interesting. Well, it looks like that won't be hard to accomplish at all.

Writer - Robert Venditti

Artist - Diego Bernard

Publisher - Valiant

Story

Aric is tasked with a mission to outer space to look into the debris of a wreckage of a Vine ship and possibly recover something that can interest Uncle Sam. Simple enough for the X-O Manowar.

Of course though there's going to be something that will complicate matters. Something that is such a big obstacle that it can possibly even become Aric's main problem. The dialog and most importantly the tension building with this foray into space is quite well done. However it wasn't anything I wasn't expecting. Well, mostly what I wasn't expecting. There was one scene in the beginning of the issue where I have to wonder if Vendetti has been hanging out with Fred Van Lente or James Asmus because it's a scene that would be right at home in Archer and Armstrong or Quantum and Woody. That was quite a welcome change of pace. There's also the villain himself, while nothing much is known about him his design raises a lot of questions, especially about his connection to the Manowar armor.

Art

Although I admit I did see a lot of this issue's story coming, it was still pretty entertaining and the art is a big reason why. The characters have a presence to them, especially Aric which is what you want since he's always described as quite an intimidating person.

The action looks great too, movement and hits and explosions look great. The art has this added touch to the action that I don't see in many other comics where it doesn't just look good, it looks deadly. Like every punch or shot has a consequence of pain or even death.

Verdict

I already mentioned that this issue was a little bit predictable. However that didn't make it any less enjoyable. Possibly because the action and art were so good. There is good dialog in there, and some character exploration for Aric and his wife and for the woman who gives Aric his orders. I recommend picking this book up it's solid and makes a good segue in Armor Hunters. I give X-O Manowar an 8.5 out of 10.

First Look: PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS Hungers for X-O MANOWAR #24!

First Look: PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS Hungers for X-O MANOWAR #24!

 

Valiant is proud to present your first look inside X-O Manowar #24 from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and superstar newcomer Diego Bernard! Before ARMOR HUNTERS #1 arrives this June, jump on board here for an essential prelude to the summer's blockbuster 18-part crossover event – ARMOR HUNTERS!

Aric of Dacia, a fifth-century warrior bonded to alien armor and transplanted to the modern day, is now the most important weapon in the arsenal of M.E.R.O., the top-secret American intelligence organization that monitors extraterrestrial life on Earth. In order to protect his people, Aric must undergo dangerous missions in space, but nothing can prepare him for the stunning secret that awaits him in the stars.

Who – or what – is the man called Malgam? Find out here on April 16th as the march toward X-O Manowar #25 – and the coming of the ARMOR HUNTERS – continues with a can't–miss introduction to this summer's biggest and most brutal comic book event right here X-O Manowar #24!

This summer, Earth will be the greatest hunt of all... ARMOR HUNTERS is coming!

X-O MANOWAR #24 (PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art & Cover by DIEGO BERNARD (FEB141467)
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY (FEB141468)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/16/14 (FOC – 3/24/14)

X-O MANOWAR #25 (ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI with PETER MILLIGAN, JUSTIN JORDAN, and More!
Art by DIEGO BERNARD, BRYAN HITCH, J.G. JONES, RAFER ROBERTS, and More!
Covers by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC and BRYAN HITCH (MAR141400/MAR141401)
Armors Variant by ARTURO LOZZI (MAR141402)
Throwback Variant by SEAN CHEN (MAR141403)
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON (MAR141404)
$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE 5/21/14 (FOC – 4/28/14)

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 22

Directly tied into the events of Unity # 4 comes X-O Manowar # 22.

Writer - Rober Venditti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

After the events of Unity # 4 Aric gets back into action, this time with the United States at his corner. The issue's story is all a build up to something that seems to be the next story arc.

Rober Venditti does a great job of adding a sense of foreboding throughout the issue. Even with all the peace and happiness you see in the beginning, you can't help but feel something sinister is in the works.   As cliche it is for me to say, the story really is gripping.

Art

Cary Nord's lines always looks good. The coloring style introduced in this issue is fantastic as well and probably more likely to be liked by a majority of people. Though I did like the way the recent previous issues were colored I do realize that the style wasn't as widely liked.

