Straight Forward Reviews : Unity # 9

The fight against the Armor Hunters heats up in Unity # 9.

Writer - Matt Kindt

Artist - Stephen Segovia

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Livewire wrestles with who she is and if using the Armor some time ago when she thought Aric to be her enemy has any effects on her. While that is going on the enemies unleashed during Armor Hunters are causing destruction and Gilad and Ninjak are called in to take them out.

Livewire's flashbacks and pondering her humanity are quite well written and Gilad's flashbacks as a way to reveal how he comes up with his tactics are quite nice as well.

Art

The art in this book is fantastic. There's mostly action scenes and all of it looks as dynamic as it should. Some of the panels even look like they could be done as posters or wall scrolls and it gives the comic a reason to be picked up even if you weren't interested in the story.

Verdict

This issue furthers the Armor Hunters plot and delves into Livewire's and Gilad's psyches really well. The awesome drawn action scenes which are plenty in this issue gives all the more reason to read. I give Unity a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 26

The latest issue of X-O Manowar takes a break from Aric and goes into the backstory of some other characters, one which you have already seen another which you'll definitely see more of.

Writer - Robert Venditti

Art - Diego Bernard

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story is an issue long flashback that gives the motivations for at least two of the Armor Hunters. The story reads a little bit like a typical sci-fi story. The bar where a good chunk of the set up for the battle and the set up for the next story during the end, and the technology used during the battle scenes gave a bit of a Mass Effect vibe.

Still though the characters were written very well and the events, though with plenty of science fiction elements still had a gritty, grounded feeling as the characters Malgam and Reebo felt fear and desperation in their fight.


Art

Diego Bernard's line-art has beautiful details and a sense that everything shown is actually alive and part of an actual world, or in this case, universe. Brian Reber's colors add to that and totally make the moods the comic was going for in the different scenes.

Verdict

The world for this flashback or prequel or whatever you may want to call it did seem like plenty of other science fiction space opera stories. But the characters were well written enough and the action was cool enough that it was still a fairly enjoyable read. I give X-O Manowar # 26 an 8 out of 10

Harbinger # 24 Review

HARBINGER #24
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans & Brian Reber
Lettering by Dave Sharpe
Valiant Comics

This will be a Spoiler Free review. (kinda)

                Flamingo is dead. Kris, Faith and Torque deal with their emotional  fall out of that and their assault on the Harbinger Foundation. Meanwhile, Peter and Harada find out how big of battle they are fighting and what exactly they battle meant.

THE GOOD:

                THIS ISSUE WAS AMAZING. The emotional heaviness of last issue is full realized this issue as we go through our remaining Renegades going through mourning. We get some very powerful dialogue from Dysart. Plot moment gets heavier this issue as Dysart decides to reveal Bleeding Monk’s true motives this issue and why things have ended up being the way they are.  This issue had it all. Action. Adventure. Passion. And a great chunk of emotion. It ties up many things from not only this storyline but also character arcs within the series.
                  Khari  Evans and Brian Reber give us their best work to date with great amount of detail with powerful colors to make the art alive.  Panels were downright heart reaching through just pictures alone and just the emotional contortion of faces. There are panels in this issue that I will remember for the rest of my life.  Each character had great perspective and retained very human qualities, even when doing very extraordinary things.
                 I have commented that Dysart was writing the run of his career … and I couldn’t be more right with this issue. Truly a beautiful book.

THE BAD:

                Bad does not exist in this issue.

THE VERDICT:

 The passionate dialogue between Faith, Kris and Torque alone is worth every last cent this book was made. And the major battle between Harada and Peter was cinematic in scope and detail.  If you had been following this book, you definitely will get the feels with this issue. If this is your first issue, you will plow back to the beginning and just start working on collecting more and more. Evans and Reber assist with art to make this book one of the greatest issues of comics ever to be printed. Harbinger # 24 gets a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Buy it Wednesday and share it with EVERYONE!

1st Impressions: HARBINGER # 22

HARBINGER # 22
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Clayton Henry & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                The Renegades decide it’s time to strike. The seven members devise a plan to strike at Toyo Harada and expose him even more than they already have but attacking and getting data from Harada’s school in Pittsburg. While it looks like Harada has caught up with our merry band of rebels, all are not what it seems. Plus, Torque goes through some changes.

