The Road to UNITY Slams into X-O MANOWAR #18!

The Road to UNITY Slams into X-O MANOWAR #18!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #18 from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and fan favorite artist Lee Garbett (Batman R.I.P.)! Toward the future, toward UNITY… The stage is set for the can't-miss comic book event of 2013 as X-O Manowar's military occupation of Eastern Europe kicks into high gear!

 

With his nation state of Dacia fortified in eastern Romania, X-O Manowar has bent the world to his will. But he will not stand unopposed. With the assembled forces of the United Nations and NATO primed to assail the newly founded homeland of the Visigoth people, the man inside the indestructible Manowar armor is about find himself more vulnerable than ever – and with everything he holds dear on the threshold of a terrible turning point for the Valiant Universe…

 

Before UNITY arrives this November, meet the warrior king at the center of the maelstrom to come onOctober 16th, only in X-O Manowar #18! And don't miss the X-O Manowar #18 Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Variant by artist Donovan Santiago, in stores the same day!

 

For more information on X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

X-O MANOWAR #18

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (AUG131495)

Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Variant by DONOVAN SANTIAGO (AUG131496)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

1st Impression: X-O MANOWAR # 16 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 16
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open our issue with more on Gilad’s relationship with Aric. Gilad was once Aric’s teacher, many, many years ago.  In the past, Aric was using brute force to win his battles. Gilad taught him stay alert, be aware of your surroundings and that every battle is different. Cut to the present day after Eternal Warrior schools our ‘hero’ a little … in front of his uncle’s crown.

                Gilad is about to lecture our boy again but Aric has had enough. Gilad looks to have the upper hand when Aric decides to use the X-O Manowar armor. And things REALLY get interesting. Eternal Warrior and X-O Manowar have a brutal battle where it ends with someone’s arm being literally broken to the point where we see bone.

                Meanwhile, the US government continues to monitor with a drone when they get a call … from a very familiar Valiant Hero. Here’s a hint … It’s not Armstrong.

 ART:
                This art this issue was, overall, good.  Garbett does a solid job with some pretty intense pencils that give us some good movement as well as sharp inks from Gaudiano. Garbett’s style also looks a little different here.  And after looking at it a second time, I realize why. This issue, Garbett and Gaudiano seemed to find some middle ground style to Garbett’s normal style and Nord’s style. It may be due to the inks but there is definitely a similarity of texture this issue that was not there in last issue.
                Yet, I give Garbett points for a sincere great showing as we got to see a clash of the titans as Aric faced off against Gilad again. The battle was brutal and Garbett and Gaudiano definitely displayed it as such.  Baumann did a solid job with colors … even making sure things are darker within the museum; giving much of the issue that extra air of ominous doom to come. A good job by a good art team.

WRITING:
                Venditti writes an extremely solid issue. We really get into Aric’s temper, his relationship with Gilad and begin the set up for UNITY; which will debut this fall. Aric firmly believes that what he’s doing for the descendants of his people and himself is right; claiming the lands of Romania as Dacia.  Aric is so full in his conviction that he battles his mentor. It is only later that he questions himself; which gives way to profound character development for him.
                This was also wonderful development to Gilad, whose own book starts next month. Venditti  makes sure the story stays personal and ups the ante in a very gruesome but relatable way. Aric was not about to back down and wanted to prove that he is , indeed, a King. Whether he actual does is a different question.  With great pacing, personal pride added to the stakes and some very human conversations that are relatable, Venditti pens a masterful issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                The art was good and in some places, great. But that is my only real gripe.  Still, solid job by the art team and stellar writing from Venditti. Dear God when that arm got broken … Sheesh.


RATING:
                Good art. Great writing. Solid issue. I give X-O Manowar # 16 an 8 out of 10.