Verdict

If you read Unity # 4 it's a no brainer that you should read this. If not it's still highly recommended but I recommend picking up Unity as well. This story is well written and has great action and sense of atmosphere. I give X-O Manowar # 22 a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Unity # 4

The epic crossover event Unity continues on with it's twisting story. 

Writer - Matt Kindt

Artist - Doug Braithwaite

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Livewire, Ninjak and Gilad concoct a plan to go after who they feel is the real threat.  That's all that will be said for the details of the plot so as not to spoil what goes on. 

The dialog in this issue is the shining point here. When the characters speak to each other about what they have planned or on why they're doing what they are doing you really feel that they really do have their own thoughts, motivations and personalities. None of the characters feel like cardboard cut-outs. Which, sometimes can be a downfall of a series like this with so many characters to have to keep track of.

Art

The art in this has a wonderful sense of action. It conveys all the fighting and super powers used clearly and with a great sense of dynamism. 

Verdict

With the great dialog and phenomenal action in this issue and with the plot totally switching from what you thought it was with it's first two issues this is a must read. I give Unity # 4 a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 21

Coming off the heels of the events in Unity # 3 comes X-O Manowar # 21!

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

As mentioned above, this issue takes place right after Unity # 3 and follows what happens with Aric right after the big events happening then.

Before reading this issue, it's best if you read Unity # 3 as the impact of this story will be felt and the transition from the last issue to this one won't seem weird. Although, the comic does a good job of not leaving you in the dark on exactly what happened. So, it's not required but it is recommended.

The story in this issue focuses on Aric's new plans; which are mainly the safety of his people, who all happen to be incarcerated along with him. The story gets filled out with flashbacks to Aric's youth and we see like we have in previous issues why Aric fought to keep the land he proclaimed to be for his people. They've been in captivity so long and he has had to see his people with bars and fences around them for so long that he's utterly sick of it. We also see the starts of what seems to be a new arc for Aric in this issue. A government agent explains to Aric that they didn't get what they wanted out of him but that it seems that he can have other uses. Without spoilers, of course, it seems that these other uses will lead to a new story arc and that it seems right to keep the name X-O Manowar for this series.

The pacing is really well done and the dialog is really intriguing. Aric, speaking to the government agent,  was pretty cool and something I see that can be in a movie.

Art

I have mentioned before that I like the art style the series is using right now. The color palette reminds me of old Street Fighter promotional art.

I am aware there are people who find the art style strange or don't like it however. It is still technically well done though and the art won't detract from enjoying the story. You might not like it, but, in this review, I say it's excellent.

Verdict

Valiant's comics lately have been hitting us with crazy curveballs and X-O Manowar is no exception. For that, I stopped guessing what might happen in future issues and just enjoy the ride. Coming right after Unity # 3, X-O Manowar melds action, suspense and even a little mystery for what turned out to be a fantastic comic. I give X-O Manowar # 21 a 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: X-O Manowar issue 17

X-O Manowar is back in the Straight Forward eye of scrutiny. Last issue saw some nice tension building and was a worthy buy. Is this issue worth looking at too or is it a skip?

Review by Jeremias de León

Publisher Valiant Comics

Writer Robert Venditti

Artist Lee Garbett

Story

This issue starts off at a slower pace than the last one with Aric and his people starting to live on Earth. There's a nice contrast being shown throughout the issue of what Aric is going through and what his subjects are going through. The dialog in this issue comes off as pretty natural for the people Aric rules over. You really do feel that they're from another time and place when they interact with normal society.

There's also the buildup to what Valiant has been promoting with Aric and pretty much the rest of the Valiant universe. We see what some of Aric's subjects do when they decide to act on their own and the tension between the world governments and Aric building.

Art

The art has this very nice style to it that makes it look like each panel caught a moment. The line art pulls of flowing hair and wrinkling clothes and curling facial expressions beautifully. Every panel really did look like a snapshot.

Verdict

Although the taking a break in action is a fine thing to do for character development and for plot details to pop up, I felt like it took a little too much time on Aric's random subordinates who think they shouldn't be farming. I know it was there for a very important reason, I just felt like it could have been about 2 or 3 pages less about them and that those 2 or 3 pages could have been used showing the tension growing with Aric and the world governments.

