1st Impressions: HARBINGER: THE BLEEDING MONK # 0

HARBINGER: THE BLEEDING MONK # 0
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans, Mico Suayan, Stephen Segovia, Lewis LaRosa & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We learn how the Bleeding Monk came to be. From how he learned of his gifts to becoming the man he is now and why he has decided to become the teacher for Toyo Harada. Spanning across time, this issue opens your eyes about Psiots and the Bleeding Monk himself.

ART:

                Going through different parts of within the Bleeding Monk’s life time, the four artists give very distinct looks and feel for each period. Each artist gives a great amount of detail with every panel, allowing readers to feel really submerged into the story. The art also reflects the various lives and “aging” of the Bleeding Monk: showing him from a young man to the Bleeding Monk we know today looking very old.

                The attention to detail and color this issue is striking as Hannin makes sure the four different art styles mess together with nice dark tones when needed. Each artist does a spectacular job of making this issue visually appealing, with memorable panel work and incredible detail. A superb job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Dysart spins more into the myth of the Bleeding Monk, bringing us quite the different origin story than anyone could have suspected. To the humble beginnings of the man that would become the Bleeding Monk, to the end of the issue were he meets Toyo Harada for the first time; Dysart crafts a very personal, painful tale of a man who finds his ultimate destiny and that time works different for him.

                The narration was well written, with good dialogue that allowed you to hear the character’s voice while still be relatable. Along with the narration, I found the choices of places and times equally intriguing. Dysart makes sure each moment of time chosen were pivotal points in the life of The Bleeding Monk. Also, Dysart hints that the Bleeding Monk might be the first Psiot ever in the Valiant Universe .. . adding more weight to why he has such strong interests in Toyo Harada and Peter Stanchek.
                The issue’s pacing  was great as well as the overall method of storytelling. Dysart does it again with this origin issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                A stellar origin issue with striking art and extemporarily writing.  Once again, another piece of the puzzle behind Harbinger’s mythology.

RATING:

  I give Harbinger: The Bleeding Monk # 0 a 10 … out of 10. 

1st Impressions: HARBINGER # 19

 HARBINGER # 19
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Barry Kitson, Riley Rossmo, Brian Level & Ian Hannin

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Peter has woken up and Harada is having issues that comes with his great powers. And boy, things REALLY shake up. Little by the little, the Renegades start freeing themselves of their psiot manipulated dreams as things get even crazier.

ART:

                This issue is full of action that Kitson, Rossmo, Level and Hannin do a great job on. All sorts of locales.  All sorts of people, beings, vehicles and more. This was a grand finish for such a personal storyline and the art team did not disappoint. To the parts inside the minds of Peter and Animalia to Torquehalla to the real world, there was a great amount of detail and expression put in each panel.  From the various outfits, to the mermaids (yes, they do appear this issue), to the carnage that ensues because of Harada, this issue goes all out to give you some great visuals. Kitson is in the top of his game this issue. Rossmo adds a great extra layer to the dream world Peter was stuck in. Hannin’s colors are vivid and rich this issue. There is a great angles and panel composition. Overall, this was a top notch job for the art team this issue.

WRITING:

                Dysart wraps up Perfect Day with a HUGE bang as we get character development from everyone but Charlene. But considering that she got some great development earlier in the storyline, it was okay. We get some great character moments for Pete, Harada, Faith, Torque and more. Dysart really advances many of the characters with solid resolutions that make sense. Although, Dysart, always good for a clincher, gives us plenty of surprise; particularly with Harada and the ending of the storyline. Strong dialogue and excellent pacing makes this issue a must read. Dysart continues to prove himself one of the best writers in the business with this strong, packed finale to “Perfect Day.”

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This storyline was great from the word go and this issue’s finale was beyond satisfying. The art was fantastic and it makes me even more excited to see what is to come. Evolving characters, dynamic art and impressive storytelling makes Harbinger #19 a must read.

RATING:

                I give Harbinger # 19 a 10 … out of 10.

1st Impression: HARBINGER # 18

HARBINGER # 18

Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Barry Kitson, Riley Rossmo, Mark Pennington, Brian Level & Ian Hannin

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue, we see what Peter’s Perfect Day is and that Harada is handling it himself. Unfortunately … Harada is getting overwhelmed. Meanwhile, back in Torquehalla, the girls decide that this realm might not be for them.  Faith wants out but not sure how that is gonna happen. And finally, Harada’s lack of sleep catches up to him.