                

Preview: X-O MANOWAR #16

X-O MANOWAR #16 Charges Toward UNITY!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #16 from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and fan favorite artist Lee Garbett! Before UNITY arrives this November, witness the march toward the comic book event of 2013 as X-O Manowar claims a sovereign nation as his own – and incites the wrath of the world's most feared warrior!

X-O Manowar and the Eternal Warrior. Once they were brothers-in-arms, comrades sworn to the same cause. But now that X-O Manowar has occupied the ancestral lands of his people in modern day Romania, they'll find themselves on opposing sides of a battle for the very fate of civilization itself. As the world watches, two of Valiant’s most fearsome heroes will meet once again – and the outcome of their latest clash will decide the fate of us all.

He dismantled the Italian military. He crushed MI-6. He annihilated Planet Death. Now find out find out why X-O Manowar is the universal threat behind the war that's coming in X-O Manowar #16, on sale August 21st!

For more information on X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

X-O MANOWAR #16

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JUN131323)

Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (JUN131323)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 8/21/13

1st Impressions: X-O MANOWAR # 15 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 15
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open to Aric on Earth in a museum, thinking about how much as changed as he looks at a crown.  We flashback to space where Aric readies the former Vine human slaves for returning to Earth. And, in Aric’s grand “wisdom”, he lands in Europe … Romania as a matter of fact and claims it to be the new home of the Visgoths.

                This only leads to trouble 2 other things happen this issue: 1 – the United States track the spaceship’s landing. And 2 – Eternal Warrior shows up at the museum in front of Aric. We find that Aric was Gilad’s former student back those many, many centuries ago. Gilad though confronts Aric, asking politely to stop what he’s doing. And … it does not end very well.


ART:

                Lee Garbett’s art has stepped up a notch since we last saw him. His pencils are a bit sharper and a little more detail (almost Coipiel-sque in some places) and it is a very welcomed change. The added detail is only amplified by Gaudiano’s inks. The duo gives an impressive showing in this issue with detailed people, crazy backgrounds that are diverse and full of life and a great amount of panel composition and emotion.

                Everyone looks very distinct. The very time-shocked slaves still have garb of their past and it really stands out against the many things, such as the space ship and the modern day people of Romania. Garbett and Gaudiano’s work is only intensified more with a great showing from Baumann with his colors. The very large differences between the space ship, outer space, the secret bunker in the US, Romania and the museum have very distinct colors that match the panels and emotions of the scene.  It really captures the feeling and moods of the moments in the book. From fear to anger, this art team conveys it well from the first panel to the last this issue.


WRITING:

                Venditti writes a strong first issue in this new arc. There was a lot of character development from our hero as well as Gilad.  The fear from the former Vine Slaves to return home was assuaged by Aric … who gives an extremely impressive speech to them. It really shows how Aric has grown as a leader in some ways. Yet, by far the driving force and my particular favorite part of this issue was when Aric did meet up with Gilad. Venditti sets up familiarity with the two right away that gives off that there is a respect between the two men that runs deep. Which Venditti has no problem deconstructing after building it up within the same conversation. Venditti sets up that Aric still has some very major flaws and readers will actually be divided on which of the two Valiant heroes to side with at the end of this issue.

                Venditti sets up a multi-layered conflict that will have both personal and professional ramifications for both Aric & Gilad. The added bonus of the United States monitoring the situation as well as the slave’s fear of the present day Earth opens so many possibilities for this story. Venditti proves that while Aric has grown since the first issue, he still has some ways to go. And Gilad proves that he has also learned more from his last appearance in Archer & Armstrong, going in diplomatically at first.  Really great job by Venditti.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The art was great. The pacing was excellent. Our hero can be seen in so many different ways right now and Venditti plays with that so well. Honestly, Garbett should get a raise alongside Gaudiano and Baumann because the art this issue was sinfully good.


RATING:

                This was even better than last issue. Honestly, a near perfect opening to a new arc and I am excited. I give X-O Manowar # 15 a 9.5 … out of 10. Pick it up tomorrow.

