1st Impressions: Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps: H.A.R.D. Corps # 0

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS: H.A.R.D. CORPS #0

Written by Christos Gage and Joshua Dysart
Art by Valentine De Landro, Joseph Cooper, ChrisCross, John Livesay, Victor Olazaba & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We get a look at the rise of the H.A.R.D. Corps and then see its fall in the early 90s.

ART:

                We got 3 distinctive stories from three different decades. So, we are gonna do down each of them.

                The 1970s story was well done with De Landro giving us a dark and gritty look that not only reflects the story itself but the decade that its been held in. With the Cold War going on and Communism being a big concern for the United States, De Landro integrates the dark feel for the time alongside the dark overtones of the story. Some decent panel work that gives some strong visuals as we see H.A.R.D. Corps being formed and going into action. The effects of the decade and story get some grim visuals. We got some good panel composition and Hannin complements the style well with just enough color for when it needs it and just enough shadow and shade when he doesn’t. A good kick off story.
                The 1980s story definitely had the feel of the 80s artistically. The panel work was solid with some very eye-popping visuals by Cooper and Livesay. Cooper and Livesay also have a great sense of proportions on a human body as we saw soldiers of different shapes and sizes and they all seemed to fit their body type. The action looked great and very late 80s/early 90s style and Cooper and Livesay bring everything to life so well. Hannin again holds it down with great colors that actually are different from the first story but giving the tones a slightly lighter feel when needed. And the exploding head was just gruesome, disgusting and wonderfully colored.
                The 1990s story was handed with a good amount of style and expression from ChrisCross and Victor Olazaba. They did a good job of focusing on giving off human emotions and movements that really helped give this last story some weight.  There was tension going into the story that ChrisCross and Olazaba illustrated well throughout the story. The action was kinetic as always with ChrisCross.  Panel work was solid and a lot of the story was easily told through the panels themselves. A good use of perspective as well as angles alongside Hannin’s stellar colors made this a treat to read.

WRITING:

                Gage and Dysart continue to build upon what was already there and add their own spin on things.  From the  1970’s letter narrated by the main connecting component in each story to the couples argument in the 1980s to the last two pages of the 1990s story, the humanity from each of the characters spring forth; bringing us a very satisfying and emotionally charged issue. Gage and Dysart do a great job giving us the mood for the 1970s with the use of Communisim. They narration of that story gave the events throughout its panels a good amount of weight while showing us the rise of the H.A.R.D. Corps.

                The 1980s story definitely felt like it was at the top of H.A.R.D. Corps original golden age while also adding in some good human elements and characterization. The pacing of the story was great as well as us getting a glimpse of some of H.A.R.D. Corps that wanted out during that time.

                The final story capped things off well while connecting to other issues and flashbacks we have seen throughout the series. Palmer makes an appearance and leaves a strong yet bittersweet ending for this Zero issue.
                Overall, there are some strong characterization, dialogue and pacing for each story. Each tale was told in a different style while also trying to reflect the year it was from. While, I do not feel that the year of the story mattered too much for the last two, the first story dealing with 1970s really did an amazing job reflecting that year.
                I also give props to the writers for using Arthur as our anchor to go from year to year. It was definitely a good idea and a smooth transition from one thing to another. Very well done.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This was definitely a strong origin issue for the H.A.R.D. Corps with its ups and downs. The art was from very good to great and the writing was superb overall.

RATING:

                I give Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps: H.A.R.D. Corps #0 an 8.5 out of 10.
 

Previews: Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps: H.A.R.D. Corps #0

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS: H.A.R.D. CORPS #0
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO, CHRISCROSS and JOSEPH COOPER
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (DEC131318)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (DEC131319)
Variant Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (DEC131320)

Remember the ’90s?!

The most elite assets of Project Rising Spirit team up for an early mission together — Bloodshot and the H.A.R.D. Corps, living weapons! But, in the decade of dial-up, the technology is far from perfect and bugs are bound to pop up in the wetware…with disastrous results…

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 26th!