Other than that it's a fantastic issue, not everything can be just flat out action and they did the right thing slowing things down to develop things. I just felt somethings could have used more developing and other things didn't need as much. I give X-O Manowar an 8.5 out of 10. Still a very worthy buy.

Straight Forward Reviews : XO Manowar issue 16

Aric of Dacia has freed his people and has his revenge on his captors. What will he do now? Not that I'll tell you exactly since this is spoiler free. But I will tell you if it's worth picking up!

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

In a very short, I'm going to leave out a lot of details summary: the story sees Aric and Eternal Warrior relationship expanded upon a bit. There's fighting between the two, there's some story focusing on what Aric is going to decide to do now that the threat of the Vine is behind him and there's a glimpse into what the rest of the world that sees him as a threat are planning.

The story actually moved along well this issue. This issue is more about the psychology of the characters rather than any specific events or plans and they do a nice job of conveying all these different things about them, mainly Aric though.

There's also the dialog between Aric and Eternal Warrior about their different ideologies and it's very interesting. Whether you're a martial artist or psychology major or just someone who likes to ponder about human nature, it's actually something worth thinking about. No complaints about the writing here.

Art

Though it's been a little while since I last reviewed an X-O Manowar book I do remember my comments about the different artists who's been on the book since the Valiant relaunch. I was basically saying that X-O Manowar had my top 3 favorite sequential art. It's even better this time around. The action in this issue is so visceral and has such a great feeling of motion that I have to say it's still in my top 3 most well drawn comics. It had me stopping in awe to look at some panels over and over again.

Verdict

X-O Manowar starts an extremely big event in Valiant's universe and from the beginning to the end of the book you get that perfect feeling of tension and stakes and just what kind of consequences we can expect that it's hard not to say pick up this book. Matter of fact I can't find any reason to not say pick up this book. X-O Manowar issue 16 gets a 9.5 out of 10.

1st Impression: X-O MANOWAR # 16 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 16
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open our issue with more on Gilad’s relationship with Aric. Gilad was once Aric’s teacher, many, many years ago.  In the past, Aric was using brute force to win his battles. Gilad taught him stay alert, be aware of your surroundings and that every battle is different. Cut to the present day after Eternal Warrior schools our ‘hero’ a little … in front of his uncle’s crown.

                Gilad is about to lecture our boy again but Aric has had enough. Gilad looks to have the upper hand when Aric decides to use the X-O Manowar armor. And things REALLY get interesting. Eternal Warrior and X-O Manowar have a brutal battle where it ends with someone’s arm being literally broken to the point where we see bone.

                Meanwhile, the US government continues to monitor with a drone when they get a call … from a very familiar Valiant Hero. Here’s a hint … It’s not Armstrong.

 ART:
                This art this issue was, overall, good.  Garbett does a solid job with some pretty intense pencils that give us some good movement as well as sharp inks from Gaudiano. Garbett’s style also looks a little different here.  And after looking at it a second time, I realize why. This issue, Garbett and Gaudiano seemed to find some middle ground style to Garbett’s normal style and Nord’s style. It may be due to the inks but there is definitely a similarity of texture this issue that was not there in last issue.
                Yet, I give Garbett points for a sincere great showing as we got to see a clash of the titans as Aric faced off against Gilad again. The battle was brutal and Garbett and Gaudiano definitely displayed it as such.  Baumann did a solid job with colors … even making sure things are darker within the museum; giving much of the issue that extra air of ominous doom to come. A good job by a good art team.

WRITING:
                Venditti writes an extremely solid issue. We really get into Aric’s temper, his relationship with Gilad and begin the set up for UNITY; which will debut this fall. Aric firmly believes that what he’s doing for the descendants of his people and himself is right; claiming the lands of Romania as Dacia.  Aric is so full in his conviction that he battles his mentor. It is only later that he questions himself; which gives way to profound character development for him.
                This was also wonderful development to Gilad, whose own book starts next month. Venditti  makes sure the story stays personal and ups the ante in a very gruesome but relatable way. Aric was not about to back down and wanted to prove that he is , indeed, a King. Whether he actual does is a different question.  With great pacing, personal pride added to the stakes and some very human conversations that are relatable, Venditti pens a masterful issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                The art was good and in some places, great. But that is my only real gripe.  Still, solid job by the art team and stellar writing from Venditti. Dear God when that arm got broken … Sheesh.


