Unity # 7 Review

UNITY #  7
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by CAFU & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

This will be a spoiler free review.

                Unity splits up to take down Dr. Silk and webnet. Yet, in doing so, we see our heroes having to get their hands dirty in order to save the world as Ninjak tries to find Dr. Silk’s original body while the others face other horrors.

THE GOOD:

                Kindt lets all the previous issues plots boil to a great finale here. The plots all connect. There is a great feeling of coming to an end of a journey with this finale. Kindt ties up the plot well while still leaving danging plots for future stories. Unity taking things separately made sense in this situation and has the team facing off different threat. Yet, what two of our heroes do in order to save the world … kudos for Kindt for not making it easy. The dialogue is smooth while the issue is paced perfectly.

                CAFU and Reber do an excellent job giving us a stunning visual finale. I want more of CAFU in this book. His clean, tight pencils and Reber’s colors just light up every panel while still capturing the mood and tone of the story. Nice detailed work that is enhanced by each other. Really great art at the end of the book.

THE BAD:

                My only complaint is that the end, while satisfying was still a bit predictable. Otherwise, that’s it.

THE VERDICT:
                Unity # 7 was just a joy to read. The action was amazing. The story was solid. Kindt and CAFU make an exceptional team and I look forward to more from them. I give Unity # 7 4 stars … out of 5.

Straight Forward Reviews : Unity # 6

The team of Unity continue in their pursuit of Dr. Silk. While the "good" Dr. plans to unleash something he's been cooking up on the whole world.

Writer - Matt Kindt

Artist - CAFU

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story sees X-O Manowar, Ninjak, and the Eternal Warrior chasing Dr. Silk and his brainwashed goons while Livewire is talking with the man himself.

Through the issue Silk's motivations are expanded upon and we see that not only are his goals not the standard fair but his motivations as well. He doesn't want to cause strife but the plan he reveals is most definitely a nefarious one. The intention for this arc was to show that Silk was a legitimate threat to these four and he definitely has done that. Silk is written very well.

There was also some more nice references to other things in the Valiant universe shown during Silk's explanations on why he's doing what he's doing that might be appreciated. So that's a bonus if you're a longtime Valiant fan.

Art

A lot of what I mentioned in my review of the previous issue applies here. The level of detail is really high and everything still manages to look dynamic. Which is a bit of a downfall of overly detailed art. Sometimes things get so detailed it actually starts to look less believable but CAFU does a fantastic job of having things look good and detailed. 

Verdict

This issue has some great plot building and character development for the villain. The team still seems to not be a true cohesive unit yet but we do see growth for them as well. All in all I can't really say to skip this one, it's a worthy read and for that I give Unity # 6 a solid 9 out of 10.

Preview: UNITY # 6

UNITY #6 ("TRAPPED BY WEBNET" – PART 2")

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CAFU
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
Variant Cover by RAUL ALLEN
Variant Cover by MICHAEL WALSH
Variant Cover by CAFU

Drawn into the WEBNET!

Unity is anything but unified as the team fractures and must start from scratch. But they’d better hurry because a new threat is looming…and Ninjak must tackle a viral epidemic that has been lying in wait for generations. A sickness is spreading across the land and only the doctor has the cure… Dr. Silk!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/9/14

Straight Forward Reviews : Unity # 5

We're back with a new issue of the crossover series Unity! This time the team of Ninjak, Livewire, X-O Manowar, and the Eternal Warrior come together to face a new enemy.

Writer - Matt Kindt

Artist - CAFU

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The issue starts off with Livewire on a mission for MI-6 and events unfold into a new arc that starts off with it's fair share of mystery. There's also backstory for the new villain that has been explained and it seems this villain actually has ties to the origins of other characters in the Valiant universe. With his backstory it actually does seem that he can be a proper villain for the Unity team.

The issue has an interesting story that presents mysteries and gives enough backstory to keep the reader intrigued. The main team also has their own developments. They can truly be called a team now and it will be interesting to see how they grow and handle the obstacles thrown their way.

Art

CAFU's art in this issue is brilliant. The details in the characters and the environments look good as do the action sequences. There's something extra about the art that makes it special. It all seems to have a tone or a mood to it. I have to also give a lot of credit to the colorist Brian Reber for that. Ninjak and Livewire's technology and the backstory for the new villain are well done especially.

Verdict

Going into this comic I was a little nervous that it would just turn into a boring super team fights random evil person who probably doesn't need these people to team up. Those fears were assuaged just about immediately when they explained just who this villain was. This new arc seems to be like a good one with some mystery thrown in that should keep your attention as well. It looks good too, so it shouldn't be a chore to read. I give Unity # 5 a 9 out of 10.