1st Impressions: BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #19

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS # 19

Written by Christos Gage and Joshua Dysart
Art by Bart Sears, Chriscross, Victor Olazaba & Matt Milla
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                Half of the team is captured by Oreck’s freaks while the rest of the team mount a rescue. As they do, we get some back story as to a couple character motivations while Bloodshot is faced with an interesting proposition.

ART:

                The art in this issue was fantastic. To Chriscross’s solid and powerful flashbacks to Bart Sears dynamic and kinetic action, this issue was a great buffet for the eyes. Sears has not lost it in his long tenture as an artist. I dare say, Sears’ work is better now than it’s ever been. It’s nice and polished and unique. There is a great amount of darker scenes that are set just right between Sears’ work and Milla’s colors.

                Chriscross delivers some very powerful moments this issue with the flashbacks. A lot of raw emotion was captured in panels that not many artists can encapsulate so well. Olazaba’s inks alongside Milla’s colors make them even more powerful as there are some really good moments rendered.
                The art was nice, detailed and clean. All the art in this issue was used very well and the art team should be commended on such a spectacular looking book.

WRITING:

                Gage and Dysart continue to build their cast here while also tying up this storyline. There is clear development for several characters: Bloodshot, Palmer, Granite and Vagabond. Each other them get some really key moments in this issue that really help not only move it along but make the book more compelling in amidst the glorious violence. These moments are blended in well with the conflict with Oreck and his group of super-powered soldiers.

                Gage and Dysart blend the personal with the professional so well this issue that it makes some good statements about dealing with your work life and how it might affect you personally. Also, Vagabond’s backstory was particularly gripping. The story ended quite satisfactory as well as a couple surprises that I did not see coming. Great dialogue and strong story make for a great comic and this issue has it in spades.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                This issue had it all. Great art. Great Character development. Exotic locales. Violence. And surprises that definitely are out there but do not feel illogical. I personally found the issue to be very entertaining and full of character growth while people were being blasted at and all rendered beautifully.


RATING:

                I give Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps # 19 a solid 9.5 … out of 10. Pick it up  February 19^th.

1st Impression: BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS # 18

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS # 18
Written by Christos Gage & Joshua Dysart
Art by Bart Sears, Chriscross, Victor Olazaba, Matt Milla & Allen Passalaqua

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open with Kozov coming face to face with a blast from the past in the title … and some friends. Afterward, Granite runs into Flatline and Genius … in a way she would rather forget. Although, to be fair, the title of Get Some is getting apt.
                As Kozov needs to be rescued, the team ends up tracking down Kozov’s last location in Nigeria. Once they are there, Project: Rising Spirit’s past catches up to it. Z

ART:

                To say that the art this issue was impression would be an understatement. Bart Sears has over 25 years of experience in this industry and his work looks better than ever. It is detailed but not overly detailed. Lines are nice and clean. There are great, distinct features with everyone.  Sears really dives back into Valiant hard with some explosive action and strong, emotion captured.
                Chriscross’s art looks a bit less detailed but really works for the flashback portion of the issue. Olazaba does a great job backing up Chriscross. The action was definitely kinetic and captured emotion well.
                Both artists did their best this issue and the work shows it. The colors by Milla and Passalaqua do these artist justice, giving a deeper and rich view of the world that these characters live in. A top notch job by this team.

WRITING:

               

                Gage and Dysart continue to build a rich, new world for Bloodshot and the other H.A.R.D. Corps. We get some really strong development for Granite, Palmer, Bloodshot, Genius and Flatline this issue.  Our writers do a good job showing us more facets of these characters this issue as well as drive the plot of this new storyline. 

                Gage and Dysart set up the main plot quickly but do a great job of making it personal; having effects on some of our main characters. Gage and Dysart also give us some quality moments of development and even a good laugh at the start of the issue.  The pacing of the issue was just great and, as normal, Gage and Dysart do an outstanding job of giving us the depth of the situation through strong dialogue and great scenes that help reveal motivation or move along the plot in an organic, satisfying way.  Another solid issue by both writers.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Since Gage and Dysart taken over this book, they have constructed a great title with interesting characters and entertaining plots that hold on to you and don’t let go. Bart Sears gives some of his best work in his career while Chriscross gets a bit more experimental with his art which pays off.