ART:

                We are look at Henry’s best art of his career. The level of detail and expression has been increased and Henry is really starting to shine within these pages. From backgrounds, to the various body types in the book, Henry has not shyed away from presenting a fully, realized world and character.  From the somber opening pages to the gripping final panel, Henry renders it all beautiful. Great sense of action, perspectives and proportions, Henry truly gives his best work yet. 
                Reber backs him up as always with some strong colors and tones to match the mood of the scenes within the book. The colors really enhance Henry’s stunning work, making it look masterful on each panel. The opening page really captures mood well because of Rebel’s color alongside Henry’s art.
                Overall, a beautiful book.

WRITING:

                Dysart continues to write a gripping story and starts laying groundwork for the end. We get some particular character development on Torque and Faith while Dysart evens out the rest of the character moments between the rest of the Renegades, except for Monica. Monica did not get much development this issue at all. Yet, everyone else got some good character moments.
                Dysart writes a smart script as always, giving readers multiple surprises this issue; allowing for misdirection and some great character moments. As we see the continuing development, the title of the story line “Death of a Renegade” is definitely getting hinted out a few times this issue; giving some very creepy assumptions on which character is gonna die during the course of the storyline.  Dysart paces the entire issue well with a strong beginning, very captivating middle and a gripping end.
                Dysart builds the beginning of the end here and does it with style. Another well written issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The issue was a great start to a very pivotal character and story related arc. Henry, Reber and Dysart are delivering the best work of their careers and it will only get better.  “Death of a Renegade” is off to a smart and strong start and can only get much better from here. And that will make it that much more heartbreaking for when we lose one of our characters.

RATING:

                I give Harbinger #22 a magnificent 10 … out of 10. Pick it up this Wednesday!

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.

1st Impressions: UNITY # 4

UNITY # 4
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Doug Braithwaite & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Unity fights its toughest opponent yet … each other. One member leaves. Another member joins.

ART:

                Braithwaite and Reber give us a graceful and stunning final performance with their work on this first arc’s finale. From detailed backgrounds to strong, kinetic action to great panel composition, Unity # 5 proves to be a cut above all others as it delivers in so many ways. Braithwaite conveys emotion well but also makes sure you feel the enormity of the situation or the importance of people such as Harada and Aric. They look larger than life and are very important men.  Braithwaite gives them that look and feel so well this issue. The personal and professional weight of the events of this issue gets rendered beautiful. Reber does not disappoint with sharp colors that really help give a great look and style to the book. Definitely one of the best looking issues this last year.

WRITING:

                Kindt brings a level of intelligence and emotion to this group of heroes that project them to be both larger than life yet still very human at the same time. There is an excellent balance that Kindt continues to play out throughout this issue. The final confrontation this issue felt very authentic with good use of emotion and great characterizations from our main cast. Without giving away spoilers, I can honestly say that Unity definitely unified me alongside our team of heroes.
                Plot progression was solid and fit the overall ending. And I applaud Kindt’s characterizations of Ninjak, Livewire and Eternal Warrior. There definitely feels as if Kindt did his homework with the characterizations of Aric and Harada, making sure they feel real here.  A solid ending to a great arc.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Unity # 4 solidfies the team while tying up some very personal loose ends. It looks great and the ending is gratifying.

RATING:

                I give Unity # 4 a solid 9 … out of 10.

1st Impressions: HARBINGER # 20

HARBINGER # 20
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Clayton Henry & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Harbinger # 20 starts with a bang as it seems that Harada has revealed himself to the military  …  Then we flashback to the present as a hacker named Ax leaks Project: Rising Spirit files about Harbinger Foundation … And with that, the real fun begins.

ART:

                It is great to see Henry back … and with a full issue.  Henry and Reber do a sensational job of giving striking visuals that grab you from the word go. From Harada on an aircraft carrier to Psiots in the sky to Ax making a hasty retreat, there was a lot of impact, detail and style. Everything looked distinct and the action was kinetic.

                Reber’s colors shower the pages with strong, bold colors that help give depth and life to Henry’s strong pencils. This was definitely some of Henry’s best work yet.

WRITING:

                Dysart gives us a very impactful first issue of “Resistance.” There are definitely moves being made as Ax and Harada seem to be trapped in a chess game. In the meantime, Ax himself makes one of the most striking debuts; already making him an important, key player within a mere 3 pages. Dysart gives wonderful dialogue stacked with some really deep scenes as there are things from the UN to soldiers chasing Ax in a park. Dysart gives us an opening shot for this next story leaves a lot of weight to it as Ax’s intentions is revealed and Harada is now playing a whole new game.
                The pacing was great as always and dialogue feels nature. Another great issue in the can.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Strong first impressions leave me wanting more. It will probably do the same to you with great art and story.