ART:

                This issue’s art was split with pencils by Rossmo and Kitson. Also, there was some style/inking changes that were also put between the real world and Torquehalla. And while normally, the styles here might not work well, Kitson and Rossmo’s work really work well in telling the story. Pete’s Perfect Day by Rossmo while Kitson switched his style a little between the real world and Torquehalla. The grimmer style works for Torquehalla parts while Kitson’s more polished style worked well in the real word. The Rossmo’s pages worked to give an innocence that Pete had lost since the beginning of the series.  Level and Pennington give some solid inks; giving Kitson a rougher style for Torquehalla. And Hannin does a great job with colors … even mimicking the classic dot style for Pete’s Perfect Day pages. It was solid art this issue.

WRITING:

                Dysart continues to develop our Renegades and Harada further this issue. Faith steps up which really is great to see. Torque’s paradise seems to not be so perfect. The characterizations this issue were really enjoyable as we definitely can relate to many of the characters feelings. Pete’s want of innocence. Torque’s realizing things are not so greener on the other side. I also love how Dysart is able to develop all the Renegades and Harada without any of the characters being neglected or overshadowing other characters. It is a testament to his writing.
                The overall plot lines go smoothly and don’t over power the other. And we get a strong cliffhanger there at the end. A great job by Dysart.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The series just gets better and better as Perfect Day builds up to be a signature storyline for Dysart and Harbinger. The art was good and wasn’t afraid to take chances while the story was absolutely exsquisite. Another great issue.

RATING:
                Harbinger keeps getting better and this book proves it. I give Harbinger # 16 a 9.5 out 10.

1st Impression: Harbinger #14 Review

HARBINGER # 14
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans, Trevor Hairsine, Stefano Gaudiano & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Harbinger # 14 chronicles what happened at the end of Harbinger Wars to our favorite group of Renegades as well as details the finale of Harada’s first war with Project: Rising Spirit. Back in 1969, we find just how deep Rising Spirit went in order to gain powers of Psiots. And how that conflict changed Harada profoundly enough to make sure that psiot business was kept under wraps.

                Meanwhile, in the present, we see the battle with Bloodshot and the military through the eyes and narrative of Faith. Faith chronicles the fall of the Renegades as well as parts of the finale of Harbinger Wars … yet also shows exactly what happened to Faith  … which was not seen in Harbinger Wars # 4.

ART:

                Hairsine and Evans make these pages pop out in this finale to the Harbinger Wars tie-ins. We get some very strong panel work from both artists, making sure that each panel is dynamic in its own way. Hairsine’s rough pencils work in the past while the smoother touch of the present is seen with Evan’s fine pencils. Great use of back grounds and imagery as every scene kept showing more and more eye popping moments. And Gaudiano’s inks makes sure both art fit well for the book. Nothing felt out of place and the two styles did not affect the book’s flow at all.

                Hannin’s colors really charge up all the art work, giving us deeper shadows in the past to talk about that very dark period while Las Vegas was brighter and a bit more optimistic, which fit the mood and tone of the story at that point.

WRITING:

                Dysart writes a perfect climax to the Harbinger War tie-in stories that have been happening in Harbinger. The use of Faith this issue with the present day story was profound as she used actual existing properties to convey how out of their element the group was during the final battle. The insanity this issue seem a bit easier to take because of Dysart’s masterful narrative of Faith.  The emotions of the cast were masterfully conveyed and Dysart made sure that while the narrative was Faith, we still saw all the emotions on the rest of the Renegades.

                The 1969 story with the origins of the Harada/Rising Spirit conflict came to a very shocking, intense and plot twisting conclusion that intergrates itself well to the events of Harbinger Wars. We know why Harada is the way he is. We know the origins of Rising Spirit. Developing Harada further has made him into a Magneto level/like kind of villain now. He wants to do good for his people but he will commit autrocities to do so … yet, Dysart twists that by showing what would happen if Harada was completely like Magneto … the open conflict taking lives of people he loved. It deepened the story and over all progressed well.

                Really exquisite writing from Dysart.

OVER ALL IMPRESSION:

                This issue had a little bit of everything in a nice bow.  And it did not insult the readers by showing us everything that occurring in Harbinger Wars # 4 the same way. The 1969 story came to a dramatic, thought-proving  and very agreeable conclusion while the present day narrative gave us the final fate of Faith and just the overall love of the character by Dysart and her importance to the Renegades as a group.

                The art was amazing. The pacing was perfect.


