Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera Join THE VALIANT – A New Prestige Format Limited Series Beginning in December!

A battle ten millennia in the making is about to begin...

Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce THE VALIANT – a new prestige format four-issue limited series beginning in December from New York Times best-selling writers Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow,Animal Man) and Matt Kindt (RAI, UNITY, Mind MGMT), and featuring interior artwork and covers by Eisner Award-winning artist Paolo Rivera (Daredevil)!

An entirely self-contained comics event spotlighting Bloodshot, Eternal Warrior, Geomancer, and a cast of heroes and villains from across the Valiant Universe, THE VALIANT is a visionary new adventure from three of the greatest creative talents in comics today.

The Eternal Warrior has protected the Earth for more than 10,000 years. A master of countless weapons and long forgotten martial arts, he is guided by the Geomancers – those who speak for the Earth. During his long watch, the Eternal Warrior has failed three times. Each time, the Geomancer was killed…and a new dark age for humanity began. Each time, he was unable to stop The Immortal Enemy – a monstrous force of nature. A civilization killer. A horror that appears differently each time it arrives…and whose seemingly only purpose is to bring disorder and darkness to the world. Now, the time has come for The Immortal Enemy to return once more. But, this time, the Eternal Warrior will be ready. This time, he has a force greater than any single warrior. This time, he has…THE VALIANT.

"I've been a huge fan of what Valiant Comics has been doing for the past two years, with a lot of my favorite creators, and favorite people, like Matt Kindt, Josh Dysart and Rob Venditti, doing incredible work for the publisher," said writer Jeff Lemire. "So, it's a huge thrill for me to now step into the Valiant Universe in a BIG way with the upcoming four-issue series, THE VALIANT, along with co-writer Matt Kindt, and one of the most incredible artists working in comics today, Paolo Rivera. THE VALIANT will not only serve as a great entry point for brand new readers to Valiant, but also enrich the existing universe and shake it up dramatically moving forward. Valiant has an incredible stable of characters to play with, and they will ALL play a role in THE VALIANT."

"Jeff and I have been threatening to work together for a long time," said writer Matt Kindt. "And we did a little bit on Sweet Tooth with the few issues I did, but this is the first time we've really created something from scratch and written a long piece of work together. Collaborating on writing isn't something I normally get excited about, but Jeff and I just got coffee after a con one night and started brainstorming different things we could do and, by the end of the night, the waitress got a big tip and we'd written an outline for this epic story. It was like being transported to your best friend's kitchen table when you're 11 and cooking up fantastic comic book ideas. But in this case, when we were done, we got Paolo to draw it. We couldn't be more excited. I was just a fan of his on his now classic run on Daredevil. He's just a great cartoonist, you know? He can tell a story so well – and I think we gave him plenty of story to draw."

"I've heard nothing but good things about Jeff and Matt, and their script does not disappoint," said artist Paolo Rivera. "One of the major things that brought me to this project was the epic scale. Most of the stories I've worked on, even when action-packed, have been on the level of individuals. While our main characters are still the heart, this story spans epochs and realms, with consequences that, quite literally, affect the entire Earth."

"I worked with [Valiant Editor-in-Chief] Warren [Simons] briefly at Marvel, but he's been doing his best to lure me (and my Dad) to Valiant since 2012," added Rivera. "We've been doing mostly covers since then, so it's awesome to be drawing comics again. That, and it's fun to draw Bloodshot getting blown to bits."

A New York Times best-selling writer and artist, Jeff Lemire is the award-winning author of some of the most acclaimed graphic novels and comic book series in recent memory, including the Essex Countytrilogy, Sweet Tooth, and The Underwater Welder. A recipient of the American Library Association's prestigious Alex Award and the Joe Shuster Award, Lemire's work has also been nominated for the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Awards. Most recently, his work for DC Comics has included critically acclaimed runs on Animal Man, Green Arrow, and Justice League United, as well as the creator-owned series Trillium for Vertigo. THE VALIANT will be Lemire's first full-length work for Valiant Entertainment.