RATING:

                I give Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps # 18 a 10 … out of 10! Buy it Wednesday!!!

First Look: Look Into the Origin of H.A.R.D. Corps in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps: H.A.R.D. Corps # 0

First Look: Gage and Dysart Enlist BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS: H.A.R.D. CORPS #0

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps: H.A.R.D. Corps #0–  an all-new, standalone introduction to Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps, living weapons of the 80s, 90s and today!

Start reading here on February 26th as acclaimed writers Christos Gage (Superior Spider-Man) andJoshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars) partner up with an all-star cast of artistic talents to reveal the never-before-told origins of Bloodshot's brothers-in-arms…and declassify three decades worth of the H.A.R.D. Corps' unsanctioned super-powered incursions into war zones across the globe. But, in the era of analog, Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps' cutting-edge enhancements are far from perfect and bugs are bound to pop up in the wetware with…disastrous results…

Don't miss this unshakeable new entry point into the biggest action book on the stands when Valiant unleashes Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps: H.A.R.D. Corps #0 on February 26th! And look for more jumping-on points for each of Valiant's most acclaimed monthly series in February and March withArcher & Armstrong: Archer #0, Quantum and Woody: The Goat #0, and Harbinger: Bleeding Monk #0!

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

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

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS: H.A.R.D. CORPS #0
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO, CHRISCROSS and JOSEPH COOPER
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI (DEC131318)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (DEC131319)
Variant Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (DEC131320)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 2/26/14 (FOC – 2/3/14)

Preview: ARCHER & ARMSTRONG # 16

SECT CIVIL WAR vs. the All-Seeing Eyes of ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #16!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Archer & Armstrong #16 by New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and Harvey Award-nominated artist Khari Evans! Sect Civil War continues! It's a showdown on the lowdown as Archer & Armstrong regroup to capture an ancient weapon forged way back in mummy times before it falls into the hands of…well, just about every scary group of secret conspirators history has ever known.

The multiple Sects that secretly govern our world have stepped out of the shadows and right into each others' faces! Now the newly reunited Archer and Armstrong (for now) must stand tall in this conspiracy free-for-all and find a way to not only survive, but save the world in the process (again)!

The illuminated banksters of One Percent! The masonic brothers of the Master Builders! The consecrated murder nuns of the Sisters of Perpetual Darkness! The anonymous anarchists of the Black Bloc! And more! The secret factions of Sect Civil War steamroll into their biggest battle yet right here on December 11th, only in Archer & Armstrong #16 – in stores the same day as Unity #2!

For more information on Archer & Armstrong 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.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #16 (SECT CIVIL WAR)

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art by KHARI EVANS with CHRISCROSS

Cover by CLAYTON HENRY (OCT131348)

Variant Cover by MICHAEL WALSH (OCT131349)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 12/11/13

Preview: BLOODSHOT # 0

First Look: MATT KINDT and CHRISCROSS Build BLOODSHOT #0

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Bloodshot #0 from New York Times best-selling author Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT, Justice League of America) and fan favorite artist ChrisCross(Superman/Batman)! This August, discover the declassified secret history of Project Rising Spirit’s Bloodshot program and its most successful soldier – right in here in Valiant's next standalone, new-reader-friendly zero issue!

 

From the darkest days of World War II and Korea, and through the hell of Vietnam and Afghanistan, Bloodshot’s origin leaves a bloody trail of discarded lives and forgotten families. But which memories are real? Which families? Which children? Is Bloodshot many men…or no man at all? Is he simply a soulless killing machine or something more? Who is responsible? And why have they engineered the most dangerous weapon ever conceived by man? 

 

Before Bloodshot begins an all-new mission in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14, discover the definitive origin of the man behind the machine right here in Bloodshot #0, on sale August 21st!