RATING:

                I give Harbinger # 20 gets a 9.5 … out of 10. 

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 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. 

1st Impression: UNITY # 1

UNITY # 1

Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Doug Braithwaite & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This is it! The big Valiant title they have hinted at all summer. This is the book that has been building and spinning off directly from X-O Manowar and features many big characters from the Valiant Universe.
                And it starts with a bang … literally as a woman gives us the opening attack that leads to the world being on high alert. The Russians want X-O Manowar dead and they are gonna do what it takes to do so. Eternal Warrior ends up meeting with Toyo Harada as they plot how best to fight X-O Manowar. But Aric (X-O Manowar) is far stronger than they anticipated and the war between characters in Valiant is just beginning.

ART:

                I admit. I was not the biggest fan of Doug Braithwaite’s art original. But after looking at the panel work and detail from the just this first issue, I am definitely a fan now. There is a great amount of details in each panels; to backgrounds to clothes to people. Braithwaite really gives a 100 percent in his work here with very strong, impressions on his characters; a great amount of personal detail and great angles.
                Braithwaite really captures how gruesome war is, the stature of each main character in the book as well as some deep background detail. Reber adds to the fresh pencil work with his solid colors. The colors are not loud unless they need to be. And Reber does a great job of find the right tones to not only fit the characters but the mood  of the scene as well.  It was a really strong showing by this art team.

WRITING:

                This first issue was absolutely solid from start to finish. We get background detail on the inside cover to catch up new readers. Then Kindt starts us off with not a main character but a woman and seeing events unfold through her eyes. This felt authentic and gave the book and story more depth. This is a person who is caught up in all this …. Not a main character. Not a supporting character. Yet, her narrative really fit about being somewhere when something like war starts. 

                Kindt also has a firm grasp on each and every character that we have already seen before in the Valiant Universe. Kindt presents strong characterization from Harada, X-O Manowar, Eternal Warrior and Ninjak. Ninjak’s banter was refreshing and playful while Harada was very tactical and authoritative. His Eternal Warrior was strong, knowledgeable and very blunt while his X-O Manowar was very much a stubborn, no nonsense king. All these fit extremely well.  Without giving much away, we see where Unity gets against X-O Manowar in this issue. Kindt really does well pacing and building upon events and the characters throughout the entire issue.
                Honestly, this entire issue was very easy to read and get into while providing great amount of character development and strong storyline. Kindt really did a great job grabbing you and making you want more as the story went along.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The art was amazing. The writing was superb. This book delivers on all the hype promised by Valiant Comics and then some.

RATING:

                I am proud to give Unity # 1 from Valiant Comics a well-deserved 10 … out of 10! Buy it when it comes out on November 13^th.

1st Impression: BLOODSHOT & THE H.A.R.D. CORPS # 15

BLOODSHOT & THE H.A.R.D. CORPS # 15

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

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            The HARD Corps end up rescuing Bloodshot from Harada … but not without a casualty. After the extraction, the HARD Corps and Bloodshot go through a shake up, thank to Kozol while Harada gets more into the nanites. And the team must go back to destroy them.

ART:

            Lupacchino continues to dazzle the pages with her detailed pencils. Along with Ortega’s inks, this art team is able to give us some great, detailed work. Lupacchino continues to give us some great, dynamic poses and panel work throughout this issue. Body posture, facial expressions and movement all convey an emotion based on the story and looked very natural. The cartoony, yet detailed style also gave us some great backgrounds as well as people of different shapes and sizes this issue.
            Reber continues his wonderful color job with the right mix of colors to help give a vibrant life to Lupacchino’s work. Overall, a great showing by this art team.



WRITING:

            The writing for this issue was superb. We got major character development from not only Palmer and Bloodshot but also from Maniac and Discipline. Gage and Dysart really have given us great character work as we get to know more about our team on deeper levels than reader might first realize till after they have finished reading. The type of things that both Bloodshot and HARD Corps has done is reprehensible and it does seem to weigh heavy on both Bloodshot and Palmer.