Matt Kindt is the New York Times best-selling writer and artist of many acclaimed graphic novels and comic book series, including Mind MGMT, 3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man, Pistolwhip,Red-Handed: The Fine Art of Strange Crimes, Revolver, and Super Spy. A Harvey Award winner and Eisner Award nominee, his other works include Justice League of America and Suicide Squad for DC Comics, and Marvel Knights: Spider-Man for Marvel Comics. In addition to THE VALIANT, Kindt currently writes two ongoing series, RAI and UNITY, for Valiant Entertainment.

Paolo Rivera quickly gained notoriety for his painted artwork on Marvel Comics' Mythos before moving on to provide distinctive and striking covers for nearly all of the publisher's top series. With his father Joe Rivera inking his work, Rivera penciled the best-selling relaunch of Marvel's Daredevil with writer Mark Waid – a run that won the father-son duo two Eisner Awards for their work. THE VALIANT will mark Rivera's first full-length comics' work since Daredevil in 2012. He can be found online atpaolorivera.blogspot.com and twitter.com/PaoloMRivera.

This December, the Geomancer's sacred mission begins anew as superstar creators Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and Paolo Rivera bring together THE VALIANT – a new comic book milestone, coming soon from Valiant Entertainment.
 

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.
 

THE VALIANT #1 (of 4)
Written by JEFF LEMIRE & MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by PAOLO RIVERA
$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs.
COMING IN DECEMBER!
 

THE VALIANT #1 – Cover by Paolo Rivera


THE VALIANT #1 – Interior Pencils by Paolo Rivera


THE VALIANT #1 – Interior Pencils by Paolo Rivera


BLOODSHOT – Character Study by Paolo Rivera


GEOMANCER – Character Study by Paolo Rivera


IMMORTAL ENEMY – Character Study by Paolo Rivera

1st Impression: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 4

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 4
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Trevor Hairsine, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Vicente Cifuentes & Guy Major
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad and Xaran get the scoop on Nergal’s new general from Buck. Buck also gives them the lowdown on the Goddess of the Earth. And after that, Gilad STILL wants to kill her.

ART:

                Hairsine and Bernard do a  fantastic job again with this issue. The art was nice and detailed. Sicat and Cifuentes inks do a great job cleaning up Hairsine’s rougher pencils to make it look cleaner this issue. The transition between the two artists was near seamless.  A great amount of detail in the panels alongside with some great emotional pieces throughout the book really expressed a lot of the story without words. Bernard really does some magnificent pieces this issue and look forward to more of his work. Major does a breathtaking job on the colors. Overall, a good job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Pak ends his first arc on Eternal Warrior with a LARGE BANG. This issue had an amazingly strong amount of emotion and heart that I had not felt since reading Gilad during Archer & Armstrong # 0. This was definitely the high point of the issue. The dialogue in this issue was  nothing short of brilliant. It was powerful, authentic  and moving. There was so much to this issue but it was extremely well paced. And there is some great character development for Gilad, Xaran and even Mitu that felt like a real evolution of what they were going through.  Pak also gives us enough twists this issue to make you go “WTF,” but in a good way. Overall, Pak written his best issue yet.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Hands down the best issue of the series yet and I want more.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 4 a 9.5 …. Out of 10. Wow 

Preview: Father Daughter Bonding In ETERNAL WARRIOR # 3

Ancient Immortals, Unlimited Ammo in ETERNAL WARRIOR #3


 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Eternal Warrior #3 by New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak and fan favorite artists Trevor Hairsine and Diego Bernard! The acclaimed debut of Valiant's immortal champion kicks in overdrive as Gilad Anni-Padda begins a cutthroat quest to locate a Geomancer gone missing in the modern day America!

 

Hungry for glory as the Earth's new Fist and Steel, the Eternal Warrior’s daughter Xaran has started a war between the mysterious Houses that rule the world. Now, as Gilad struggles to contain his daughter’s savage nature, two generations of Eternal Warrior race after the answers that lie between science and myth, rumor and legend, conquest and defeat.