Preview: X-O Manowar # 15

ETERNAL WARRIOR Sets His Sights on X-O MANOWAR #15

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #15 –  the FIRST ISSUE of all-new story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and acclaimed artist Lee Garbett (X-O Manowar: Enter Ninjak)!

Aric of Dacia has returned to Earth with his mind set on one thing and one thing alone - reclaiming Dacia, the ancestral homeland of his people. Now, the code of a fifth century Visigoth is about to clash with the militaries of the modern world, and the only one who may be able to convince Aric to stand down is someone from his past – Gilad Anni-Padda, the Eternal Warrior!

For his land. For his people. For the future. X-O Manowar's next brutal year in the Valiant Universe starts here on July 10th as two soldiers from another age begin a crash course in modern warfare - only in X-O Manowar #15!

For more information on X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

X-O MANOWAR #15

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAY131306)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAY131307)

Variant Cover by LADRONN (MAY131308)

Variant Cover by KEKAI KOTAKI (MAY131309)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/10/13

Teaser: Summer of Valiant - DAY TWO: Road to UNITY!

After Planet Death, X-O Manowar will have his hands full as it is time for the Road to Unity with Robert Venditti & Lee Garbett!

SHADOWMAN # 6 Review

SHADOWMAN # 6

Written by Justin Jordon & Patrick Zircher
Art by Patrick Zircher, Lee Garbett, Neil Edwards, Brian Reber & Guy Major
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            This issue opens with Baron Samedi chatting away with Darque who gives the god an interesting offer. We go back to Samedi’s faithful follower who then  … HOLY SHIT!  Um … excuse me. Was NOT expecting that.

            Um … moving on. Jack and Alyssa shake down some drug dealers dealing with a drug that forces nightmares on people while giving pleasure. Yes, readers. The twisted continues. The new Dr. Mirage pays Dox a visit as he does not welcome her with open arms but  she tells him that there are an infestation of spirits cause Baron Samedi is on Earth.

            Alyssa, in the meantime, brings Jack to the graveyard where his waitress, who we met back in issue #1 is buried to give him closure. After he talks to her gravestone, Baron Samedi shows up … and raise the dead … including the waitress. Yep. Zombies. Shadowman and Alyssa try to fight them and Baron Samedi but it is seemingly futile as we are left with another twist at the end of this issue.


ART:

            Okay. I didn’t think I would have to say this about this title. At least not yet. But … the art was good, not great. Zircher definitely delivers explosive, gripping panels. He continues giving the best work of his career here. Garbett style is very different yet still very good and fighting for a bigger portion of the issue. Meanwhile, Neil Edwards art is also different and okay with the thinner lines. But that is my issue with the art. Last issue, it worked well for the title. This issue, it gives it too much of a shellshock. Edwards style is somewhat similar to Garbett but there seems to be an energy missing. It could be from the distinct differences in style. It could be cause of the issue colored with some darker tones in some place … which works from both Reber and Major. Yet, this issue, artistically feels off.

            And while this is the last issue from Zircher, who leaves us with a breath taking panel work … I wish we got more energy from Garbett and Edwards. Garbett the energy is getting there while Edwards was interesting but … the art felt too different that it threw the issue off.

WRITING:

            Okay. I will make this short and sweet. The writing for this was SUPERB. A lot happened in this issue but Jordon and Zircher make it fit so well. Great characterizations were given as we see that Dox is not always happy with Allies, we still have an air of mystery to Dr. Mirage, Jack and Alyssa continue to be the heart of the book. And this book gave me several HOLY SHIT moments. A job well done by the writers.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Honestly, this is a great issue but the multiple artists actually work against it rather than for it like it did last issue. Garbett is starting to show his potential but the energy didn’t seem to be there as much as it was last issue. Edwards was okay but ultimately, Zircher’s strong pencils and different art styles bogged down the issue. Otherwise, no real other issue.