            The pacing of the issue was perfect. Each plotline linked together seamlessly as the issue went along. The dialogue felt very authentic and powerful. There was a lot said in this issue with so few words that I was definitely impressed by it. I even liked how Kozol begins to instituted the status quo of the title of the book. Very smart writing by Gage and Dysart.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            This was even better than last issue and I am really growing to love Palmer and this new status quo. Great art. Superb writing. A win for everyone.

RATING:

            I give Bloodshot & the H.A.R.D. Corps # 15 a 10 …. Out of 10!!! BUY IT NOW!

1st Impressions: Eternal Warrior # 2

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 2

Written by Greg Pak

Art by Trevor Hairsine, Clayton Crain& Brian Reber

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad’s reunion with his daughter, Xaran, gets complicated as she points out cause he neglected his job; there is danger to the entire world. Gilad realizes his daughter is being chased as they meet the Sword of the Wild. It is there where Gilad makes a fateful decision … just like the decision to walk away hundreds of years ago.

ART:

                Hairsine and Crain really get their chance to shine without overlapping with each other or causing some kind of imbalance to the issue’s story. Crain deals with the past and gives us a very brutal wild west while Hairsine gives us a gritty and rough present. Their panels are nice and detailed with full backgrounds and people. The rougher style of Hairsine continues to shape the way Gilad looks but Crain’s work still is breathtaking and dirty at the same time. Reber colors some mean panels to give it the right level of beauty and grit; perfect about a series about an immortal warrior that has no qualms about killing.

                A strong job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Pak continues to get us deeper and deeper into the characters. Not only do we get significant development for Gilad but , also get developments in his daughter as well. The plot continues to add layers of depth into the characters and story while also raising the stakes. Pak’s dialogue and narrative continues to be a fun read.
                Pak continues world building, giving Gilad a more distinctive past, compared to what was done with him before. And the pace and flow of the issue was superb. A great issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great writing at a perfect pace with interesting characters, a developing plot, a troubled parent-child relationship and spectacular art really makes this issue shine.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 2 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up tomorrow.

The Rise of X-O MANOWAR Retold in UNITY #1 Video Trailer!

The Rise of X-O MANOWAR Retold in UNITY #1 Video Trailer!

Valiant is proud to debut the official video trailer for UNITY #1 – Valiant's first fully returnable comic book event from the all-star creative team of New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt, superstar artistDoug Braithwaite, and acclaimed colorist Brian Reber!

To kill a king…he has created an army. The world’s most dangerous man, Toyo Harada, has been struck by the one thing he never thought possible – fear. Halfway across the globe, a new power threatens to topple modern civilization and, to preempt the cataclysm that is to come, Harada will unite the most unforgiving team the world has ever known – UNITY. Their mission: defeat the threat responsible for the destruction of MI-6, the decimation of an alien world, and the occupation of Eastern Europe… Unseat the warrior king armed with the universe’s most powerful weapon… Kill X-O Manowar!

As announced previously, UNITY #1 will be 100% returnable for qualifying retailers and feature five limited Pullbox Exclusive Variants (available to fans who pre-order with their local retailer) from a “murderers’s row” of comics all-stars – Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates, Age of Ultron), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis, Wanted), Travel Foreman (Animal Man), Paolo Rivera (Daredevil) and Clayton Crain (Ghost Rider, Carnage).

Artist Doug Braithwaite and colorist Brian Reber have also joined Valiant on an exclusive basis for the launch of UNITY #1. Last week, every retailer in the United States received UNITY RED – a one-of-a-kind, limited edition look book showcasing the stunning artwork of Valiant's newest exclusive creators.

In another first for the publisher, Valiant also recently unveiled the UNITY #1 8-Bit Evolution Variant – the first fully animated 8-bit cover,  engineered by CineFix, the ultimate destination for true movie buffs & filmmakers on YouTube. Simply use any smartphone to read the QR code embedded in the cover to unlock an exclusive CineFix “8-Bit Cinema” animated short starring the team of heroes behind the year’s biggest comic book event – X-O Manowar, Toyo Harada, Eternal Warrior, Ninjak and Livewire!

You’ve heard the buzz. You’ve seen the reviews. On November 13th, start reading here to discover the most acclaimed universe in comics. UNITY #1 is the perfect entry point for new readers!