First Look: Ninjak is "Trapped By Webnet" in UNITY # 5

First Look: NINJAK Enters "TRAPPED BY WEBNET" in UNITY #5

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Unity #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new adventure for Valiant's elite all-star superteam! Start reading here on March 12th as New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT) and Valiant exclusive superstar CAFU (Action Comics) unleash a vicious new vision of Ninjak's ultimate enemy in "Trapped by Webnet" – a new three-part story arc and a perfect standalone jumping-on point for one of the year's best-selling, breakout new series debuts!

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. First came UNITY… Now meet WEBNET! Coming off of the earth-shattering repercussions of their first mission, Ninjak is leading the newly formed Unity team right back into the trenches to face the Valiant Universe’s next colossal threat – the enigmatic Dr. Silk and his high-tech terror cell: WEBNET! With the fate of untold millions on the line, can this team of cutthroat heroes uncover Silk’s endgame – and his deadly connection to Ninjak’s shadowed past?

On March 12th, the doctor is out…of his mind! Prepare to meet Valiant's next A-level enemy when Dr. Silk triggers "Trapped by Webnet," only in Unity #5! Featuring four limited Pullbox Exclusive Variants byMico Suayan (Ultimate Cataclysm), Philip Tan (Green Lantern), Raul Allen (Secret Avengers), andDiego Bernard (X-O Manowar), pre-order with your local comic shop today to reserve your copy of this all-new, action-packed turning point for Valiant's blockbuster superteam!

Attention retailers: this issue will be 100% returnable for qualifying orders. See your order form for more details.
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.

UNITY #5 (NEW ARC – "TRAPPED BY WEBNET")
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CAFU
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JAN141349)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MICO SUAYAN (JAN141350)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PHILIP TAN (JAN141351)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by RAUL ALLEN (JAN141352)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by DIEGO BERNARD (JAN141353)
Variant Cover by MATT KINDT (JAN141354)
B&W Sketch Variant by MICO SUAYAN (JAN141355)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 3/12/14 (FOC –2/17/14)

Preview: UNITY # 5

UNITY #5 Launches "TRAPPED BY WEBNET" – An All-New Story Arc by MATT KINDT and Exclusive Artist CAFU!

Fresh off the sold-out success of Unity #1's best-selling debut, Valiant's elite super-team is raising the stakes ever further with an all-new mission in March!

As revealed today at USA Today, Unity #5 will introduce the Valiant Universe's next A-level adversary in "Trapped by Webnet" – a new, three-part story arc launching Ninjak's most notorious arch-nemesis, Dr. Silk, and his high-tech terror network, WEBNET, into the all-new Valiant Universe! Written by New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt(Justice League of America, Mind MGMT) with pencils by Valiant's newest exclusive artist,CAFU (Earth 2, Action Comics), start reading here when Ninjak steps front and center for an all-new entry point into Valiant's landmark, chart-topping ongoing series.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. First came UNITY… Now meet WEBNET! Coming off of the earth-shattering repercussions of their first mission, Ninjak is leading the newly formed Unity team right back into the trenches to face the Valiant Universe's next colossal threat – the enigmatic Dr. Silk and the radical terror cell known as WEBNET! With the fate of untold millions on the line, can this team of cutthroat heroes uncover Silk's endgame – and his connection to Ninjak's shadowy past – before a global pandemic wipes humanity off the map? From the English countryside to the jungles of Taiwan, MI-6's most lethal intelligence operative and his ruthless team of egotists, immortals and malcontents are taking their fight global to stop WEBNET in its path.

"I've put a lot of thought into [Dr. Silk] and one of the things that makes him interesting is that he's crazy SMART...not just crazy. So I'm really focusing on that, and hand in hand with that is his age," Kindt told USA Today. "He's kind of a withered old guy which implies a lot of history. So part of his intrigue is going to be what he's done in the past and how it's going to effect our present."

Unity #5 will be 100% returnable for qualifying retailers and include four limitedPullbox Exclusive Variants (available to fans who pre-order with their local retailer) from an all-star roster of comics talents - Mico Suayan (Ultimate Cataclysm), Philip Tan(Green Lantern), Raul Allen (Secret Avengers), and Diego Bernard (Eternal Warrior)!

Series writer and acclaimed artist Matt Kindt will also contribute an incentive cover for issue #5.

This March, the smash-hit new series of the year begins a daring new act in Unity #5 – an all-new introduction to the most feared team in comics!

For more information on Unity and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com. 

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.