RATING:
                Good art. Great writing. Solid issue. I give X-O Manowar # 16 an 8 out of 10.


                

Preview: X-O MANOWAR #16

X-O MANOWAR #16 Charges Toward UNITY!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #16 from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and fan favorite artist Lee Garbett! Before UNITY arrives this November, witness the march toward the comic book event of 2013 as X-O Manowar claims a sovereign nation as his own – and incites the wrath of the world's most feared warrior!

X-O Manowar and the Eternal Warrior. Once they were brothers-in-arms, comrades sworn to the same cause. But now that X-O Manowar has occupied the ancestral lands of his people in modern day Romania, they'll find themselves on opposing sides of a battle for the very fate of civilization itself. As the world watches, two of Valiant’s most fearsome heroes will meet once again – and the outcome of their latest clash will decide the fate of us all.

He dismantled the Italian military. He crushed MI-6. He annihilated Planet Death. Now find out find out why X-O Manowar is the universal threat behind the war that's coming in X-O Manowar #16, on sale August 21st!

For more information on X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

X-O MANOWAR #16

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JUN131323)

Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (JUN131323)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 8/21/13

1st Impressions: X-O MANOWAR # 15 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 15
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open to Aric on Earth in a museum, thinking about how much as changed as he looks at a crown.  We flashback to space where Aric readies the former Vine human slaves for returning to Earth. And, in Aric’s grand “wisdom”, he lands in Europe … Romania as a matter of fact and claims it to be the new home of the Visgoths.

                This only leads to trouble 2 other things happen this issue: 1 – the United States track the spaceship’s landing. And 2 – Eternal Warrior shows up at the museum in front of Aric. We find that Aric was Gilad’s former student back those many, many centuries ago. Gilad though confronts Aric, asking politely to stop what he’s doing. And … it does not end very well.


ART:

                Lee Garbett’s art has stepped up a notch since we last saw him. His pencils are a bit sharper and a little more detail (almost Coipiel-sque in some places) and it is a very welcomed change. The added detail is only amplified by Gaudiano’s inks. The duo gives an impressive showing in this issue with detailed people, crazy backgrounds that are diverse and full of life and a great amount of panel composition and emotion.

                Everyone looks very distinct. The very time-shocked slaves still have garb of their past and it really stands out against the many things, such as the space ship and the modern day people of Romania. Garbett and Gaudiano’s work is only intensified more with a great showing from Baumann with his colors. The very large differences between the space ship, outer space, the secret bunker in the US, Romania and the museum have very distinct colors that match the panels and emotions of the scene.  It really captures the feeling and moods of the moments in the book. From fear to anger, this art team conveys it well from the first panel to the last this issue.


WRITING:

                Venditti writes a strong first issue in this new arc. There was a lot of character development from our hero as well as Gilad.  The fear from the former Vine Slaves to return home was assuaged by Aric … who gives an extremely impressive speech to them. It really shows how Aric has grown as a leader in some ways. Yet, by far the driving force and my particular favorite part of this issue was when Aric did meet up with Gilad. Venditti sets up familiarity with the two right away that gives off that there is a respect between the two men that runs deep. Which Venditti has no problem deconstructing after building it up within the same conversation. Venditti sets up that Aric still has some very major flaws and readers will actually be divided on which of the two Valiant heroes to side with at the end of this issue.

                Venditti sets up a multi-layered conflict that will have both personal and professional ramifications for both Aric & Gilad. The added bonus of the United States monitoring the situation as well as the slave’s fear of the present day Earth opens so many possibilities for this story. Venditti proves that while Aric has grown since the first issue, he still has some ways to go. And Gilad proves that he has also learned more from his last appearance in Archer & Armstrong, going in diplomatically at first.  Really great job by Venditti.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The art was great. The pacing was excellent. Our hero can be seen in so many different ways right now and Venditti plays with that so well. Honestly, Garbett should get a raise alongside Gaudiano and Baumann because the art this issue was sinfully good.


RATING:

                This was even better than last issue. Honestly, a near perfect opening to a new arc and I am excited. I give X-O Manowar # 15 a 9.5 … out of 10. Pick it up tomorrow.

