Comic Review: Bloodshot #6

BLOODSHOT #6
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia & Matt Ryan (Cover by Arturo Lozzi)
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     Kara and Melissa are in separate cells while Bloodshot must take on a group of super powered soldiers that Orbeck ordered to take him out. Bloodshot fights his way through the group known as Chainsaw while his nanites work on hacking into Project Rising Spirit's systems.

   We get a creepy reunion of Gamma and Melissa and we start to see that Kara can definitely hold her own as she goes up against a member of Chainsaw herself. Yet, when Bloodshot gets to the basement ...


ART:

    For the first time, Manuel Garcia is illustrating the entire issue. And it is good. Blood drenched. A bit gory with Bloodshot's arm being broken with bone piercing through. The imagery in this issue was very vividly gory and dark which definitely fits the mood of the book and the story. Chainsaw definitely were some interesting grunts with an oddly deformed but uniformed look, which definitely keeps with the military way and design. I give props to both Manuel Garcia and Matt Ryan for bringing this fact paced, bloody ride to life. the inks are rich as they need to be for the tone of the book. Garcia's pencils really shine this issue as they stand alone. Ian Hannin's colors really capture the dangers and darkness that this story captures with his darker colors and tones.  Well done by the Bloodshot team.

WRITING:

    Duane Swierczynski, you magnificent bastard I read your book and I enjoyed it. This issue definitely picked up in terms of action and drama and it was paced perfectly. The perils to our hero were very much real and I love that Swierczynski made sure that Bloodshot was not invincible. And all of his work making the nanites into a viable character that readers can care about started to really  shine this issue. There was a lot of smart writing as we got to see Bloodshot, the nanites and Kara really work on their plan. The horror of Melissa seeing Gamma again was awesome.

     This book from the start was gonna be messy, full of danger , perils and more. Swierczynski lets readers go on a fast paced and wild ride as more answers lead to more questions and keep you wanting more. Especially this issue. Great job Swierczynski. And I do not mean any insult to you at all with the bastard comment. 100 points to the person who knows what movie I am paraphrasing there.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

  Bloodshot #6 really picks things up and really holds your attention. The Pacing is perfect. The story is gripping. You want to know more about what happens. The thriller aspects mixed with the mystery and action really work this issue. Definitely one of the best issues of the series to date. Swierczynski, Garcia , Ryan &  Hannin give you an action packed military thriller with super powers. ... and I loved every second of it this issue. Definitely an improvement over last issue.

I give Bloodshot #6 a 4.5 out of 5. It was damn near perfect. 

Comic News: Chainsaw cuts in on Bloodshot #6

CHAINSAW Pushes BLOODSHOT #6 to the Limit

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot #6 from the gut-punching, back-breaking creative team of Duane Swierczynski and Manuel Garcia! The all-new story arc,"The Rise & The Fall", is just getting started and the stakes have never been higher! 

Bloodshot has penetrated Project Rising Spirit's secret headquarters and now there's no turning back. Pursued from room to room by the proto-Bloodshot team of super-soldiers known as Chainsaw, Bloodshot is about to pay the price for his incursion – and face down his own brutal legacy in the Valiant Universe. He may have made it inside the most heavily fortified building on Earth…but Chainsaw are going to make sure he never makes it out.

Homecomings are hard, but Bloodshot's has just turned downright deadly. Reload on the series that Complex calls "cutting-edge and action-packed" as Swierczynski and Garcia unleash a blistering tour de force of bullets and bravado in Bloodshot #6  – on sale December 12th!

BLOODSHOT #6 – ON SALE DECEMBER 12th!
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by MANUEL GARCIA 
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (OCT121237)
Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT121238)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

BLOODSHOT #6 - Preview Page #1
BLOODSHOT #6 - Preview Page #2
BLOODSHOT #6 - Preview Page #3
BLOODSHOT #6 - Preview Page #4
BLOODSHOT #6 - Preview Page #5

Bloodshot # 5 Review

BLOODSHOT #5
The Rise and The Fall, Part 1
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez 


FLIPPING THROUGH:

    This issue was a jump on point and the start of a new arc for readers after the blood dripping first 4 issues.  We got Pulse and Kara getting taking by a bunch of government agents. We got Bloodshot some how finding Kuretich and then leaving him .. . huh? We have an infiltration of a government building and we got some messed up soldiers at the end.

  Oh yeah. A tall, big granny named Gamma who is one of the scariest geriatric people this side of Granny Goodness.