UNITY #1

Written by MATT KINDT

Art & Cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE (SEP131344)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by BRYAN HITCH (SEP131346)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by J.G. JONES (SEP131345)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by TRAVEL FOREMAN (SEP131349)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PAOLO RIVERA (SEP131347)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CLAYTON CRAIN (SEP131348)

Valiant 8-Bit Evolution Variant by DONOVAN SANTIAGO (SEP131350)

Valiant Signature Series Variant by BART SEARS (SEP131353)

Variant Cover by NEAL ADAMS (SEP131354)

B&W Sketch Variant by NEAL ADAMS (SEP131355)

Blank Variant also available (SEP131351)

Team USA Luge Variant also available (SEP131352)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 11/13/13 (FOC – 10/21/13)

Individual Links:

          

1st Impressions: Harbinger #16

HARBINGER # 16
Written by Joshua Dysart

Art by Barry Kitson, Mark Pennington, Brian Level, Ian Hannin, Brian Reber & Moose Baumann

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                So, after the shocking end of last issue, we get more crazy in this issue. Honestly, I can’t say much without giving away spoilers but let’s just say that the Renegades are not where they think they are and who lives and who dies is a different story.

ART:

                Kitson does a great job with pencils as there is a ridiculous amount of things this issue. From a hotel room to the insanity that is Torquehalla. Yes. Torquehalla, which seems to be the dream world of Torque and anyone who is into heavy metal and fantasy; a great homage to Heavy Metal from some of the panel work and backgrounds.  The ink work though isn’t the most consistent this issue. That does work towards the books advantage. The smoother inks  for the “real” world while there are harsher inks for Torquehalla.
                The grittier work gave a great texture to Torquehall.  Yet, some of the inks were heavy handed this issue, which worked against some of Kitson’s panels.  Other than that, the colors for the issue were great throughout the entire issue.  Overall, a good job  by the art team.

WRITING:

                Dysart continues to write what could be one of the greatest runs in comics. We get a lot of development of the characters this issue, save for Peter as Dysart lets us get to know more about the Renegades and how they feel about each other. Kris keeps pushing the buttons of Torque. Faith figures out something about Peter. Flamingo is keeping an eye on Kris. And Torque … rather would stay in his fantasy world than in the real one. These set ups continue to mount as the revelations at the end of the issue just hit that much harder.  The pacing was excellent. The characters were relatable. And we got more in depth with Kris and Torque. Overall, Dysart continues to write great comics.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Good art. GREAT writing. Character development that is natural and relateable. And some twists that really make you do a spit take in surprise. Besides the inks, a stellar issue.

RATING:

                I give Harbinger # 16 an 8.5 out of 10. Get it this Wednesday!

1st Impressions: Bloodshot & the H.A.R.D. Corps #14

BLOODSHOT & H.A.R.D. CORPS # 14

Written by Christos Gage & Joshua Dysart

Art by Emanuela Lupacchino, Gabriel Ortego, Ian Hannin & Brian Reber

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
            We open the new title with our hero, Bloodshot, in the hands out Toyo Harada.  As Harada is having his people study Bloodshot after a very interesting discussion about their methods, we got over to Project: Rising Spirit.  At PRS, Kozol starts reforming the H.A.R.D. Corps. As he gets in new recruits, Kozol “convinces” Palmer to stay to leave.
            And what is the first mission of the new H.A.R.D. Corps? Why extract Bloodshot from Harada, of course?

ART:

            Lupacchino and Ortego really give a good amount of energy and polish this issue. The inks were nice and smoothing. The pencils were great and detailed. Various and detailed backgrounds looked great. We get a great amount of expression in the characters’ faces and Lupacchino really does a great job of drawing various people of different shades, sizes and colors.

            Reber and Hannin give sharp colors that help make the art stand out. Each page was rich and colorful.  A solid job by the art team.

WRITING:

            A new era begins as this is not a solo book any more. And I give it to Gage and Dysart, they made this issue a great jump on point for readers. Taking the events of Harbinger Wars, the writers bring a new H.A.R.D. Corps together and blends it seamlessly with what occurred before. 

            We are introduced to new characters while also building on everything that had happened before between Project: Rising Spirit and the Harada Foundation. Gage and Dysart give us a great first look into our new H.A.R.D. Corps members as well as H.A.R.D. Corps veteran commander, Major Palmer. The characterizations were wide and very authentic; the two writers making sure there are all kinds of people working for Project: Rising Spirit.  With great and varied characters, a simple plot and an excellent pacing, the writing proved to be superb.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            We got some great art. We got new characters. We got a great jump on point that works for new readers but still builds upon what came before in a very natural way.  The addition to H.A.R.D. Corps to the books does give Bloodshot some new energy and new people to interact with. I am looking forward to their interactions.