Straight Forward Reviews: X-O Manowar issue 13

Planet Death continues in X-O Manowar. What happens when Aric interacts with other Vine and humans on the Vine home world?

Review by Jeremias de Leon


Story

Aric goes to the Vine home world and sees how his people have survived as slaves for the Vine and sees that not all Vine see him as a threat. We get some backstory about Aric and the Visigoths early on in the issue. Then it's mostly action from there on.

The writing in this issue really does Aric justice especially. It explores his motivations and history and fleshes him out. The dialog is written well too, the characters all have believable interactions for people out in space who are slaves and all of a sudden see a guy wreck their masters in a way that would've seemed impossible. Even though it's about a magical armor wearing alien killer, people act realistically or as realistically as you would imagine they'd would.

Art

The art in this issue is gritty looking with a slightly sketchy look but still pretty detailed. The action scenes in this issue are done really well, which is a definite plus in this issue since it is mostly action scenes. The use of color on the Manowar armor's sword and projectile is brilliant and the motion of Aric's body and the enemies reactions to his attacks is brutal. I applaud Cary Nord pencils and Moose Baumann's colors.

Verdict

The issue does a great build up in the first few pages then goes into EPIC fighting and leaves with a cliffhanger. You might be a little lost if you didn't read any previous issues but there's a recap at the beginning of each Manowar issue including this one and it does a good job with it's recap, so as long as you read the quick synopsis you'll be fine in this issue.

X-O Manowar has good storytelling and fantastic action if you love great action and you don't want it to be brainless this is the comic for you. I give this issue a 9.5 out of 10.

Preview: Planet Death Rages on In X-O MANOWAR # 13

The Battle for PLANET DEATH Rages in X-O MANOWAR #13

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #13 by the best-selling creative team of Robert Venditti and Cary Nord! Reunited with the remnants of his people on the alien world of Loam, X-O Manowar is about to bring PLANET DEATH to its knees!

 

As Aric of Dacia grapples with the realization that the Vine aren’t the only race on the world he intends to conquer, will his surprise compatriots offer him refuge or rivalry? Meanwhile, the Vine's leaders are about to launch their most devastating attack yet, one that will push the X-O Manowar armor to its limits and beyond. 

 

The stakes are raised and the table is set for the epic battle from which no one — human or Vine — will emerge unchanged when the penultimate chapter of PLANET DEATH arrives in X-O Manowar #13, in stores May 15th!

For more information on X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

X-O MANOWAR #13

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR131330)

Variant Cover by RYAN SOOK (MAR131331)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 5/15/13

Comic News: A NEW Manowar Comes in X-O Manowar # 10

A New Manowar Rises in X-O MANOWAR #10 - Prelude to PLANET DEATH!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #10 by superstar creators Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine! Planet Death looms! A new X-O Manowar rises! And nothing can stop what’s coming. The battle-worn road toward the most ambitious X-O Manowar event ever kicks off right here in Prelude to Planet Death — Part 2 (of 2)!

 

With the Vine invasion fleet waiting in orbit, Aric of Dacia is forced into the one battle he never wanted, against the strongest, most horrifying opponent he’s ever faced. This adversary doesn’t want the X-O Manowar armor. It doesn’t want Earth. It only wants Aric — dead. The winner will hold the fate of everyone, human and Vine, in the palm of his hand. Because before this fight is over, the armor will reveal that it wields far more destructive potential than anyone could have possibly imagined.

 

Be here on February 20th as Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine conclude the introduction to Planet Death, the epic storyline a year in the making, only in X-O Manowar #10!

And be back in 30 days for the explosive FIRST ISSUE of Planet Death in X-O Manowar #11, featuring the return of Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord!

 

To keep up with the next great happenings for X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 2 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #10 – ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (DEC121266)

Variant Cover by CARY NORD (DEC121267)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

 

Planet Death – Part 1 (of 4):

X-O MANOWAR #11 – ON SALE MARCH 20th!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JAN131298)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (JAN131299)

Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (JAN131300)

Wraparound Variant by BART SEARS (JAN131301)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

 

Planet Death – Part 2 (of 4):

X-O MANOWAR #12 – ON SALE APRIL 17th!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC (FEB131162)

Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (FEB131163)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

 

Planet Death - Part 3 (of 4)

X-O MANOWAR #13 – ON SALE MAY 15th! 

