HARBINGER # 15
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Barry Kitson, Stefano Gaudiano, Mark Pennington & Ian Hannin with
Sotocolor
Valiant Comics
FLIPPING THROUGH:
The
Renegades take some time to relax after recent events as they hit the beach in
Los Angeles. The group enjoy themselves
through multiple activities, including Torque and Peter crashing a bodybuilding
contest. Kris is nervous around the sea. Later, the group decides to split up
to different activities. Torque goes to his first concert. Peter goes with
Faith flying around Hollywood Hills. And Kris and Flamingo go out to a party in
the middle of the desert they got a flyer for by a guy they found cute. Torque’s
response to the guy was that he’s gay, which annoys Kris.
Yet,
you must wonder how do the Renegades accomplish this. Simple. They stop at a
car dealership and, using Peter’s telepathy, coax the sales man to give them
two cars. So, Torque travels on a large hummer to a metal concert while Kris
and Flamingo hit the desert. The two seem to be having a great time … so great
that Kris and Flamingo kiss. Flamingo says she was caught up then goes on stage
to dance. In the meantime, Kris gets a weird vision. The two girls go back, finding Torque there.
Kris ends up talking to Torque alone …
ART:
Kitson’s
art was different here again from his Bloodshot work and his other work. It was
a bit more sketchy in look but with smoother inks than he had during his stint
on Bloodshot. And while it may seem unfinished in some panels, it seems to
work. Kitson is about to convey emotion, give great porportions. Gaudiano’s and
Pennington’s ink really help bring Kitson’s style together throughout the whole
book. There inks are fairly solid and
smooth, yet liven up Kitson’s sketch-like style this issue. It works.
Hannin
and Sotocolor do a good job this issue with the colors. The colors are vibrant
at the beach but more subdued during the night time panels. They energize the
panels while also catching the mood for what Dysart and Kitson are conveying
through their work.
While
I wasn’t blown away, still a solid issue.
WRITING:
Dysart
is coming off a major event and how is this for a follow up. Pretty DAMN
AWESOME. Dysart’s writing continues to become pinnacle work in comics. Years
from now, Dysart’s run on this book will be compared to that of Claremont’s
X-Men or John’s Green Lantern or Flash.
Dysart writes very relatable characters and this issue is the best proof
of it.
Dysart
brings readers along for a break after all the insanity of the Harbinger Wars. Dysart
captures how some real life teens deal with their powers. Dysart does this with
Peter abusing his powers to get cars for Torque, Kris and Flamingo. Yet, I was
pleasantly surprised at the focus on development with the characters …
particularly Kris and Torque. Torque’s usage of gay definitely stems from his upbringing
and him dealing with his condition till he was activated. Kris, on the other hand, seemed to be much
more multi-facetted after this issue; especially now that there seems to be
hints of bisexuality or lesbian tendencies in both her and Flamingo. It would
also explain to her reaction of the word ‘gay.’ Kudos to Dysart for actual
dealing with the use of the word ‘gay’, how it is used and, although covertly,
expressing feelings on said usage of ‘gay’ in modern day culture.
And I
can honestly express me saying “HOLY S#!T!” at the ending of the comic. That
ALONE is worth the price tag. Dysart
gives us some wonderful sets up with interpersonal relationships …. Along with possibly
shipping of Faith & Peter. But that ENDING …. GEEZZ!!!
For all that is right with the
book, I have one gripe … while sometimes … the Renegades are wearing their
uniforms to go out to having fun. They didn’t on the beach. And I can
understand why Peter & Faith do when they fly (possible insulation &
all that) but why did Torque , Flamingo and Kris not wear different clothes
when they went out? Is that just a bit too obvious? They know that Harada will
still be after them, right?
Dysart, though, does an incredible
job this issue.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
“Perfect Day” part one definitely
was a great start for a new arc and good jump on point. The art was good and I applaud
Kiston changing things up with his art. It works and fits this crew. As for the
writing, Dysart continues to deliver some of the best written comics today and
this issue is one of his best to date. My only problem being the costume thing
is a minor gripe in the larger scheme of things. Excellent pacing. Great
character development. Interesting plot. Gripping characters. Vibrant art. And
one hell of an ending makes Harbinger # 15 a GREAT comic.
RATING:
Besides the one issue I had with
it, this book is AMAZING. Harbinger # 15 gets an 8.5 out of 10. BUY IT!!!!