RATING:

            Great jump on point. I give Bloodshot & the H.A.R.D. Corps # 14 a 9 out of 10. Get it when it comes out Wednesday!

1st Impressions: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 1

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 1
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Trevor Hairsine & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We open with Gilad preparing to fight against the legions of warriors that fight for the dark god Nergal. Gilad’s daughter, Xaran  and, his son,  Mitu. Against her father’s wishes, Xaran ends up fighting. Honestly, anything else would be a spoiler. So, yeah.

ART:

                Trevor Hairsine gives some of the most energetic pencils and inks in his career in this first issue. There is a great amount of detail, both on the characters and backgrounds.  Hairsine does not shy away from body types and sizes either, as we see women, children and men in this first issue; all with great porportions.

                The rough pencils and inks works for the story and the character, the Eternal Warrior. The fighting is brutal, ugly and grim; which Hairsine has no problem reflecting in his work.  Reber presents to us with harsher colors that are gritty. It helps enhance the battles and overall mood of the story. Reber makes sure to give great tones to add a more Earth-y tone to them.  And it complements Hairsine’s work really well.
                There were a couple of panels where I felt that the colors were a little muted but, overall, it was a great showing from Hairsine & Reber.

WRITING:

                Pak has always been a writer that seems to really bring out personal interest into battles and characters by giving strong ties to the main character and his supporting cast. And he uses that formula, in a slightly different way, with this opening issue. Pak gives us a very personal framework to use to re-introduce you to Gilad by giving him other family members; his children, Mitu and Xaran. Both of them seem to add a different dynamic to Gilad that we hadn’t really seen much of save for his recent appearance in X-O Manowar.
                Xaran is already an interesting new member to Gilad’s long mythos. Pak makes this issue run smoothly through its story. Providing a vital point in Gilad’s life as to why he became the way he is now. The story runs at a fantastic pace. The characterizations feel real. Plus, the use of Nergal was great; adding a major rogue to Gilad’s gallery. The interesting turns of this issue felt natural with a chiffhanger ending that will make you wanting more.  A fantastic job by Pak.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While the colors were a little too light at some points, overall, this book was solid from start to finish. Great, gripping art. Wonderful story that is relatable yet fantastic at the same time. Good use of the main character and creating his supporting cast. Excellent pacing and a great finish that leaves you wanting more.

RATING:

                Eternal Warrior #1 gets a 9 out of 10. A great job with the book.  

1st Impression: Bloodshot # 13

BLOODSHOT # 13
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Barry Kitson, Clayton Crain, Stefano Gaudiano, Mark Pennington & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue opens with a man in a hospital …without one arm, all bandaged. Then we get a little bit of Bloodshot being lost in his head again thanks to the many false memories and lives that he has … telling him to stay in his head. Bloodshot says no and we get to Bloodshot and Kara having a heart to heart before the battle. Bloodshot reveals that he left a hard reboot in the desert after Kara tells him that Melissa wouldn’t want him to die, defending those children. We are hinted that the man in the hospital with one arm is, indeed, Kara’s brother.

                After that, we continue the narrative … this team handled by Kara as we see them entire the fray in Las Vegas.  We go through the motions of Bloodshot taking on the Renegades rather quickly as Bloodshot has them out class and it is similar to what happened in Harbinger Wars #4. But what we didn’t get in that book is something we are treated to in this one … a rematch between Harada and Bloodshot. And this time … Bloodshot does NOT fair as well as he did the first time around.  The issue ends with Kara finding out exactly what the hard reboot is … while abandoning the psiot children she and Bloodshot were protecting.

ART:

                Kitson and Crain deliver great, gritty art that fit the tone of the story so well. The grittier pencils were matched by Gaudiano’s, Kitson’s & Pennington’s  harder inks which definitely fit the book during this whole arc and they both excel at it this issue. There are some truly horrific panels throughout the issue that really stuck to me done by both pencilers.  The inkers this issue do an excellent job in some light shading and really bringing out the gritty-ness of the book.

                Reber does an excellent job with the colors … from giving Crain’s style more of a painted look to Kitson’s style being more classic comic. Still, the two style don’t clash to the point where it effects the flow of the story at all.  There are some truly awesome shadow and shade work thanks to the inkers and Reber.

                And panel work was really strong this issue. Overall, really good art.