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR131330)

Variant Cover by RYAN SOOK (MAR131331)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Comic News: Your First Look Inside Planet Death in X-O MANOWAR # 11

Your First Look Inside PLANET DEATH in X-O MANOWAR #11!

 

USA Today today debuted the first look inside Valiant's new star-studded story arc,PLANET DEATH, launching on March 20th in X-O Manowar #11!

Reuniting the chart-topping creative team of New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord, Planet Death is a story a year in the making – and one that will have massive consequences for Aric of Dacia as he mounts a one-man revenge mission against an entire alien world. The invasion is here – and X-O Manowar is the invader. This is PLANET DEATH!

 

Aric of Dacia, a 4th century Visigoth armed with the universe’s most powerful weapon, is all that stands between the Earth and all-out annihilation at the hands of the alien race that abducted him from his own time. Now, the day of Aric’s reckoning has finally come. As his Visigoth forefathers sacked Rome, Aric will take the battle directly to his oppressors on the Vine homeworld of Loam. He will decimate their armies, he will level their cities – and he will not stop until the whole of their empire is reduced to ash.

"One of the great tragedies of Aric's character is he grew up under the heel of the Roman Empire, and he never got to see the Visigoths have their day," Venditti told USA Today. "While his uncle Alaric was sacking Rome on Earth, Aric was a prisoner of the Vine in space. His experience with the Vine has led him to equate them to the Romans, though, and now they've become the focus of his anger. That doesn't bode well for them."

 

Running through X-O Manowar #11-14, PLANET DEATH is a perfect place to jump on board one of the most acclaimed series in comics. With the first installment of the two-part Prelude to PLANET DEATH in stores now, find out why this is the comics event that has fans and critics raving – then get a sneak preview of PLANET DEATH – Part 1 (of 4)in X-O Manowar #11, only at USA Today!

 

"A GREAT jumping on point… You won’t be disappointed." - Ain't It Cool News

 

"Holy crap this thing is awesome… Bring on Planet Death." - IGN

 

"Everyone should be on board with the direction Venditti is taking X-O Manowar and this Planet Death storyline is a great spot to join in on the action." - Bloody Disgusting

 

"A mingling of high intrigue and blistering battle sequences, this…is an all out adrenaline rush that never lets up to take a breath!" - Cosmic Book News

 

"One of the most highly anticipated story arcs in comics… What can only be described as the beginnings of a modern sci-fi masterpiece…" - Comic Hype

 

"[Planet Death] is what everything has been building towards, and it is…going to get crazy, awesome, and totally fun…" - Talking Comic Books

 

"With this much action and excitement in just the prelude, I can’t wait for the main event!" - Stumptown Trade Review

 

"The perfect jumping on point… Once you try this action-packed series I promise that you will have it in your pull box at your local comic shop the next day." - First Comics News

 

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 1 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #9

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (NOV121333)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (NOV121334)

Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (NOV121335)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE NOW!

 

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 2 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #10

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (DEC121266)

Variant Cover by CARY NORD (DEC121267)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE - 2/20/13 (IOD - 1/31/13)

 

Planet Death – Part 1 (of 4):

X-O MANOWAR #11

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JAN131298)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (JAN131299)

Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (JAN131300)

Wraparound Variant by BART SEARS (JAN131301)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE - 3/20/13 (FOC - 2/25/13)

 

Planet Death – Part 2 (of 4):

X-O MANOWAR #12

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC (FEB131162)

Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (FEB131163)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 4/17/13 (FOC 3/25/13)

Valiant Preview: Enter Ninjak in X-O Manowar # 5

VALIANT PREVIEW: "Enter Ninjak" Begins In X-O MANOWAR #5

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc pitting X-O Manowar against Ninjak and a perfect jumping-on point for new readers! Join New York Times best-selling author Robert Venditti (The Surrogates) and acclaimed artist Lee Garbett (Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne) as the sudden arrival of the X-O Manowar armor on Earth ignites an extraterrestrial arms race – one that Ninjak will aim to win by any means necessary. 