ART:

  Lozzi and Garcia have become this book's ultimate team in terms of art. The visuals are always appealing or grotesque in a way that they should be. You will always find something appearing. there is this major tv show feel to the book which  really helps it stand out. Using that art with some classic comic book sensibilities, Garcia and Lozzi dominate panels with interesting pictures. People moving in ways they you don't normally see. Expressions that you see in comics done a little differently . This book really makes it self stand out artistically with little things.

   Again, Ian Hannin is doing some of the best coloring I have ever seen in any comic and I have been reading comics for over 20 years. Everything is bold, fresh and fit what ever mode and/or scene. The quiet scenes look straight out of a hallmark commercial while the gore is just what it needs to be ... disgusting and violent in color and in look.

  Special kudos though goes to letterer Rob Steen. this distinct lettering of the group of soldiers in this issue add to the groups creep factor and very sterile look . The normal letter looks great with the dialogue with a bit of flare but the lettering for those soldiers help make them and the words sound and feel creepy. Great job to the entire art team here.


WRITING:

     Duane Swierczynski. This is usually where I start to praise him for his work. And I still will but note that they were be a distinct different. There was a lot of solid writing this issue. Gamma is creepy. The new soldiers made me feel creeped out. The conversation between Kara and Pulse was good and fell authentic. Bloodshot continues to show many facets while still not knowing who he is. His want for vengeance seems to be tempered by his intelligence ... making him stand out.

   The book was paced very well except there is one issue I have with this book. The scene with Kuretich and Bloodshot.  While I understand the overall reason as to why the scene exist it feels like an awfully  big jump to have Bloodshot already find Kuretich with ease and treat him as a lesser character after all the build up of Kuretich during the first 4 issues. It was kinda of saying "Hey ... this character ... he's important but just enough to give the hero stuff after I hyped him up to be so much more."  There is a possibility that we will see more of Kuretich. Yet, the fact that Bloodshot found him ... by himself ... and then was able to meditate with ease kind of bothers me.

    Oher than that misstep, this was a solid issue. Plenty of tension while developing Bloodshot, Kara and Pulse all as characters. The new threats feel ominous and over all, the book was paced well. Just that one scene feels so out of place.

Hence, I give Bloodshot #5 a 3.5 out of 5. It was a good issue but it could have been great. Still, I will still be reading and looking forward to more.

PREVIEW: Bloodshot # 5

BLOODSHOT #5 Begins the Assault on Project Rising Spirit!
 

"The Rise & The Fall" starts here! Valiant is proud to present an advance preview ofBloodshot #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc by writer Duane Swierczynski and artists Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi, and a perfect jumping-on point for the series at the brutal heart of the new Valiant Universe! 

 

Bloodshot is finally free of the memories that have haunted him since his awakening – but now even greater mysteries remain. Who was he before he was transformed into a walking weapon? And just what purpose did he serve for Project Rising Spirit? Now, a rogue PRS scientist has told Bloodshot the location of the answers he needs - and they're buried deep within an off-the-grid, savagely fortified black site that will rain hellfire down upon anyone who dares trespass. And, once he's inside, he may just discover that he's not the only indestructible killing machine PRS ever dreamed into the world… 

 

What is Project Rising Spirit's true function in the Valiant Universe? Who will answer for their crimes? And what darker secrets yet await in the recesses of their classified compound? The answers you've been waiting for will beckon on November 14th in the powder-burned first chapter of "The Rise & The Fall," only in Bloodshot #5!

"The Rise & The Fall" - Part One:

BLOODSHOT #5 – ON SALE NOVEMBER 14th!

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (SEP121223)

Variant Cover by MANUEL GARCIA (SEP121224)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

"The Rise & The Fall" - Part Two:
BLOODSHOT #6 - ON SALE DECEMBER 12th!

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (OCT121237)

Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT121238)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

"The Rise & The Fall" Interlude - Harbinger Hunter!:
BLOODSHOT #7 - ON SALE JANUARY 16th!