UNITY #5 (TRAPPED BY WEBNET – PART 1)

Written by MATT KINDT

Art by CAFU

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MICO SUAYAN

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PHILIP TAN

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by RAUL ALLEN

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by DIEGO BERNARD

Variant Cover by MATT KINDT

B&W Sketch Variant by MICO SUAYAN

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 3/12/14 (FOC –2/17/14)

1st Impression: SHADOWMAN # 12

SHADOWMAN # 12
Written by Ales Kot, Christopher Sebela, Duffy Boudreau & Neil Dvorak
Art by CAFU, Matthew Southworth, Diego Bernard & Neil Dvorak
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We got Four tales of the Shadowman and the world he lives in. Each other dealing thing a different facet of Shadowman.

ART:

                I am gonna go through the art of each story quickly since there are 4 different artists.  Deadside Blues’ art was pretty solid from CAFU.  The lines were detailed enough to show people and things of different sizes and colors while still be abstract enough to fit the mood of the Deadside.  CAFU and Andy Troy really captured a nice moody tone with their work. The coloring was perfect. And CAFU does a great job convey expression well. Good job.

                Lucky Charms art was … well, serviceable. There were just enough lines of detail to tell who a character was. It is an interesting style. Yet, overall, there is a lack of consistency from panel to panel. The cartoon style works with the darker colors. Honestly though, Southworth’s style is just okay. It does not overly excite me but it does capture the spirit of the story that it is conveying. It was an okay piece.

                Valiant has stated, on more than one occasion, that Diego Bernard is a rising star. And with Blackout, he proves it. The nice solid lines with a more traditional comic book style worked well for the story that he was telling. It was solid work that really showcased emotion, some great panel composition and angles as well as so good backgrounds. Bernard, along with colorist Hannin and inks by Sicat, make this a strong showing. And while there is still room for improvement, I really enjoyed the art for this story.

                And Neil Dvorak’s very abstract story at the end was charming with the line work. It was clean with good definition on it. Overall, a good job.

WRITING:

                We start our first tale written by Ales Kot who does a great job giving us a personal look at Jack dealing with his anger. It also was a great character piece for Jaunty, who gives out some great wisdom in the story. I provided great character development for Jack and Jaunty with a couple surprises. It was also well paced.

                Next up is Christopher Sebela’s story. While some people might find it wordy,  I honestly loved the tale. Going into a complete stranger and see how they are affected by their own actions and Shadowman was well done. The dialogue felt natural. It was really well paced. And it had a great human quality that really made you feel for a drug dealer.

                Duffy Boudreau did Blackout, which definitely seemed like typical Shadowman fanfare. Yet, it was a good piece that provided character development, not only for Jack but for the character Hosho. The plot itself was well constructed with a nice and impactful ending. I admit, the actual climax caught me off guard.

                Finally, Dvorak’s tale was vastly entertaining, giving some spotlight to Jaunty again in a different way.  It was inventive and Dvorak said a lot with what few pages he had. A good job there.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                I got to admit. I have really enjoyed the issue over all. Good to great stories. And while the art went from meh to good, it was still a strong showing.

RATING:

   I give Shadowman # 12, over all, an 8 … out of 10. Pretty good job. Buy  it on November 6^th.

Preview: SHADOWMAN # 12

Extra-Spooky Valiant Preview: KOT, CAFU, SEBELA and More Haunt SHADOWMAN #12

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #12 – featuring three complete tales of New Orleans' nocturnal guardian by some of the brightest talents in comics today!

 

Follow Ales Kot (Zero, Secret Avengers) & CAFU (Action Comics) into the realm of arcane horrors for "Deadside Blues"; Christopher Sebela (Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel) & Matthew Southworth (Stumptown) present the "Lucky Charm" of the Big Easy's underworld; and Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) & Diego Bernard (Eternal Warrior) go "Blackout" for an uneasy day-in-the-life of Jack Boniface, the mysterious Shadowman! Plus – a special short story starring Jaunty the Deadside monkey by acclaimed webcomic creator Neil Dvorak (Easy Pieces)!

 

Be here on November 6th as a who's who of rising stars come together to push the outer bounds of Shadowman's world ever further, right here in Shadowman #12!

 

And be back in 30 for Shadowman #13 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc and all-new vision from the new ongoing creative team of comics icon Peter Milligan and fan favorite artist Roberto De La Torre!

 

For more information on Shadowman and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #12

Written by ALES KOT, CHRISTOPHER SEBELA, DUFFY BOUDREAU, and NEIL DVORAK

Art by CAFU, MATTHEW SOUTHWORTH, DIEGO BERNARD, and NEIL DVORAK

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (SEP131369)

Variant Cover by KEKAI KOTAKI (SEP131370)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs. 

ON SALE 11/6/13
 

SHADOWMAN #13 (NEW ARC - "FEAR, BLOOD, AND SHADOWS")

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (OCT131338)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (OCT131339)

Variant Cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH (OCT131340)

Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS (OCT131341)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 12/4/13 (FOC – 11/11/13)