RATING:

            While the multiple art styles bring this issue down, the writing really brings the issue up. This originally was gonna get a 7 but the writing and coloring  really shot this issue up. I give Shadowman # 6 an 8 out of 10. Definitely get it but be prepared for some shell shock. Still, read it now!

Shadowman # 5 REVIEW

SHADOWMAN # 5
Written by Justin Jordon & Patrick Zircher
Art by Patrick Zircher, Lee Garbett, Roberto Delatorre & Stefano Gaudiano
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We open with one of the Brethen falling to a man who worships the Voodoo God known as the Baron .. . violently. Cut to Jack at the Diner where he was in the first issue, trying to have some normal after all the insanity. Only to bring insanity to him after a very angry Alyssa. Jack learns first hand that his old life is over for good in a violent way.

            Meanwhile, in a police station, a criminal is being interrogated by … OMG ….Shan Fong … She’s … the new DR MIRAGE!!! Yes. Yes! YES!!!! . . .. Um … yeah. After we see the new  Dr. Mirage in actions with a ghost … that scene leads us to the …

            Deadside where Darque is traveling alongside our monkey friend from last issue, Jaunty. Jaunty brings Darque to a large manor in the Deadside where he meets with a somewhat surprising figure inside.


ART:

            You know? There are multiple artists this issue. Different styles. And while the styles are different, it did not really interrupt the flow of the story. There are darker inks used this issue but still lead to some stunning work from Zircher, Garbett, Delatorre & Gaudiano. The darker inks this issue actually helped make Zircher & Garbett’s work stand out more. It also blended with the tone of the story, Making it more and more interesting.

            There are some magnificent pieces of panel work done by Zircher early on. And Garbett’s pages were really strong here as well. And while the different art styles in the same issue are breaks up the flow of some comics, the art team masterfully uses it here. The most the art work felt a little off was transitioning from Dr. Mirage (Y AY!) to Darque but  that is pretty much the equivalent to a car over a small pot hole.


WRITING:

            Justin Jordon and Patrick Zircher deliver a strong, well paced opening to their second arc. We get mysteries as two new characters, the Baron worshipper and the new Dr. Mirage, quickly get woven into the tapestry of Jack Boniface’s conflict without meeting him.
 

            The violent opening really help super charged the book as it slowed down just enough to keep a great pace.  We get some good character development for Jack, Dox, Darque and the new characters while the issue ends up being a lot of set up. Yet, it is great set up as we get to see Jack learning to live with his decision and to the legacy he carries.  

            The new Dr. Mirage is already very interesting.  I like the fact that she’s a woman and a paranormal investigator that used to be on tv. A very interesting difference from her predecessor. The Brethen are proving more and more interesting as time flies. And we got a very satisfying ending with  Darque meeting a … oh no. I’m not telling. 

            Good pacing. Great Character development and a wonderful job introducing two new players in this conflict while advancing the main character and one of his supporting characters as well. Great job Jordon and Zircher.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            This book really never disappoints me. Sure, the art is a bit different this issue but definitely works in the confines of the story. The art was solid. The characters were very entertaining, compelling. The plotlines were all interesting and interconnecting. And we get a look to the past while heading towards the future.

            Besides the minor hiccup, Shadowman continues to be one of the strongest comics out there. Well written, great characters, interesting plots and gripping story make Shadowman a triumph for any and all readers.


RATING:

   I give Shadowman # 5 a 9 out of 10. Sure. Not perfect but still damn good and you should own it now!!!!

Previews: The Dawn of Master Darque

Valiant Preview: MASTER DARQUE Dawns on SHADOWMAN #5

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc by acclaimed creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher with Lee Garbett (X-O Manowar) and Roberto De La Torre (Age of Apocalypse)! Start reading here as the new Shadowman dives headlong into the dark side of the Valiant Universe – only to find himself caught in the crossfire of a demonic turf war engineered by the unspeakable evil of Master Darque!