 

Save the wizard – or all is lost! The series that The Onion/A.V. Club calls "gorgeously rendered comic-book action" hurtles into a brand new chapter on November 20th, only in Eternal Warrior #3!

 

For more information on Eternal Warrior 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

Preview: ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 Rages On

Destiny or Death! ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 Rages On!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Eternal Warrior #1 – Valiant's next ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and superstar artist Trevor Hairsine (Ultimate Nightmare)! On September 11th, two all-star creators come together to forge a brand new legend of the Valiant Universe!

 

After centuries on the battlefield, Gilad Anni-Padda has abdicated his duties as the Earth's immortal Fist and Steel for a simple life of seclusion. Living quietly among the wilderness, the undying Eternal Warrior has sworn not to raise his sword again – until his own daughter, long thought dead, brings an ancient war raging back to his doorstep…and, with it, a deadly legacy far bigger than a single warrior.

 

Beware the Sword of the Wild when Valiant's immortal guardian ventures into a battle beyond myth, beyond legend, and beyond time on September 11th in Eternal Warrior #1! 

 

Comic shop subscribers take note: contact your local retailer today to reserve your limited Eternal Warrior #1 Pullbox Exclusive Variant by series artist Trevor Hairsine, available only to pre-order/pullbox customers!

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

 

ETERNAL WARRIOR #1

Written by GREG PAK

Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JUL131306)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (JUL131307)

Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (JUL131308)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JUL131309)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 9/11/13 (FOC – 8/19/13)

Archer and Armstrong issue 9 review

Hello and welcome to Broken Infinite's comic reviews. We're back with a new issue of Archer and Armstrong. We've been blown away by the previous issues. Does this hold up?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Armstrong is in a bind. It seems Archer has gone off the deep end and is attacking his friends. Again, it would seem that way. But the truth is he is under control of something and thanks to this it looks like the Null is going to have it's way and destroy the entire universe. The writing this issue is fantastic. The plot itself is not overly complex where if you missed even one issue you'll be left wondering what's going on but the characters are written extremely well. From their interactions to the growth and change they undergo and that is apparent at the end of the issue the story and writing is fantastic. For ending a story arc it definitely amps everything up and has every character have their moment to shine, which is awesome. There's also a big hint at the end of this book as to what will happen in the next issue and the next story arc. So again, great work here with the writing.

Art

Looking back on the most recent previous reviews the art seemed to not wow me as much, but this issue really stepped it up. What's stands out the most is how well action is drawn. The characters look fluid in every movement they do and the panels look as they should. Like they were photographed or frozen in the middle of performing an action. Character expressions like in previous issues are still a strong point as well. As each time a character made a specific significant expression on their face like say terror it was conveyed so well that you wouldn't need to even read anything to know what they're thinking.

Verdict

I honestly do enjoy this series. To a point where I gave it my only perfect score for two issues. Recent issues were enjoyable but I didn't feel as strongly as I did earlier in the series. But for this issue and for the end of this particular arc, the writing and the art combined in such an awesome way that this issue reminds you again that this is truly an awesome series and for that it gets a 10 out of 10 

Tag Team Review: ARCHER & ARMSTRONG # 8

TAG TEAM REVIEW

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG # 8

Written by Fred Van Lente
Art by Emanuela Lupacchino, Guillermo Ortega & Matt Milla


By Jeremias de Leon & Frankie Rodriguez
 


   Welcome to the very first  tag team review. Every month, there will be at least one review where more than 1 review it tackles the same book. Why? To get different perspective on things. For our first edition, Jeremias de Leon & Frankie Rodriguez (me) decide to examine another buddy book. Buddies reviewing a buddy book. Yep. Sit back and enjoy as we review Valiant's Archer & Armstrong # 8.




FLIPPING THROUGH:




            J: In this issue, Stan Lee jumped into the Valiant Universe & said, “I am STAN LEE. I am nobody’s bitch. YOU … ARE . . . MINE.”

            F: Um … no he didn’t. But we did get a guest appearance from Bob Barker aka Oroochimaru.