RATING:

                I believe this is the first time I give Harbinger this high of a score but I will give Harbinger #14 a 10 … out of 10


.

1st Impressions: HARBINGER # 13

HARBINGER # 13
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans,  Trevor Hairsine & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We continue to look at both how Harada’s war with Project Rising Spirit came to be at the same time, we see the present day leading up to Bloodshot  coming to Vegas and his first match with the Renegades.  We find out how close Hunter & Griffon are to Harada back in 69 as they attack Project Rising Spirit.

                Peter lays out the attack plan to both Generation Zero and the Renegades, making sure readers know what they plan as doing. Meanwhile, we have Faith calling to check on her grandmother … only to have the FBI call but then stop while a Lamp is flowing behind her. It falls as Kris enters to get Faith. As the plan starts to get executed, things go wrong in a big way.

ART:

                Evans and Hairsine once again demonstrate their artistic prowess this issue. Hairsine really gives some interesting emotion and action during the 1969 parts of the story. Evans continues to show depth, emotion, action and character that really grab hold of us. The explanation of the plan was done with an efficient and beautifully rendered layout. The poses of Faith and other characters look natural. The characters give great expression in their body language and their facial expression.

                Evans lines are clean and sharp while Hairsine was a bit thicker and sharper but both styles work well together. Hannin’s colors deliver as always, fitting the tones and actions of the scenes. Hannin hits it out of the park making Vegas very bright and sunny cause of the environment.  This group delivers a solid, entertaining issue.

WRITING:

                I admit that Dysart continues to entertain me with a strong issue full of characterization balanced with action. Yes. BALANCED. It was a strong balanced issue.  We got character development with those closest to Harada as well as Harada as well as Faith, Flamingo and Peter.   Dysart works in scenes from Harbinger Wars # 3 and expand upon that.  Flamingo’s fear was pallable. Faith’s concern for her grandmother was definitely relatable. Peter displayed himself like the general that he was foretold of being when this storyline began.  Dysart works the characters beats with the plot well.

                Dysart makes sure that he holds the plots together.  There is balance between going back and forth between stories.  The action and the character moments definite balance the issue out.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The issue has great character development and action with strong, beautiful art. As the issue goes on, you see more and more of the characters grow individually.  Dysart continues to be a masterful writer as he brings balance of action and characterization. Evans and Hairsine give us wonderful art.  Hannin continues to deliever with colors.

RATING:

                Harbinger # 13 gets an 9 out of 10. Outstanding issue with balance and characterization.    

Harbinger # 12 Review

HARBINGER # 12
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans, Trevor Hairsine, Clayton Crain, Stefano Guadiano & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            As Peter and the rest of the Renegades (and yes, Faith and the gang agree on that name this issue) enter Las Vegas … they find Cronos and his psiot have taken over the casino that we saw taken over from Harbinger Wars # 2. We get introductions … including Peter being called Sting for the first time in ages … as each of the Renegades see different psiots and how this group works compared to the rest of them.

            After an eerie mention of how Cronos came to be, there is a long chat that looks at the ideology of Cronos since his experimentation, life with than escape from Project: Rising Spirit.

            Meanwhile, we have flashbacks to Toyo Harada during 1969 as we see how Project: Rising Spirit and Harada Foundation became enemies.


ART:

            This book delivers some intense visuals. From the arrival of the Renegades to the casino to Cronos’s origins to the flashback at the end of the book … there were a lot of things that were gripping about the issue. And while most of the issue, there was not big fight, there definitely seems to be a clashing of two groups. The Renegades learn what Project; Rising Spirit did to them. And one of the best things the book did right was split up the sections of the book to different artists. Evans handled the present day as we get some really good panel compositions of angles where the scenes take place.  There is emotion in these pages that easily fill. The inks are nice … not too heavy, not too light. And Evans one panel with Cronus stained with a bloody hand print was chilling but is balanced out between an emotional scene between Peter and Torque.

            Hairsine does the origins of Harada’s ongoing war with Project: Rising Spirit, going back to 1969. Readers will find HOW Harada was bringing about Psiots back that and how the two companies really forged their rivalry. The final pages are chilling as Harada takes care of betrayers with darker tones alongside the nice inks and panel work.

            Clayton Crain has an unmentioned credit as he vividly and nightmarishly displays Cronos’ origin for all to see. The horrors that the young man had faced only  to be dragged by to Project: Rising Spirit showed a mix of horror and darkness of the character with strong expressions and body language that Crain makes apparent for all to see.