 

Jack Boniface has just been to Hell and back. After surviving the horrors of the Deadside, Jack is taking his new abilities to the limit and discovering more about the legacy of the Shadowman with each passing night. But what if he wasn’t the only thing that managed to escape back to Earth? Something dark has arrived in New Orleans, leaving death and madness in its black wake. What’s more, the city’s deadliest cartel assassin is after Jack, and he refuses to die – literally!

 

Be here on March 6th as Valiant's best-selling hero begins a brand new chapter inShadowman #5 – the perfect entry point into the series that Comic Vine says "delivers on every level."

 

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)

"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)

Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)

Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

Comic News: Harbinger # 7 Fires Up With FLAMINGO

FLAMINGO Burns Bright in HARBINGER #7

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Harbinger #7 by New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart and fan favorite artist Barry Kitson! "Renegades" continues as Peter, Kris and Faith gain a fiery new ally in their quest to bring down the Harbinger Foundation. But who is the flame-wielding heroine known as Flamingo?

 

Charlene Dupre feels like she’s been on fire since the day she was born. Too hot to handle, abused and misused, she’s turned to a dead-end life on the sleazy side of the New Orleans streets. But when Peter and his strange band of teenagers with wondrous powers walk into the strip club where she works, Charlene discovers the heat that’s been burning her up inside is the only thing that can set her free.

 

It's vengeance, acceptance and fire as the Harbinger Resistance adds one more to its ranks. But with this renegade team of super-powered agitators now on the road and out of control all across America, will it be long before Project Rising Spirit steps up its pursuit of Peter Stanchek – the wayward boy that just might become their secret weapon?

Find out on December 19th in Harbinger #7 – the next issue of the series that Major Spoilers calls "an impressive display of character work" and "a great showcase for [its] creators."

 

HARBINGER #7 - ON SALE DECEMBER 19th!

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Art by BARRY KITSON with LEE GARBETT & KHARI EVANS 

Cover bY MICO SUAYAN (OCT121235)

Flamingo Variant by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (OCT121236)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.


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Comic News: Shadowman #1 & X-O Manowar #6 Get Reprints

VALIANT Heads Back to Press on SHADOWMAN #1 and X-O MANOWAR #6!
 

Shadowman and Ninjak are returning to store shelves everywhere in the New Year! Valiant is proud to announce that Shadowman #1 and X-O Manowar #6 have sold out at the distributor level and will return with second printings featuring sketch variant covers by superstar creator Patrick Zircher (Hulk, Captain America) on January 9th!

 

Just as Shadowman #3 arrives in stores, jump into on the first adventure of Valiant's newest hero as he inherits an uncanny legacy that just might mean his end in theShadowman #1 Zircher Second Printing Sketch Variant! From creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher, this is the perfect opportunity to join the series that IGN calls "another awesome notch in the belt of Valiant."

 

And, then, catch up on "Enter Ninjak" – the best-selling storyline that's about to send X-O Manowar hurtling into "Planet Death" – with the X-O Manowar #6 Zircher Second Printing Sketch Variant. Continuing the debut of MI-6's most lethal intelligence agent, Ninjak, in the Valiant Universe, do not miss a single installment of the story arc that Complex calls "wall-to-wall action on a blockbuster scale."

 

Retailers, please note: Valiant will be offering Shadowman #1 and X-O Manowar #6 first printing incentives for these issues while supplies last.

 

For more information, visit ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #1 ZIRCHER SECOND PRINTING SKETCH VARIANT (OCT128368E)

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER 

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

SHADOWMAN #1 JOHNSON VARIANT (OCT128369E)

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

SHADOWMAN #1 SIENKIEWICZ VARIANT (OCT128370E)

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER 

Cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZ

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

X-O MANOWAR #6 ZIRCHER SECOND PRINTING SKETCH VARIANT (OCT128371E)

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

X-O MANOWAR #6 ZIRCHER VARIANT(AUG121336)

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.