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by MATTHEW CLARK

Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY (NOV121336)

Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (NOV121337)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

BLOODSHOT #5 - Cover
BLOODSHOT #5 - Variant Cover
BLOODSHOT #5 - Preview Page #1
BLOODSHOT #5 - Preview Page #2
BLOODSHOT #5 - Preview Page #3
BLOODSHOT #5 - Preview Page #4 & 5

First Impressions: Bloodshot # 4

FIRST IMPRESSIONS


BLOODSHOT #4 

Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     At the end of last issue (spoilers) Bloodshot took a bullet in the head from one of the many soldiers after him with the help of a girl named Pulse ... who can give off electromagnetic pulses. Yet, it turns into a mexican stand off real quick as the nurse that was helping Bloodshot (and taken hostage by him) suddenly pulls out a gun; aiming at Bloodshot's persuers.

     With some background that Project Rising Spirit was not only manipulating Bloodshot but have used Pulse to take him down before, Pulse and Bloodshot are done with Project Rising Spirit. After a tense stand off in the hospital, Bloodshot and the nurse, who we come to find out is named Kara, convinces Pulse that they are not the enemy and they all have a common goal .. . taking down Project Rising Spirit.


ART:
 
     It's the 4th issue and Garcia and Lozzi continue to give us graphic and pleasing visuals on Bloodshot. The dramatic moments are full of tension. The blood attacks are as ugly as they should be. Along with Ryan's inks, this creative team are really starting to define the look and feel of this shoot-'em up, conspiracy book. Also, the artists did a great job in making Pulse look younger in the flashback provided in the story.

  The pencils and inks are sharp, distinct and full of life. Every panel matches the tone it needs to in the story. As usual, Garcia and Lozzi deliver in spades.


STORY:

    The slower pace really worked for the story. The characters are really starting to get fleshed out as Pulse got a lot of development as well as seeing a different side of Bloodshot this issue . . . the charming orator that will sway you to his side.

    Swierczynski delivers a great chapter in this ongoing saga with Bloodshot.Yet ... there was a misstep this issue. Kara. Kara seemed to want to stay away from Bloodshot after everything that happened in the previous issues. Her defending Bloodshot out right and not just stop anyone from moving seemed off. Otherwise, Kara aligning with Bloodshot seemed to be a natural progression. Just seemed a bit too easy. Even with the deal that Bloodshot and she made in the issue, it just felt a little off.

   Otherwise, this was a strong issue.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

    Bloodshot #4 was a good issue. The creative team gives a good showing with great art and an intriguing story with strong character development. Besides the one character misstep. Overall, Bloodshot delivers and delivers well.


I give Bloodshot #4 a 4 out of 5. 

PREVIEW: Bloodshot reveals Project Rising Spirit's Darkest Hour in BLOODSHOT #4

Project Rising Spirit's Darkest Hour Revealed In BLOODSHOT #4

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot #4 from acclaimed writer Duane Swierczynski and the unrelenting artistic duo of Manuel Garcia and Arturo Lozzi!

What top-secret cataclysm did Project Rising Spirit unleash years ago on Atlee, Nevada? And what role did the nanite-enhanced commando known as Bloodshot play in scratching an entire city off the map? With his false memories now wiped away, Bloodshot and the PRS escapee codenamed Pulse are about to bring one hell of a reckoning to the black ops butchers that made them into walking weapons. But will the truth that lies beneath Atlee leave Bloodshot bloodied – or with blood on his hands?

The book that Newsarama calls a "solid suspense comic" with a "lightning-fast pace" hurdles toward the brain-rattling climax of its first campaign into the darkest reaches of the Valiant Universe on October 10th in Bloodshot #4! And go inside the process that revamped and rebuilt the Valiant heroes for a new generation with the Bloodshot #4 Character Design Cover – featuring exclusive Bloodshot art and concept designs by superstar artist David Aja (Hawkeye, Immortal Iron Fist)!

BLOODSHOT #4 - ON SALE OCTOBER 10th!

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI

Character Design Cover by DAVID AJA

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Links to Art Assets:
BLOODSHOT #4 - Cover
BLOODSHOT #4 - Character Design Cover
BLOODSHOT #4 - Preview Page #1
BLOODSHOT #4 - Preview Page #2
BLOODSHOT #4 - Preview Page #3
BLOODSHOT #4 - Preview Pages #4 & 5

First Impression: Bloodshot # 3

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

BLOODSHOT # 3
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia,Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics



INTRODUCTION:

  If you want an idea of what happened last time, check out my review of Bloodshot #2.


FLIPPING THROUGH:

   Bloodshot is on a mission to figure out who he really is and what is going on. Dr. Kuretich is on a mission to expose the secrets of Operation: Rising Spirit and uncovers a buried town that was used for weapons research. Dodge leads a team after Bloodshot with another human weapon, a female who can give off electromagnetic pulses.