WRITING:

                For those of you who do not know, this is Duane Swierczynski’s FINAL issue of Bloodshot.  After this issue, we get a guest writer than new writing team of Joshua Dysart & Christos Gage.  So, how does Swierczynski wrapped up his run?

                Swierczynski ties up nearly every end he had from the first issue of the book last year.  The kids … the false memories … and Bloodshot’s struggle. We have seen so much happen to the main character this last year. And now, we see Bloodshot going all in with the kids in Las Vegas, to reunite them with Generation Zero.  From Kara’s perspective … Bloodshot has grown a lot. Doing the right thing for these children.

                There is a lot of heart and emotion this final issue as well as Kara and Bloodshot have their “final” heart to heart talk which really shows how far Bloodshot has come and also how far Kara has developed. Yet, she was done and Bloodshot knew it and (SPOILERS) gave her a way out.

                The hard reboot being for Kara was a brilliant move for Swierczynski and that final panel with Bloodshot was chillin. Swierczynski definitely set up this issue to be his last issue … tying up loose ends and seemingly (SPOILERS): this Bloodshot. The scary thing is that I suspect that the Bloodshot we knew won’t be back in issue #0 or in Bloodshot & the HARD Corps # 14. Swierczynski blends powerful emotion, great story and leaves us guessing at the end of his run.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This is one of those issues that you have to read … digest a little than look back at it cause there is a lot that gets covered in this issue. Yet, it was paced well and Swierczynski goes out with a bang … giving a sense of finality as this is the exit of multiple characters while also leaving enough mysteries for the new writing team to pick up. Also, Kitson’s experimentation with his art to be grittier worked extremely well and kudos to the art team for giving us a great issue.

RATING:
                Swierczynski’s Bloodshot ends with a BANG … and an awe-inspiring one. I give Bloodshot # 13 a 9 … out of 10.

1st Impressions: Bloodshot # 12

BLOODSHOT # 12
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Barry Kitson, Stefano Guadiano & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                The journey to Las Vegas Continues as Bloodshot leads his group towards Vegas as they need to make a pit stop for some food. The pit stop becomes an adventure as Kuretich shows up with a team from Harada to take down Bloodshot at a meat factory. In a gory confrontation, Bloodshot takes on this team while taking heavy damage. In the meantime, Kara & the kids get trapped in their own vehicle … leading to more trouble.

ART:
 

                Kitson gives over to a grittier, darker style more and is really showcased his versatility as an artist. Kitson pushes the envelope with his style with the rougher edges and Guadiano inks creates this wonderful, rough edges. There is a lot of expression and detail in the work. The two weave wonderful panel work.

                Reber’s darker colors and shades builds upon the Kitson’s pencils and Gaudiano/Kitson’s inks. The action is kinetic. The panel work is doing well. The violence was amped up. Yet, it does work with the story and the battles that take place in this book.

                Kitson is a master of sequential art and this art team nails it this issue.

WRITING:

                Swierczynski  gives us a great interlude to the Harbinger Wars and reflects why Bloodshot looks the way he looks during the third issue of Harbinger Wars.  He really starts to let the children shine as they work through their issues. They’re own battle, while did not outshine the star, was just as interesting and good. And we seem to become familiar with the kids that Bloodshot saved.

                 Bloodshot continues to build upon himself, actually stating that he misses the boy that represented the nanites … which makes his internal struggle more interesting and finding how much he relied on that boy before.  Swierczynski really gives more depth to our main character while also enhancing the supporting cast. Also, it is a great end note to Bloodshot’s relationship with Kuretich. Overall, a great written issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Harbinger Wars continues to be an interesting event while Bloodshot develops more and more. The stakes keep raising but this is an excellent breather.  We get good character development, great resolution to Kuretich & Bloodshot’s relationship. Kitson took chances with his art this issue and it really paid off.


RATING:

                A strong issue with great development, I give Bloodshot # 12 a 9 out of 10.

                

1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 7 Review

SHADOWMAN # 7
Written by Justin Jordon

Art by Neil Edwards, Matt Ryan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            After Samedi has both Alyssa and Shadowman in his clutches, Dox comes in trying to save them. Samedi, though, gives an offer to Jack. Dox tells him not to take it but Jack and Dox have an intense conversation which leads to an unlikely alliance .. .