            Hannin handles coloring everything like a champion. All the color work helps link the 3 distinctly different styles together. Emotional scenes are handled with lighter colors while the darker, more gruesome aspects like Cronus’s blood stained outfit while talking to Peter or Harada … cleaning house … were given into the shadows and darker colors.

            All in all, the art really gave itself an explosive showing.

WRITING:

            Dysart continues to bring us The Renegades in a light that shows us that they still have a chance to be something different … stronger. And after the interactions with many members of Cronos’s group … we will find characters deeply changed.  Torque declaration of not knowing what’s real anymore really helped shed light that he is not just some crazy kid who thinks everything is not real. He knows his brother’s dead. He knows what is really going on but is coping through life with his fantasy. Kris is starting to really feel out of her depth here. Flamingo and Faith are seemingly looking at the others … figuring out where they belong. And Peter … he is obviously trying to live up to what he promised the Bleeding Monk.

            The bits from 1969 getting into the origins of the Harada/Project: Rising Spirit conflict might seem like filler but actually enhance the book. Dysart makes sure you don’t have to read Harbinger Wars while making this book still solid and entertaining. We learn more about young Harada and his dealings with Project: Rising Spirit. Which only get more gruesome as things move along.

            And Cronos’s origin really pulled at the heart strings while showing hard far down the young man has fallen. He is willing to kill to give the others a chance at happiness. It is really insane yet understandable. Dysart made a homicidal maniac entertaining, likable and even makes you feel some kind of empathy towards him. That is an amazing accomplishment. And the pacing for everything was excellent. I give props to Dysart for such a great job.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Harbinger  #12 gives you more keys to what is happening during Harbinger Wars and why while really showing what the Renegades are finding about themselves. This is not going to be an easy trip for them. The art is amazing. The writing is Top-notch. A really strong showing. I look forward to more.


RATING:

            I give Harbinger # 12  an 8.5 out of 10. Really great book. Buy it now!

Harbinger # 11 Review

HARBINGER # 11
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans, Trevor Hairsine , Stefano Gaudiano & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     This issue serves as a prelude and ties into Harbinger Wars. We get to see Harada's first deals with Project: Rising Spirit ... finding out that Rising Spirit has existed for over 2 hundred years. And oddly enough, we pick up where Harbinger Wars #1 left off with Peter talking to the monk ... only to have Harada come in.

    Also, this issue sets Pete's Harbingers down the path they feel they need to take as some abuse their powers and there are consequences for that.


ART:

     Khari Evans and Trevor Hairsine pencils are somewhat similar enough that the two styles complement each other and allow for a very easy flow through the issue. Neither style over powered the other and there are some gripping panel work throughout the issue. Gaudiano's inks maybe keep to that as he makes sure Evan's & Hairsine's pencils are sharp, distinctive and really pop at you this issue. We get wonderful backgrounds, very distinctive moments and poses and really great transitions done by Evans, Hairsine & Gaudiano.

    Hanin's colors really bring out the best of all these creators' art this issue. The backgrounds, whether real or mental were very vivid and rich. The shading and color on our characters really captured their personalities and mood of the scene. A great job by the art team.


WRITING:



     Dysart really does an outstanding job this issue as he uses it as an aftermath to the Renegades storyline, a one off issue that serves as a prelude to what is to come and really start focusing on the characters within Peter's Renegades as a group. Dysart shows why they are together and the roles each character plays in this group.

     While Kris seems to be second in command, Peter is slowly but sure taking on his role as leader as Dysart writes him as a man who will take charge, even if he doesn't necessarily want to. Torque is learning about real life but proceeds to act if it was still his dream as it is all he ever knows only to come up with a very soul shatter revelation on how he COULD have dealt with life before during an encounter at the bar. Flamingo is very much a woman who wants to help her friends but also want to let out steam. And Faith definitely throws her weight in as the group's soul & conscious.

   Dysart gives every character a moment to shine this issue and proves great set up for what the Renegades are about to embark on. The pacing for the issue was exquisite. Kudos to Dysart for all his work.



OVERALL IMPRESSION:

    Harbinger # 11 proves so much in just the 1 issue. A great jump on point. Excellent & very unexpected character development. A rich look and feel while adding to the tapestry of the books on history and characters. And really show why each character NEEDS each other and their role. Morals, right from wrong, destiny and more were all fine points this issue. The art really shined as we saw everyone going through different ranges of emotions throughout the book. Harbinger continues it's steady climb as one of the best comics in the market today.