            J: In the issue, Armstrong reminisce about  . . . “happier” days, before rudely interrupted by gunfire and a high speed chase.

            F: “Happier” days is right. Armstrong was doing his best James Franco impression from Pineapple Express! “Happier” days equals “HIGHER” days.

            J: As a kite, man. We also get to see the fruits of the Null's labor and why they're a credible threat. Also, one of the characters who doesn't even smoke weed has probably the best trip of all.

           F: Too true. The Null comes up with a new element called Zornium which can destroy the universe … or resurrect Lindsay Lohan’s career.

            J: Like casting a Phoenix Down on a zombie? We also see that mother nature seems rather... two faced. The Null doesn't seem to be ill equipped to fight Archer and Armstrong and their amazing friends either. They put in motion a plan most foul. I have to say this issue does great with suspense.

            F: 2 faced is putting it lightly. This Gaia looks like if Batista decided to to be a contestant in Rupaul's drag race why "reading" our new Geomancer. Meanwhile, we get an interesting Coup de grace from a certain female who is dressed saying "Hit Me Baby One More Time" ... and she does!

            J: Yeah, it seems she's either losing her mind, or isn't as benevolent as we all thought. It's a good thing we see that certain female. On account of the Null's plan, Her appearance might be a good thing. Yet again, I have to say it seems the writing is on the ball here because it's doing suspense right.

            F: Gilad is still a badass ... a stick in the mud but a badass. And our comic ends with ... dun dun dun ...

            J: Seems that plan of the Null will put a big strain on Archer and Armstrong's friendship. That's putting it lightly of course.

ART:

            F: You know, I have been following Emauela Lupacchino since X-Factor, and the art just keeps getting better and better. Teamed with Ortego, there is a lot of clean, thick links with good detail, with lots to look at in terms of characters and backgrounds.

            J: The colors are alright, everything that stands out should and the colors that are there for obvious story reasons like the "two faces" of Gaia are done properly and get the message across. What really sticks out to me is the way motion is drawn. Nothing is subtle but because of that you can believe they are really moving, fighting, jumping and shooting.

            F: From the kinetic action of being shot at while driving golf carts to an explosion ... blowing up near your arm, the book provides great amounts of stunning visuals.

           
STORY:

            J: On to the writing. Fred Van Lente still keeps Armstrong's mouth and Archer is still as stoic as ever. The addition of the Geomancer and Eternal Warrior in these past few issues have been something. It seems as expected the Eternal Warrior has mellowed since his first appearance though he's still acting like he's got a severe case of Christian Bale-Batman-itis. Or maybe that's just how he sounded in my head. The Geomancer developed nicely as a character as well in this issue. She seems to have a backbone even calling out the two faced Gaia. The thing that happens at the ending is actually very interesting because of this character development, now that we know the characters. It'll be good to see their relationships be tested.

            F: Van Lente is masterful with the way how he works his characters  around the plot while still providing entertaining scenes. You think these scenes are nothing but character development but actually working it into the plot. There are a lot of endearing traits to Armstrong while being able to seeing why Gilad can get annoyed with him. The Null have turned into some creepy villains with the Last Enemy being even creepier than I could have imaged. I appauld the great character work. Like Jerry said, I LOVED the new Geomancer standing up to the spirit of the planet. And I like the subplots that are growing, which feel very organic. Fred Van Lente masterful pacing made this book so much better.  Excellent work on a book that is one of the best in the market.


OVERALL RATING:

            J: Well, now that we have all that said on the book only one thing is left, or two if you count our combined one, and that's our ratings. Verdict time! I give this a 9 out of 10.

            F: As for me, Van Lente provides one of the strongest narratives here with great art. I am getting emotionally invested in this book and look forward to its conclusion. I give this book a 8.5 out of 10.

___

FINAL VERDICT:

            We really enjoyed the book. And while I (Frankie) gave it an 8.5, it is more due to the fact that I haven't been reading this book like Jerry has. So, with that in mind, we give it an average score of  9 arrows to the throat out of 10.

