1st Impressions: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 8

ETERNAL WARRIOR #8

Written by Greg Pak
Art by Robert Gill, Mark Pennington, Guy Major & John Rauch
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad ends up helping the mystery king take down the worshippers of Nergal. With Guns and Robots. It does not end well for some.

WRITING:

                Pak is a capable writer. The dialogue is good. The pacing of the issue was a bit fast, yet still hit all the beats well. We got some development for Gilad and Caroline dealing with the violence and children seeing things they end up mimicking later and the profound weight that comes when children see too much. Pak uses Caroline as Gilad’s redemption for having failed his other children. Although, that might not be the full case. 

                The conflict comes and goes. It serves its point. And the narration does let Pak make some strong statements at the end. Yet … the ending point just felt like filler. Sure. It is strong character arc for Gilad but here we are, posed with a future storyline of them fighting the warriors of Nergal, who we found out in the previous storyline, are being lead by Gilad’s son. It might be just my own expectation but since the revelation, I was thinking we’d see Gilad face his son in this storyline or possible connect to Rai because many of Valiant’s book introduce heroes in one book then give them a spin off.  No dice. And while the issue was solid … it just left me feeling ‘meh.’

ART:

                Gill and Pennington deliver a strong, beautiful art. It is detailed. Backgrounds, people, robots … you name it and these two really give us some detailed work. The varied amount of things lets Gill and Pennington really burst through the page. From action to quiet moments, Gill and Pennington grace us with a good amount of emotional expression as well. 

                Major and Rauch back them up with beautiful color that really makes their work look alive. The more lighter tones help keep in the mind of the landscape that these characters are in. Their colors make that future feel realized. Overall, a spectacular job by the art team.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Eternal Warrior # 8 finished the storyline but left me feeling like it was just ‘filler’. It advanced the character of Gilad but nothing we were hinted at showed up with was a let down. Otherwise, it is written pretty solid.  The art was amazing though.

RATING:

                Eternal Warrior # 8 gets a 7 … out of 10. It looks great and the story is just ok. 

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 Impressions: Harbinger #16

HARBINGER # 16
Written by Joshua Dysart

Art by Barry Kitson, Mark Pennington, Brian Level, Ian Hannin, Brian Reber & Moose Baumann

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                So, after the shocking end of last issue, we get more crazy in this issue. Honestly, I can’t say much without giving away spoilers but let’s just say that the Renegades are not where they think they are and who lives and who dies is a different story.

ART:

                Kitson does a great job with pencils as there is a ridiculous amount of things this issue. From a hotel room to the insanity that is Torquehalla. Yes. Torquehalla, which seems to be the dream world of Torque and anyone who is into heavy metal and fantasy; a great homage to Heavy Metal from some of the panel work and backgrounds.  The ink work though isn’t the most consistent this issue. That does work towards the books advantage. The smoother inks  for the “real” world while there are harsher inks for Torquehalla.
                The grittier work gave a great texture to Torquehall.  Yet, some of the inks were heavy handed this issue, which worked against some of Kitson’s panels.  Other than that, the colors for the issue were great throughout the entire issue.  Overall, a good job  by the art team.

WRITING:

                Dysart continues to write what could be one of the greatest runs in comics. We get a lot of development of the characters this issue, save for Peter as Dysart lets us get to know more about the Renegades and how they feel about each other. Kris keeps pushing the buttons of Torque. Faith figures out something about Peter. Flamingo is keeping an eye on Kris. And Torque … rather would stay in his fantasy world than in the real one. These set ups continue to mount as the revelations at the end of the issue just hit that much harder.  The pacing was excellent. The characters were relatable. And we got more in depth with Kris and Torque. Overall, Dysart continues to write great comics.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Good art. GREAT writing. Character development that is natural and relateable. And some twists that really make you do a spit take in surprise. Besides the inks, a stellar issue.

RATING:

                I give Harbinger # 16 an 8.5 out of 10. Get it this Wednesday!

1st Impressions: HARBINGER # 15 Review

HARBINGER # 15
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Barry Kitson, Stefano Gaudiano, Mark Pennington & Ian Hannin with Sotocolor
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                The Renegades take some time to relax after recent events as they hit the beach in Los Angeles.  The group enjoy themselves through multiple activities, including Torque and Peter crashing a bodybuilding contest. Kris is nervous around the sea. Later, the group decides to split up to different activities. Torque goes to his first concert. Peter goes with Faith flying around Hollywood Hills. And Kris and Flamingo go out to a party in the middle of the desert they got a flyer for by a guy they found cute. Torque’s response to the guy was that he’s gay, which annoys Kris.
                Yet, you must wonder how do the Renegades accomplish this. Simple. They stop at a car dealership and, using Peter’s telepathy, coax the sales man to give them two cars. So, Torque travels on a large hummer to a metal concert while Kris and Flamingo hit the desert. The two seem to be having a great time … so great that Kris and Flamingo kiss. Flamingo says she was caught up then goes on stage to dance. In the meantime, Kris gets a weird vision.  The two girls go back, finding Torque there. Kris ends up talking to Torque alone …