RATING:

     And with all that, I give Harbinger # 11 a 9 ... out of 10. Great book. Get it NOW!
 

Bloodshot # 9 Review

BLOODSHOT # 9
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by  Manuel Garcia, Matt Ryan & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Bloodshot has a showdown with Gamma and it ain’t pretty. Gamma breaks more of Bloodshot’s bones as we find that the kids realize that Bloodshot is there to free them this time … not to keep them captive.

            Meanwhile, Kara takes down Chainsaw Command herself … well, mostly by herself. She ends up helping Pulse as Pulse plays a pivotal role in this issue and setting up what is to come in Harbinger Wars.

            Dr. Kuretich ends up giving a report … to a very familiar face. Bloodshot then has a final confrontation with Gamma and once it is over … not everyone makes it out alive.



ART:

            Manuel Garcia had pencil duties for the entire issue and did a tremendous job with giving the broken body of Bloodshot and the emotions of the characters within the book. Matt Ryan’s ink really help bring out the subtle details and pencils of Garcia in a dynamic way that even broken bones look interesting and fleshed out.

            Ian Hannin provides his usual array of colors that help bring the best out of Garcia’s & Ryan’s work. Visually, the book has been really good. Though, there were a couple panels that may have looked a quickly cobbled together but other all … Garcia & Ryan perform a great job with Bloodshot # 9.


WRITING:

            There is a lot in this issue and Swierczynski does a fantastic job of blending everything together well. We learn more and more about how Bloodshot’s physical body work while he displays who he is becoming now. He wants to do the right thing by these kids. And that speaks volumes.
 

            Kara is becoming more and more interesting as we see her. She really is becoming a core part of Bloodshot’s life and rightfully so. Her own development where she is helping doing the right thing in spite of all the craziness is a very great trait that she has.
 
            Swierczynski writes great vivid characters. Pulse definitely had more impact this issue as she ended up facing her fears. Facing your fears became one of the themes of this issue and really enjoyed how it unfolded. The plot was good. The characters were entertaining. The overall story helped not only set up Harbinger Wars, but great development for the kids and Bloodshot.  It captivates you and makes you look forward to the next issue.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Great amount of action balanced with superb storytelling and plot make Bloodshot that much stronger of a book than what it was when it started. Kara is truly a great character to play off of Bloodshot. The danger felt more real. Gamma was an interesting villain.

            We see great set up for the future here. And I look forward to more. Good art. Strong storytelling. A solid job.


RATING:

            I give Bloodshot # 9  a 9 out of 10. Really great issue that packed a lot but didn’t feel too fast or slow.

Harbinger # 9 Review

HARBINGER # 9
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Pere Perez & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Picking up from the events of # 8, the new Renegades are under attack by Project Rising Spirit and the man known as Tull. (Remember him from the first few issues?). All of the Renegades are captured … save for Faith. And as Faith goes into “super hero” like narration, we see her origin story and how his girl decided to be the way she is.

            We also see Faith meeting Peter and some other lead points as Faith decides to rescue her fellow Harbingers … seemingly alone. Although, we also get an interesting conversation with Kris and Tull which leaves every answer leading to bigger questions.


ART:

            Pere Perez style definitely fit this issue. The panels dealing with Faith’s past, done in traditional comic book style really fit with the exposition (which was Faith narrating) of the issue. Faith looked like a girl with some extra pounds who could fly. And was done so beautifully at every angle. There was an energy in his pencils & inks alongside Hannin’s colors that really seem to project Faith … as a character and how we can relate to her.

            A lot of great shots of Faith. It was nice seeing a full-figured woman in comics getting such great screen time. And Pere Perez really let the energy and optimism of Faith guide his art for the issue. Hannin’s colors were perfect, reflecting this woman who has truly over come in a colorful way. A great job by the art team this issue.

WRITING:

            It is sooooooooooo refreshing to have a character like Faith. She has over come tragedy but not allowed herself to be muddled by darkness. Instead, she decides to see the light and Dysart gave us a beautiful character in faith. That no matter what, she will keep going and be happy.

            I was so pleased to see REAL LIFE things being referenced. From Superman to Lord of the Rings to the Avengers. Really glad that we didn’t get some fake movies/comics that were only available in that world. It was a great touch to make readers feel more attuned to Faith.

            Faith’s origin was sympathetic and her reactions believable to the point that it may inspire others to look at writing more characters like this. Faith’s struggles are external, not internal.  The more you read this issue, the more you become a fan of her and the book.