Preview: Archer & Armstrong # 8

The Universe Is Against ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #8!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Archer & Armstrong #8 by New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and acclaimed artist Emanuela Lupacchino! As "Wrath of the Eternal Warrior” charges into its universe-shattering penultimate issue, get ready to discover the cosmic horror of the Null's ultimate endgame for Planet Earth! 

 

“Nothing is Forever.” That is the motto of the Null, the enemies of the Geomancers for centuries. Now, at last, the Null have found the key to the utter destruction of all that is – and his name is Obadiah Archer! Can the Eternal Warrior and his brother, Armstrong, set aside their differences long enough to team up against their compromised young ally – and will any of them survive the final battle? Plus: who has sealed a secret pact with the One Percent and what do they want with the mysterious, time-displaced land known as the Faraway?

 

From the snowy slopes of Ittoqqortoormiit to the lost catacombs of Wall Street, the entire Earth just hit the endangered list and only Archer & Armstrong #8 can save it – in stores everywhere on March 13th!

 

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #8 - ON SALE MARCH 13th!

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art & Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (JAN131307)

Variant Cover by TOM FOWLER (JAN131308)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

    

   

Archer and Armstrong Issue 6 review

It's Jeremias and we're back yet again with a new issue of Archer and Armstrong. We hit a heck of a high with the previous issue getting the first ever perfect score I gave out, does it stay at that high level or has the story dipped? Let's find out shall we?


Story

The Geomancer someone who is able to speak to the earth died and Armstrong's brother the man known as the Eternal Warrior is out for revenge against him and Archer. They were able to slow down the Eternal Warrior and are now on the search for the new Geomancer. During this the new Geomancer is starting to awaken.

The story is starting to get ramped up more with learning of even more conspiracies and people who are connected to the same thing that Archer's parents were connected to. We also learn more of just how dogged the Eternal Warrior is. All of this story is not wasted in learning more about something. Either it is about the world the comic takes place in, or the characters you won't be feeling like it was a wasted read at all.

Art

The art looks really sleek. It seems to have stepped up from the previous issue with the way the characters are drawn. Especially their facial features, one page that shows Armstrong going through different emotions has his face drawn showing each emotion perfectly.  The character's motions are much more human like and fluid in this issue as well. They seem more believable when doing various actions. This art is fantastic and tells the story as much as the writing does.

Verdict

The dialog in this comic is fantastic, the art is fantastic the story is fantastic. You get the drift? It has a serious storyline but the comedic parts break it up nicely and are done perfectly. If you don't at least chuckle at this comic you might want to get yourself checked into the hospital and have your head checked. I give this comic an unprecedented second 10 out of 10

Preview: A New Geomancer Comes in Archer & Armstrong # 6

Meet the New GEOMANCER in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #6!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Archer & Armstrong #6 by New York Times best-selling author Fred Van Lente and acclaimed artist Emanuela Lupacchino! "The Wrath of the Eternal Warrior" is tearing its way through the Valiant Universe – and now it's down to an all-new, untested Geomancer to save Archer & Armstrong before the Warrior unleashes a full force assault!

 

Throughout all of human history, the sacred lineage of the Geomancers has protected Earth from all who would seek to do it harm. But, now, a new Geomancer has been chosen – and she’s stuck keeping Archer & Armstrong out of harm’s way! But why has Kay McHenry been selected to wield this exceptional power? And just what is her connection to the Eternal Warrior’s blood vendetta? Only Gilad knows for sure…but he won’t be answering until he’s left Archer & Armstrong bloodied, broken and brutalized by his own fist and steel.

And, meanwhile, the One Percent are about to seal a deal that could end everyone involved!

 

"The Wrath of the Eternal Warrior" unleashes a brand new, bombshell chapter when Archer & Armstrong #6 escapes into stores on January 26th! And don't forget to discuss the next great happenings in the Valiant Universe on Twitter and Facebook!

 

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #6 – ON SALE JANUARY 16th!

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art & Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (NOV121338)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (NOV121339)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.