 

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

 

BLOODSHOT #0

Written by MATT KINDT

Art by CHRISCROSS

Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (JUN131317)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MATT KINDT (JUN131318)

Wraparound Gatefold Variant by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (JUN131319)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 8/21/13 (FOC – 7/29/13)

REVIEW: Batwing # 1-8

BATWING
Issues #1-8
Story arc: Massacre/The Kingdom Storyline
Writer: Judd Winick
Artists: Ben Oliver, Chriscross & Dustin Nguyen
DC Comics


BACKGROUND:

   Welcome back folks. Been a while since I did a whole storyline. But, let's get down to business. Batwing first appeared as a part of Batman's new Batman Inc venture about a year before the relaunch. Fast forward to around last summer when DC announced the New 52, Batwing was one of the titles that was to be bolstered. And that came with both positive and negative press. Yet, Batwing was just one of the many characters that were going to give diversity alongside Mr. Terrific, Static, Voodoo, Blue Beetle & Batwoman. I just want to point out that the first 2 titles were canceled a few month ago and Voodoo gets her last issue this month. Yet, the other two are going strong.

  So, what is making Batwing a title that keeps going? Part of it may have to do with the Bat-family. The other part of it might be the fact that it is being sold as "the Batman of Africa." But, let's examine the truth behind this title and see if it really  measures up.


LOW DOWN:

  Batwing # 1 opens to ... narration while our hero is fighting the villain in question, Massacre. It looks brutal. The background definitely feels like a different place. Our hero tells us how brutal Massacre with on very little armor in comparison to him. Yet, for the first time, we hear a phrase that will haunt readers and our hero: We Honor Them  All in Blood.

   Wow. What a colorful ... line.

  We go through a flashback of Batwing, where we are outside of the city of Tinasha as Batwing takes down a drug lord known as Blood Tiger. After scaring the crap out of Blood Tiger with some narration from Batwing being told by Batman to be theatrical in order to instill fear into the hearts of criminals; we go to an investigation being done by Tinasha officer Kia Okuru and our hero's civilian identity, David Zavimbe. Earlier, David left a clue while in his Batwing gear. David subtlety tests Officer Okuru who finds the wallet. Back in Batwing's lair, The Haven, he and his Alfred, known as Matu Ba, connect with the Bat Computer and figure out the identity of Massacre's first victim . . . a hero known as Earth Strike; a hero in African's super hero team known as The Kingdom.

 We find out that the Kingdom has disappeared and David goes back in civvies to his police job ... only to be met with a machete stabbed through his back to his chest after walking in a room full of severed heads and bodies. YAY. I like Tinasha.

  It seems as if Massacre came to leave a message to the Tinasha police. And he did. While David was dealing with his recent impalement, Officer Okuru brought reinforcements ...only for her to get hurt and the rest of the reinforcements to be killed by Massacre. Boy ... the guy is living up to his name.

We find that Massacre left little survivors among the police and has decided to attack  . .. an ELEMENTARY School. Okay. You know, I know we want to show how dark and gritty this new city in Africa is but DAMN! Of course, this is two weeks after Massacre' s glorious first confrontation with the Tinasha PD.

  David figures out that Massacre is gonna attack an elementary school as Massacre attacks one . .. mostly,a teacher in one. But this teacher actually happens to be former member of the Kingdom, Thunder Fall. The electric Thunder Fall takes on Massacre ... only to lose an arm in the process. GEEZ!

 Batwing, against Matu Ba's wishes . . . okay, okay ... Batwing shots Matu with a sedative, knocking him out . . .goes and joins the battle against Massacre. Batwing is able to fend off Massacre but the damage is done. Thunder Fall succumes to blood loss, dying. Yet, before he dies, he is about to tell Batwing that they should not be forgiven for what they did.

  As the mystery gets deeper about The Kingdom and Massacre, we get a look back at David's childhood ... as a child soldier for a warlord named Keita. Both David and his younger brother Issac were the two best child soldiers of General Keita's army. They would kill who he asked to kill ... except women and children. And they would not hesitate to beat up older soldiers. They were the Dragonflies and they were vicious. Yet, their moral stand against Keita lead to their defection ... and Keita seemingly killing Issac after beating him up  and throwing him off a cliff side.

  For his trouble, young David kidnaps Keita, ties him up near an enemy camp and let's them known Keita is there.

Ah ... the joys of youth.