            The conversations between Kris & Tull and later Tull and a mindscrewed Peter were also entertaining. Tull dealing with a clean slate. No memory. Little emotion.  And it definitely works. Lots of smart writing done this issue, even though we see little of Torque and Flamingo. Yet, this was Faith’s time to shine and definitely delivered there.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Harbinger has definitely stepped their game up. This issue brings a lot of tears, cheers and mysteries that keep you captivated. Dysart is crafting Harbinger to be a solid book about the characters with great powers … not super people with powers and little character. This issue was a nice slam in the face to any one who believed that a character could only be interesting if they got through tragedy and was all angsty about it.

            This notion turned that idea on its behind then punted it out the window. A wonderful character piece that still helped grow the main plotline. Harbinger is proving one of the best character driven books out there.


RATING:

            I give Harbinger # 9 a solid 9.5 out of 10. The art and story were masterful and I can’t wait for next issue.

Comic Review: Bloodshot #6

BLOODSHOT #6
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia & Matt Ryan (Cover by Arturo Lozzi)
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     Kara and Melissa are in separate cells while Bloodshot must take on a group of super powered soldiers that Orbeck ordered to take him out. Bloodshot fights his way through the group known as Chainsaw while his nanites work on hacking into Project Rising Spirit's systems.

   We get a creepy reunion of Gamma and Melissa and we start to see that Kara can definitely hold her own as she goes up against a member of Chainsaw herself. Yet, when Bloodshot gets to the basement ...


ART:

    For the first time, Manuel Garcia is illustrating the entire issue. And it is good. Blood drenched. A bit gory with Bloodshot's arm being broken with bone piercing through. The imagery in this issue was very vividly gory and dark which definitely fits the mood of the book and the story. Chainsaw definitely were some interesting grunts with an oddly deformed but uniformed look, which definitely keeps with the military way and design. I give props to both Manuel Garcia and Matt Ryan for bringing this fact paced, bloody ride to life. the inks are rich as they need to be for the tone of the book. Garcia's pencils really shine this issue as they stand alone. Ian Hannin's colors really capture the dangers and darkness that this story captures with his darker colors and tones.  Well done by the Bloodshot team.

WRITING:

    Duane Swierczynski, you magnificent bastard I read your book and I enjoyed it. This issue definitely picked up in terms of action and drama and it was paced perfectly. The perils to our hero were very much real and I love that Swierczynski made sure that Bloodshot was not invincible. And all of his work making the nanites into a viable character that readers can care about started to really  shine this issue. There was a lot of smart writing as we got to see Bloodshot, the nanites and Kara really work on their plan. The horror of Melissa seeing Gamma again was awesome.

     This book from the start was gonna be messy, full of danger , perils and more. Swierczynski lets readers go on a fast paced and wild ride as more answers lead to more questions and keep you wanting more. Especially this issue. Great job Swierczynski. And I do not mean any insult to you at all with the bastard comment. 100 points to the person who knows what movie I am paraphrasing there.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

  Bloodshot #6 really picks things up and really holds your attention. The Pacing is perfect. The story is gripping. You want to know more about what happens. The thriller aspects mixed with the mystery and action really work this issue. Definitely one of the best issues of the series to date. Swierczynski, Garcia , Ryan &  Hannin give you an action packed military thriller with super powers. ... and I loved every second of it this issue. Definitely an improvement over last issue.

I give Bloodshot #6 a 4.5 out of 5. It was damn near perfect. 

Bloodshot # 5 Review

BLOODSHOT #5
The Rise and The Fall, Part 1
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez 


FLIPPING THROUGH:

    This issue was a jump on point and the start of a new arc for readers after the blood dripping first 4 issues.  We got Pulse and Kara getting taking by a bunch of government agents. We got Bloodshot some how finding Kuretich and then leaving him .. . huh? We have an infiltration of a government building and we got some messed up soldiers at the end.

  Oh yeah. A tall, big granny named Gamma who is one of the scariest geriatric people this side of Granny Goodness.


ART:

  Lozzi and Garcia have become this book's ultimate team in terms of art. The visuals are always appealing or grotesque in a way that they should be. You will always find something appearing. there is this major tv show feel to the book which  really helps it stand out. Using that art with some classic comic book sensibilities, Garcia and Lozzi dominate panels with interesting pictures. People moving in ways they you don't normally see. Expressions that you see in comics done a little differently . This book really makes it self stand out artistically with little things.