After a failed brute force attempt on the life of Aric of Dacia, Vine agents deep within MI6 have only one option left in their gambit to retrieve the X-O Manowar armor – call in the deadly mercenary known as Ninjak! But what happens when the world's foremost weapons specialist engages the Earth's most powerful weapon head on? And even if Ninjak can defeat the armor's defenses, does he stand a chance against the savage warrior that controls it?

Start reading here as Ninjak makes his shocking first appearance in X-O Manowar #5! And ask your local retailer today about how to get your hands on the X-O Manowar #5 Pullbox Exclusive Variant by chart-topping artist Philip Tan (Batman & Robin) and the X-O Manowar #5 Interlocking Variants by comics superstar Patrick Zircher (Captain America)!

X-O MANOWAR #5 – ON SALE SEPTEMBER 12th!


Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by MICO SUAYAN (JUL121254)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PHILIP TAN (JUL121255)

Interlocking Variants by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JUL121256/JUL121257)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

X-O MANOWAR #5 - Standard Cover
X-O MANOWAR #5 - Pullbox Exclusive Cover
X-O MANOWAR #5 - Preview Page #1
X-O MANOWAR #5 - Preview Page #2
X-O MANOWAR #5 - Preview Page #3
X-O MANOWAR #5 - Preview Page #4
X-O MANOWAR #5 - Preview Page #5

First Impressions: X-O MANOWAR #1

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
X-O MANOWAR (2012) # 1


Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Cary Nord & Stefano Gaudiano
Valiant Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez 


INTRODUCTION:

    X-O Manowar was one of the original titles back when Valiant first came out back in the 90s as it went toe to toe with Image Comics for the # 3 comic book company spot. The story of the warrior Aric of Dacia helped fill Valiant with an iconic character that they could build much around. And they did. X-O Manowar had a game. It was one of Valiant's longest running titles.  A man from the past thrown into the present; thanks to aliens and he has advanced, alien armor. And did Valiant made it work. But then, Valiant fell ... not once but twice. So it has returned again. And here is where we pick up at ... a whole new beginning.


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     At the heart of this, we are learning about Aric of Dacia and what happened to him and his people when they were abducted by aliens. Aric, at the time, was fighting alongside his family and the Visgoths against the Romans when Aliens decided to come to Earth and ... well, take some people along.


WRITING:

    With in this first issue, you learn a lot about Aric and at the same time, you learn a little about everything else.  But it is just enough to care. Aric was fighting alongside his family and the Visgoths against the Roman Empire ... and were losing. Yet, you see Aric being proud, stubborn and down right insane as he actually rallies the outnumbered Visgoths into battle. That says a lot about him.

  Aric seems very determined in many of his situations. And I enjoyed Venditti really establishing Aric has this fallible yet heroic character. He knew his father was mortally wounded but would refuse to except that or the despair that would have gone along with it. He set up this one grand setting and then get us another, different yet just as epic setting and did so almost seamlessly.  It worked and worked well. While the other characters in the book seem inconsequential, this is the first issue of a solo book and the hero did shine.


ART:

    I have to give it to Cary Nord. His pencils in this book have never looked better. And I am very familiar with Nord's work, as I followed his work on Mutant X during the late 90s and his work with Daredevil and other titles throughout the decade and a half. Here, Nord's pencils are strong, defined and very gripping. He sets up the characters looks and backgrounds extremely well. Added with Gaudiano's inks, showing us where Aric came from and where he was going felt grand and epic, as a first issue of a solo title should.

  The battle between the Visgoths and Romans were a spectacular to look at if you compared armies. Yet, Nord, Gaudiano and even Moose Baumann's colors really helped set a great tone, grandeur and depth to the book which help sucks readers in. Kudos to this art team cause it works extremely well.


OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:

    This was a strong first launch title for Valiant Comics. It gave us a great set up, a complex yet compelling lead character with a well paced opening story. I want to know more about Aric and how he will get the armor. I want to know more about this story and see what else Nord and Gaudiano will show us in terms of settings, armors and characters.   This book made we want more. And while I would have thought the lack of supporting characters might have been a hinderance, it was not. The spotlight was firmly on our hero and his personality and actions were entertaining.

  With all this, I give Valiant's first relaunch title, X-O Manowar # 1, a 5  . .. out of 5. Great job.