    Bloodshot threatens to kill people in order to get his answers. He sees one of his faux memory kids when Dodge's goons are near and all of a sudden, his hostages attack him. He calmly tells everyone to run the hell away from the town and . . . Oh MY GOD!!!


ART:

   Lozzi and Garcia are continuing to prove their artistic dominance; being able to switch from quiet moments to moments full of action and blood. While this issue is no where near as blood soaked as the previous issue, it opened a lot of things up. Artistically, you can feel the emotions of all the people involved. There is fear from the hostages. There is a sense of urgency mixed with angry with Bloodshot. There is this profound discovery that Kuretich displays that are all rendered well thanks to Garcia, Lozzi and the rest of the Bloodshot art team.

  Everyone looks distinct. There are clear mysterious that we are getting to see play out visually. And the final panel packed  the impacted that it needed with such easy and disturbing beauty. Matt Ryan's inks and Ian Hannin's colors really bring out the panels to make them feel very much like a feature or television show with some old school comic sensibilities.  As usual, the Bloodshot art team is bringing their A Game.


WRITING:

   Last time, I said the only thing that was a problem with Bloodshot was the breakneck pace of last issue. That is not the cause for this issue and it great. Swierczynski is able to slow things down enough for readers to catch their breath for a few minutes before getting on the run with Bloodshot again (who literally does run ... well, he drives but you get my point).

  The moments of Bloodshot holding up one of the women that were his 'wife' were filled with tension, fear and a sort of frustrated wonder cause you wanted to know what was going on. Bloodshot's confusion seems palpable because of his search for the truth about what happened to him.

 Kuretich's crusade is already bearing fruit but still leaves a lot unanswered. And that is one of the great things about this book. We are learning interesting aspects with each of the characters and have an odd sympathy for Bloodshot because his mind has been so messed up that he cannot truly trust no one at this point. No one but himself an his nanites. And this situation was not something brought upon because of Bloodshot himself but because of what Project: Rising Spirit and Kuretich did to him.

  Kudos to Swierczynski for making the main character so complex and sympathetic at the same time while holding people hostage and threatening to shoot their children. That takes tremendous skill. Dodge seems to be a yes man who understands his mission while we don't know much about the new female who can discharge EMPs but she was already seemingly sympathetic cause she was being forced to do this against her will. All these things are showing how big and deep the mysteries and games of Project: Rising Spirit really are and it makes readers want to read more and more to uncover the truth. Exceptional job by Swierczynski.

OVERALL:

   Seriously, the art is amazing and makes you feel things. The writing is fantastic with strong characters who are multi-faceted with wide ranges of emotions and situations. The characters feel very real. The pace was right on target. There is nothing wrong with this book except you not buying it. Buy this book now.

  Bloodshot continues to be a strong book with stunning visuals, grand mysteries and complex characters that will make you feel multiple things for many of them. I give Bloodshot # 3 a 5 out of 5.

 Thank you for the memories Bloodshot!

First Impressions: Bloodshot # 2

FIRST IMPRESSION


Bloodshot # 2
Bloodshot Part 2: Get Your Gun
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics


Reviewed by Frankie Rodriguez

INTRODUCTION:

  To find out what you need to know about the first issue, look at my Bloodshot # 1 review.



FLIPPING THROUGH:

   Bloodshot is getting shipped to a military base ... still his delusions, which he realizes are delusions during the course of the story ... make him wake up and take down his captors. And why I say taking down his captors ... he literally rips off the arm of one of them and forceably crashes a plane. His former handlers in Project Rising Spirit decided that he was too dangerous to stay alive; Mr. Oreck orders that Bloodshot and Dr. Kuretich to be taken out. So, it looks like they are about to send out a ... mysterious woman after Bloodshot.

   Meanwhile, Dr. Kuretich goes over the data that he and his men swiped from Bloodshot's brain; revealing another horrifying secret about Bloodshot and what Project: Rising Sun has done with him. And Bloodshot "commandeers" an ambulance ... along with a nurse.


ART:

    Oh  my god the art! The art in Bloodshot # 2 is just as good as the first issue. Like the first issue, it dazzles you with bits of human scenes and lots of violent gore. This book is NOT for the squeamish. There are panels where Bloodshot literally pulls off a soldier's arm. And it is not pretty. And that ... THAT ... is what makes the book stand out. Garcia and Lozzi's pencils are very vivid; full of emotion and mood. Sure, there is gore. But  the pencils and inks by Matt Ryan help bring new dimensions to this story with images of people that Bloodshot 'supposed to " have loved amongst the carnage.
 