   Again, Ian Hannin is doing some of the best coloring I have ever seen in any comic and I have been reading comics for over 20 years. Everything is bold, fresh and fit what ever mode and/or scene. The quiet scenes look straight out of a hallmark commercial while the gore is just what it needs to be ... disgusting and violent in color and in look.

  Special kudos though goes to letterer Rob Steen. this distinct lettering of the group of soldiers in this issue add to the groups creep factor and very sterile look . The normal letter looks great with the dialogue with a bit of flare but the lettering for those soldiers help make them and the words sound and feel creepy. Great job to the entire art team here.


WRITING:

     Duane Swierczynski. This is usually where I start to praise him for his work. And I still will but note that they were be a distinct different. There was a lot of solid writing this issue. Gamma is creepy. The new soldiers made me feel creeped out. The conversation between Kara and Pulse was good and fell authentic. Bloodshot continues to show many facets while still not knowing who he is. His want for vengeance seems to be tempered by his intelligence ... making him stand out.

   The book was paced very well except there is one issue I have with this book. The scene with Kuretich and Bloodshot.  While I understand the overall reason as to why the scene exist it feels like an awfully  big jump to have Bloodshot already find Kuretich with ease and treat him as a lesser character after all the build up of Kuretich during the first 4 issues. It was kinda of saying "Hey ... this character ... he's important but just enough to give the hero stuff after I hyped him up to be so much more."  There is a possibility that we will see more of Kuretich. Yet, the fact that Bloodshot found him ... by himself ... and then was able to meditate with ease kind of bothers me.

    Oher than that misstep, this was a solid issue. Plenty of tension while developing Bloodshot, Kara and Pulse all as characters. The new threats feel ominous and over all, the book was paced well. Just that one scene feels so out of place.

Hence, I give Bloodshot #5 a 3.5 out of 5. It was a good issue but it could have been great. Still, I will still be reading and looking forward to more.

First Impression: Bloodshot # 3

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

BLOODSHOT # 3
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia,Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics



INTRODUCTION:

  If you want an idea of what happened last time, check out my review of Bloodshot #2.


FLIPPING THROUGH:

   Bloodshot is on a mission to figure out who he really is and what is going on. Dr. Kuretich is on a mission to expose the secrets of Operation: Rising Spirit and uncovers a buried town that was used for weapons research. Dodge leads a team after Bloodshot with another human weapon, a female who can give off electromagnetic pulses.

    Bloodshot threatens to kill people in order to get his answers. He sees one of his faux memory kids when Dodge's goons are near and all of a sudden, his hostages attack him. He calmly tells everyone to run the hell away from the town and . . . Oh MY GOD!!!


ART:

   Lozzi and Garcia are continuing to prove their artistic dominance; being able to switch from quiet moments to moments full of action and blood. While this issue is no where near as blood soaked as the previous issue, it opened a lot of things up. Artistically, you can feel the emotions of all the people involved. There is fear from the hostages. There is a sense of urgency mixed with angry with Bloodshot. There is this profound discovery that Kuretich displays that are all rendered well thanks to Garcia, Lozzi and the rest of the Bloodshot art team.

  Everyone looks distinct. There are clear mysterious that we are getting to see play out visually. And the final panel packed  the impacted that it needed with such easy and disturbing beauty. Matt Ryan's inks and Ian Hannin's colors really bring out the panels to make them feel very much like a feature or television show with some old school comic sensibilities.  As usual, the Bloodshot art team is bringing their A Game.


WRITING:

   Last time, I said the only thing that was a problem with Bloodshot was the breakneck pace of last issue. That is not the cause for this issue and it great. Swierczynski is able to slow things down enough for readers to catch their breath for a few minutes before getting on the run with Bloodshot again (who literally does run ... well, he drives but you get my point).

  The moments of Bloodshot holding up one of the women that were his 'wife' were filled with tension, fear and a sort of frustrated wonder cause you wanted to know what was going on. Bloodshot's confusion seems palpable because of his search for the truth about what happened to him.

 Kuretich's crusade is already bearing fruit but still leaves a lot unanswered. And that is one of the great things about this book. We are learning interesting aspects with each of the characters and have an odd sympathy for Bloodshot because his mind has been so messed up that he cannot truly trust no one at this point. No one but himself an his nanites. And this situation was not something brought upon because of Bloodshot himself but because of what Project: Rising Spirit and Kuretich did to him.