After that ... we find that Massacre kills another member of the Kingdom, off panel and it is now time ... for a fundraiser. It seems that there is a fundraiser at The Kingdom's former headquarters, known as The Citadel. The Kingdom's old pilot and weapons mechanic, Josiah Kone. And wow ...  he's at the Citadel, alongside Bruce Wayne who have transformed The Kingdom's old headquarters into a museum. Yet, Massacre ... with help this time, is able to destroy   The Citadel and kidnap a group of people with him.

  Batwing manages to corner and stop Massacre, saving the people and Josiah from certain death. Yet, as Batwing continues to dive into the mystery behind  The Kingdom ... he learns of their greatest shame and secret.


 SPOILER ALERT

 The Kingdom allowed for a genocidal maniac to team up with a group of warlords to fight the peoples army ... and let them kill each other. The maniac, General Okuro, was exiled from Africa, led by the Kingdom themselves.


  It is from this one event which lead to the break up of the Kingdom and the events that are currently happen with Massacre. Batwing and Batman track down the remaining members of The Kingdom to Gotham City and ...

 I will stop here.


BREAK DOWN:

Art:

   We have 3 very distinct art styles here. Very distinct and very different. Dustin Nguyen's issues were good and really captured the grit of Gotham and the mood for the story during those last two issues of this first storyline. It was a dark tone with a fast pace and the art conveyed the urgency really well.  The emotional parts were a 50 50. The major reveal of Massacre was done extremely  well but his benefactor being revealed seemed to lack the energy that the previous reveal had.

   Chriscross had done the pencils on issue #4 and I loved it. Going into David's past for the first time really needed to be vivid, painful, colorful and gruesome all at once. Chriscross succeeded with that. The tormented, blood-soaked history of David and his brother Issac with General Keita was rendered in a beautifully grizzy fashion. The backgrounds where vivid, the colors were vibrant. Everything fit where it was supposed to fit. It was a strong issue.

  Ben Oliver has some mind-numbingly beautiful art. Oliver penciled most of the issues of this story and they look amazing. His fusion of realistic and comic book art really makes the book a pleasure to the eyes. The characters are distinct in the way they move and look. The one flaw to Mr. Oliver's art ... which may not be his fault ... was the lack of backgrounds. There are times where no backgrounds are fine. Yet, with this being a launch title and introducing us to a brand new original locale, we didn't see much of it.

  There were some backgrounds that were just well done as we saw small areas around Tinasha. Yet, there were others that were just very plain. The citadel looked very majestic but then there were a lot of panels with nothing but Batwing, or Bruce Wayne or just people. I think the lack of backgrounds hurt the book a little bit.


 Writing:

   Judd Winnick gives his A game in this book as we are introduced to a brand new character. Batwing is very multi-faceted and it makes him such a compelling and different character than from  Batman that it makes you want to watch him more. He knows he has blood on his hands. He knows there is a lot of corruption and down right gruesome things that occur in Tinasha every day.

  Officer  Okuru and Matu make solid first impressions. Both characters are likable and give strong connections to our main hero. Matu's past is shrouded in mystery which leaves a lot to open with him. And the interesting dynamic between David and Okuru make their interactions interesting.

  The story is a strong start for Batwing. My only problem is how the story ends in Gotham. While I give the writer points to help set up Night of Owl's crossover issue (issue #9) after this story, it just seemed like the Bat Family  didn't trust Batwing to handle the situation. While it is nice that they helped each other, this is supposed to be David's first  foray and I saw Batman in 4 out of the first 8 issues. That's half. Sales strategy or not, not a great first impression on our hero. Otherwise, Winick wrote a very effective and wonderful character that I hope we see thrive in the years to come.


Final Verdict:

   Batwing's first outing was full of adventure, mystery, philosophical debates and gave us a taste of the world of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and it great city, Tinasha. Though, I feel we didn't see enough of Tinasha and there was too much Batman in these first 8 issues, the story and characters were really great. You read these books and feel invested on David and his crusade. A strong first outing for the Batman of Africa, Batwing.


I give this story a 3.5 out of 5. While the problems are a fair size, the storyline and art will keep you interested. Kudos to the creative team.