   The imagery is very gruesome yet the art team does a great job bringing forth great images. There is a action movie/ conspiracy flick feeling to the book that Garcia, Lozzi, Ryan and colorist Ian Hannin excels at bringing readers.  From touching moments, to dark secrets to action ... this book's art team gives us what we want in spades; tailoring scenes that were fit for movies.




WRITING:

    Duane Swierczynski's writing is extremely strong this issue. For all the blood soaked action, there is a lot going on. So much so that readers may not catch it in the first read. From the heart-tugging, yet horrific beginning, to the pulse pounding action, to the revelations given, Bloodshot # 2 brings you a deeper scope of how bad they messed up Bloodshot and how far Project: Rising Spirit is willing to go.

   The touches with Bloodshot's powers were also a very clever revelation as we got several uses of his nanites other than healing this issue without being straight out told what Bloodshot's powers work. Kudos for Swierczynski for that.

 My only issue with this comic is that this comic is a whirlwind. There are so many visuals of violence and so much is happening. It feels like a full issue but you really do not slow down till towards the end of the issue. The revelations, the escape, Project: Rising Spirit's scheming . . . readers will be a bit daunted on the breakneck pacing of the issue. Still, Swierczynski gives us a character that is deeply troubled; wanting answers about his past with readers along for the ride. Readers know more than the title character because of what Dr. Kuretich found. And with Bloodshot looking for answers, Swierczynski guarantees readers a ride they will never forget.


OVERALL:

    The breakneck pacing of what happens in this issue is the only real thing that holds this book back. Otherwise, Bloodshot # 2 was a solid read. The art was amazing. The writing was really good. If you are not a fan of military conspiracies or gore, this might not float your boat. Yet, if you look along with everything that goes with it, you will find a complex story, full of raw human emotions being tampered with alongside deep secrets that you just want to see revealed; and a main character you may both empathize with and be horrified of. And that is a truly rare mix.


  Bloodshot # 2 gets a 4 out of 5. While not  perfect, a great follow up to the stunning first issue.

PREVIEW: Bloodshot # 2

 Here's Bloodshot #2.

Valiant Preview: BLOODSHOT #2

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot #2, from acclaimed writer Duane Swierczynski and the fan favorite artistic duo of Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi! 

 

Waking up inside a body bag is no way to start the day. But that’s where you are, and worse yet, you’re 35,000 feet above the desert, guarded by the some of the toughest soldiers on the planet. You’re being flown back to the people who created you, who may have even betrayed you. You’re having a hard time separating your false memories (of family, duty, country) from the grim reality (of bullets, blood, screaming). Who’s really on your side? Why were you created? And where does the “real you” end and the killer known as Bloodshot begin?

 

Reset. Rebuild. Then reload. The white knuckle thrill ride into the mind behind Project Rising Sprit's billion dollar killer continues this August 15th in Bloodshot #2 - hitting stores the same day as Harbinger #3!

BLOODSHOT #2 - ON SALE AUGUST 15th!

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI 

Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (JUN121328)

Variant Cover by ANDY BRASE  (JUN121329)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

BLOODSHOT #2 - VARIANT COVER
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #1
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #2
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #3
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #4
BLOODSHOT #2 - PREVIEW PAGE #5
 

First Impressions: Bloodshot #1

Bloodshot #1 official cover

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Bloodshot #1 

Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Stefano Gaudiano
Valiant Entertainment

Review by Frankie Rodriguez 


 INTRODUCTION:

      Valiant Comics started out back in the 90s and was it glorious. Using a mix of original characters like XO Manowar, Ninjak & Shadowman with Gold Key heroes like Magnus the Robot Fighter, Solar & Turok, Valiant had built itself up as the comic book company to beat for the number 3 spot; dueling with Image Comics at the time. Valiant folded and came back then folded again only to return in the present. And while no Gold Key characters are along for this ride, the relaunch of Valiant has shown us some of the great heroes of Valiant's past back ... such as XO Manowar and characters from Harbinger.

    Bloodshot, at first, seemed to be a clone of Wolverine and the Punisher. But once you read the adventures, you found a decidedly different character. Yet, This Bloodshot today is a brand new incarnation. New character so people can jump on easily enough. And why not? Writing this new incarnation is acclaimed crime novelist and comic book scribe, Duane Swierczynski (currently also writing Godzilla, Birds of Prey & of course, Bloodshot).