  Kudos to Swierczynski for making the main character so complex and sympathetic at the same time while holding people hostage and threatening to shoot their children. That takes tremendous skill. Dodge seems to be a yes man who understands his mission while we don't know much about the new female who can discharge EMPs but she was already seemingly sympathetic cause she was being forced to do this against her will. All these things are showing how big and deep the mysteries and games of Project: Rising Spirit really are and it makes readers want to read more and more to uncover the truth. Exceptional job by Swierczynski.

OVERALL:

   Seriously, the art is amazing and makes you feel things. The writing is fantastic with strong characters who are multi-faceted with wide ranges of emotions and situations. The characters feel very real. The pace was right on target. There is nothing wrong with this book except you not buying it. Buy this book now.

  Bloodshot continues to be a strong book with stunning visuals, grand mysteries and complex characters that will make you feel multiple things for many of them. I give Bloodshot # 3 a 5 out of 5.

 Thank you for the memories Bloodshot!

First Impressions: Bloodshot # 2

FIRST IMPRESSION


Bloodshot # 2
Bloodshot Part 2: Get Your Gun
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics


Reviewed by Frankie Rodriguez

INTRODUCTION:

  To find out what you need to know about the first issue, look at my Bloodshot # 1 review.



FLIPPING THROUGH:

   Bloodshot is getting shipped to a military base ... still his delusions, which he realizes are delusions during the course of the story ... make him wake up and take down his captors. And why I say taking down his captors ... he literally rips off the arm of one of them and forceably crashes a plane. His former handlers in Project Rising Spirit decided that he was too dangerous to stay alive; Mr. Oreck orders that Bloodshot and Dr. Kuretich to be taken out. So, it looks like they are about to send out a ... mysterious woman after Bloodshot.

   Meanwhile, Dr. Kuretich goes over the data that he and his men swiped from Bloodshot's brain; revealing another horrifying secret about Bloodshot and what Project: Rising Sun has done with him. And Bloodshot "commandeers" an ambulance ... along with a nurse.


ART:

    Oh  my god the art! The art in Bloodshot # 2 is just as good as the first issue. Like the first issue, it dazzles you with bits of human scenes and lots of violent gore. This book is NOT for the squeamish. There are panels where Bloodshot literally pulls off a soldier's arm. And it is not pretty. And that ... THAT ... is what makes the book stand out. Garcia and Lozzi's pencils are very vivid; full of emotion and mood. Sure, there is gore. But  the pencils and inks by Matt Ryan help bring new dimensions to this story with images of people that Bloodshot 'supposed to " have loved amongst the carnage.
 
   The imagery is very gruesome yet the art team does a great job bringing forth great images. There is a action movie/ conspiracy flick feeling to the book that Garcia, Lozzi, Ryan and colorist Ian Hannin excels at bringing readers.  From touching moments, to dark secrets to action ... this book's art team gives us what we want in spades; tailoring scenes that were fit for movies.




WRITING:

    Duane Swierczynski's writing is extremely strong this issue. For all the blood soaked action, there is a lot going on. So much so that readers may not catch it in the first read. From the heart-tugging, yet horrific beginning, to the pulse pounding action, to the revelations given, Bloodshot # 2 brings you a deeper scope of how bad they messed up Bloodshot and how far Project: Rising Spirit is willing to go.

   The touches with Bloodshot's powers were also a very clever revelation as we got several uses of his nanites other than healing this issue without being straight out told what Bloodshot's powers work. Kudos for Swierczynski for that.

 My only issue with this comic is that this comic is a whirlwind. There are so many visuals of violence and so much is happening. It feels like a full issue but you really do not slow down till towards the end of the issue. The revelations, the escape, Project: Rising Spirit's scheming . . . readers will be a bit daunted on the breakneck pacing of the issue. Still, Swierczynski gives us a character that is deeply troubled; wanting answers about his past with readers along for the ride. Readers know more than the title character because of what Dr. Kuretich found. And with Bloodshot looking for answers, Swierczynski guarantees readers a ride they will never forget.


OVERALL:

    The breakneck pacing of what happens in this issue is the only real thing that holds this book back. Otherwise, Bloodshot # 2 was a solid read. The art was amazing. The writing was really good. If you are not a fan of military conspiracies or gore, this might not float your boat. Yet, if you look along with everything that goes with it, you will find a complex story, full of raw human emotions being tampered with alongside deep secrets that you just want to see revealed; and a main character you may both empathize with and be horrified of. And that is a truly rare mix.


  Bloodshot # 2 gets a 4 out of 5. While not  perfect, a great follow up to the stunning first issue.