            Meanwhile, Darque is doing crazy stuff to get out of the Deadside while the Brethen are trying to get Darque to Earth. Yet, Shadowman jumps into action against the Brethen and their leader, Devereaux, as Dox takes a different approach …

ART:

            Neil Edwards definitely showed his skills this issue.  It has improved this issue as we get some pretty gory stuff as Samedi makes his presence felt big time. The action looks good. The gore looks horrifying. There is some pictures where the faces just looked a little weird cause of distance but over all, Edwards and Ryan bring out some great art. Smooth lines and descriptive faces and backgrounds. Darque, though, does not look that menacing this issue … till the final page.

            Reber does a great job with colors, keeping the book dark and moody, as it should be. It also makes the gore that much more horrific. Reber really does a good job bringing out the best of Edwards and Ryan pencils and inks. Pretty good work from the art team.


WRITING:

            Jordon weaves a good, solid issue. Jack continues to show that just because he accepted the responsibility of Shadowman, all things attached to it are not to his liking at all. Jack’s conversation with Dox was very gripping and resonated with me about young men arguing with their fathers about what they are going through to achieve this “destiny” set upon them.

            We got more of Devereaux this issue which really made him seem more charming. Yet, it gave us a view of The Brethren and their role serving Master Darque. Darque had the single most chilling final page this year (thus far) as he took the soul of *******.

            The pacing was great. The characterizations really gripped me but I was slightly annoyed by 2 things: 1 – No Dr. Mirage … even though she’s on the cover. I still don’t understand what happened to her after what happened last issue.  And 2 – Alyssa, if you were gonna be like “We should be protecting Shadowman” … then why the hell you didn’t tell Dox that in the first place or go with Jack when he left?

            Those were the two things that had me scratch my head but still, Jordon delivers a good issue with this.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Shadowman continues to mix horror with drama and action in a great unique blend. Besides the 2 follies, this was a good issue. It set up the climax, gave a really great exchange between Dox and Jack, show us how powerful both Samedi and Darque are and advances the characters of Jack & Dox. The art is good. The pacing great. Overall, a good issue but there could be some improvement.


RATING:

            I give Shadowman # 7 a 7 out of 10. Buy it. Although it's got a couple of holes, it's a good issue.

Bloodshot # 11 Review

 BLOODSHOT # 11

Written by Duane Swiercyznski
Art by Barry Kitson, Stefano Gaudiano & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We get an extended battle between Bloodshot and Harada (that took place in Harbinger Wars # 2) with more details of what the Harada Protocals were doing inside of Bloodshot. And it’s gruesome. Plus, learn as to how prepared Bloodshot REALLY is.


ART:

            Barry  Kitson is showing that he still has plenty of tricks up his sleeves. The veteran’s style is so different in this book. Sharper. Darker. And it fits the tone of Bloodshot. This issue is very balls to the wall with graphic imagery from all the damage Bloodshot takes. Kitson and Gaudiano sharply displays the damage Bloodshot takes, his literal inner struggle and what happens. Kitson really presents us with charming children alongside destroyed faced heroes with class. Bloodshot is horrifying yet human as Kitson brings that out during his battle with Harada.

            The sharper inks that Gaudiano and Kitson used on Kitson’s pencils really worked with the tone of the issue. This was a down and dirty battle that was rendered extremely well. Reber’s colors only enhanced the insanity that this issue presented. Kudos to the team for a great issue.


WRITING:

            This issue has some of what we saw in Harbinger Wars # 2 and more. Swierczynski definitely presents us a war machine who is finding his humanity and it is not more evident than it was in this issue as he battled Harada. Bloodshot’s inner struggle with the Harada Protocal definitely opened a lot with the character as it went from showing him as the killing machine that is his reputation to him taking back his humanity during the course of the battle; which only cements Bloodshot as more than just a Punisher Clone.  The added inner struggle made the battle against Harada that much better. The pacing of the issue was great. And Kara is become a favorite of mine. I hope there is much more with her.

            Revelations, a man turned into a machine fighting back to be a man … this issue really displayed how far Bloodshot has come since the first issue nearly a year ago. Great dialogue and well written story in the background of an epic battle really made this issue a treat.  Yet, I felt that because of the few and far in between moments between the other characters … they were left for the dust.


OVERALL RATING:

            Smart writing with good art makes this book enjoyable. You don’t have to read Harbinger Wars # 2 to enjoy this issue and while Bloodshot shines over all, it is a great character piece admist a REALLY all out battle.

RATING:

            I enjoyed the issue.  While the supporting cast got very little looked at this issue, Bloodshot, as a character, really evolved more. I give Bloodshot # 11 an 8 out of 10.