    So, how does this book measure up?


FLIPPING THROUGH:
   So, let's see. I open the book. Ah. Information in the interior cover. Hmm ... some of this stuff is interesting. Let's see how the story reads. Okay. A drone flies in and ... wait. How do the guys controlling the drone just die? This is only 2 pages in. Wait. Okay. Here's our guy who ... get's hit by a ... WHAT THE HELL?! How is he still alive after ...? Wait. Wait. He can do that?! This is so awesome. Whoa! They are WHAT? !

    Um ... guy goes on mission and almost NOTHING is as it seems. NOTHING!

Readers, Meet Ray

WRITING:

     That last paragraph sums up what I was thinking while reading the book. And I can honestly say that Bloodshot #1 is GLORIOUS. You don't have a last name for this character in this book and there is a good reason for that. Swierczynski crafts at tale that you just have to read to believe. He immediately gets readers gripped into one mystery while we seem to get answers. Answers that readers will only end up asking more questions because of them. The only thing that seems to be consistent is our main character and even that is questionable.

    Readers meet Ray and learn of his unquestionable loyalty to friends and family. And that takes Ray deeper into more mysteries than we ever though possible. Swierczynski weaves it all well. Readers will want to more about the character and what is really going on, setting up multiple storylines and mysteries, all in one shot. Bloodshot's powers are more or less the same with a few upgrades and you will not believe what will happen. You will want to know what will happen next.

   Plotwise and characterizations are solid only to be matched with an insanely swift but fitting pace. This is not a quick read but rather this book is like driving a fast car and going from 5 to 200mph within seconds and possibly go faster. The book is an adrenaline rush on paper.


ART:

    Manuel Garcia and Arturo Lozzi do an exceptional job with their pencils. There seems to be little difference in styles which keep this book flowing extremely well. Garcia and Lozzi should be very proud of their work as Stefano Gaudiano and colorist Ian Hannin; their ink and colors really give some stunning and horrifying panels that really help draw readers in.

  Shadows and lights are where they need to be. Emotion is easily seen and conveyed. Kudos to Garcia, Lozzi, Gaudiano and company for all their work. I was truly grabbed in by the work done in this book.


OVERALL IMPRESSION: 
  Bloodshot #1 is a . . . who am I kidding. Bloodshot #1 is comic book crack! It is addicting. It is violent. It is puzzling. It is GLORIOUS. The characters are full of mystery. You get enough details to want to know more. The art is full of live and just makes you want more and more of it. You want to know Ray. You want answers. And Damn Swierczynski for making this wonderfully violent human weapon into a sympathetic, realistic man.

    You see this man take hits like Wolverine, yet it is not boring or expected like when you see it happen to Wolverine. There is a lot I want to say about the book but I will not spoil it. Swierczynski, Garcia, Lozzi and company have some great magic here. I am just gonna say this.

Buy it. Read it. Own it. Read it again.

With that, I give Bloodshot #1 5 bullets to the head ... out of 5. 

Valiant Preview: HARBINGER # 2

Here's a look at Harbinger # 2.

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Harbinger #2, from New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart (Unknown Soldier, BPRD) and acclaimed artists Khari Evans (Immortal Iron Fist) and Lewis LaRosa (Punisher MAX)! Outside the law, inside your head – join the ranks of the Harbinger Foundation this July 11th in the stunning second installment of the book Ain't It Cool News calls "simply astonishing."

The hunt for Peter Stanchek intensifies after an epic battle with Pittsburgh S.W.A.T forces him to use his powers in an all too public episode. Now he faces the most difficult decision of his life – continue to put his friends in harm’s way or abandon them for the safety of Toyo Harada’s Harbinger Foundation?

There's a battle brewing for the fate of humanity – but just where do the lines between right and wrong, between revolution and all-out anarchy fall in the Valiant Universe? Peter Stanchek chooses his side as the definitive super-hero coming of age story for a generation with nothing to lose gambles on its future this July 11th in Harbinger #2 – arriving in stores the same day as Bloodshot #1!

HARBINGER #2 - ON SALE JULY 11th!

Written by Joshua Dysart

Art by Khari Evans & Lewis LaRosa

Cover by Arturo Lozzi (MAY121313)

Variant Cover by Doug Braithwaite (MAY121314)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Variant Cover

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