ART:
                Kitson’s art was different here again from his Bloodshot work and his other work. It was a bit more sketchy in look but with smoother inks than he had during his stint on Bloodshot. And while it may seem unfinished in some panels, it seems to work. Kitson is about to convey emotion, give great porportions. Gaudiano’s and Pennington’s ink really help bring Kitson’s style together throughout the whole book.  There inks are fairly solid and smooth, yet liven up Kitson’s sketch-like style this issue. It works.
                Hannin and Sotocolor do a good job this issue with the colors. The colors are vibrant at the beach but more subdued during the night time panels. They energize the panels while also catching the mood for what Dysart and Kitson are conveying through their work.
                While I wasn’t blown away, still a solid issue.

WRITING:
                Dysart is coming off a major event and how is this for a follow up. Pretty DAMN AWESOME. Dysart’s writing continues to become pinnacle work in comics. Years from now, Dysart’s run on this book will be compared to that of Claremont’s X-Men or John’s Green Lantern or Flash.  Dysart writes very relatable characters and this issue is the best proof of it.
                Dysart brings readers along for a break after all the insanity of the Harbinger Wars. Dysart captures how some real life teens deal with their powers. Dysart does this with Peter abusing his powers to get cars for Torque, Kris and Flamingo. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised at the focus on development with the characters … particularly Kris and Torque. Torque’s usage of gay definitely stems from his upbringing and him dealing with his condition till he was activated.  Kris, on the other hand, seemed to be much more multi-facetted after this issue; especially now that there seems to be hints of bisexuality or lesbian tendencies in both her and Flamingo. It would also explain to her reaction of the word ‘gay.’ Kudos to Dysart for actual dealing with the use of the word ‘gay’, how it is used and, although covertly, expressing feelings on said usage of ‘gay’ in modern day culture. 

                And I can honestly express me saying “HOLY S#!T!” at the ending of the comic. That ALONE is worth the price tag.  Dysart gives us some wonderful sets up with interpersonal relationships …. Along with possibly shipping of Faith & Peter. But that ENDING …. GEEZZ!!!

                For all that is right with the book, I have one gripe … while sometimes … the Renegades are wearing their uniforms to go out to having fun. They didn’t on the beach. And I can understand why Peter & Faith do when they fly (possible insulation & all that) but why did Torque , Flamingo and Kris not wear different clothes when they went out? Is that just a bit too obvious? They know that Harada will still be after them, right?

      Dysart, though, does an incredible job this issue. 

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                “Perfect Day” part one definitely was a great start for a new arc and good jump on point. The art was good and I applaud Kiston changing things up with his art. It works and fits this crew. As for the writing, Dysart continues to deliver some of the best written comics today and this issue is one of his best to date. My only problem being the costume thing is a minor gripe in the larger scheme of things. Excellent pacing. Great character development. Interesting plot. Gripping characters. Vibrant art. And one hell of an ending makes Harbinger # 15 a GREAT comic.

RATING:
                Besides the one issue I had with it, this book is AMAZING. Harbinger # 15 gets an 8.5 out of 10. BUY IT!!!!

1st Impression: Bloodshot # 13

BLOODSHOT # 13
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Barry Kitson, Clayton Crain, Stefano Gaudiano, Mark Pennington & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue opens with a man in a hospital …without one arm, all bandaged. Then we get a little bit of Bloodshot being lost in his head again thanks to the many false memories and lives that he has … telling him to stay in his head. Bloodshot says no and we get to Bloodshot and Kara having a heart to heart before the battle. Bloodshot reveals that he left a hard reboot in the desert after Kara tells him that Melissa wouldn’t want him to die, defending those children. We are hinted that the man in the hospital with one arm is, indeed, Kara’s brother.

                After that, we continue the narrative … this team handled by Kara as we see them entire the fray in Las Vegas.  We go through the motions of Bloodshot taking on the Renegades rather quickly as Bloodshot has them out class and it is similar to what happened in Harbinger Wars #4. But what we didn’t get in that book is something we are treated to in this one … a rematch between Harada and Bloodshot. And this time … Bloodshot does NOT fair as well as he did the first time around.  The issue ends with Kara finding out exactly what the hard reboot is … while abandoning the psiot children she and Bloodshot were protecting.

ART:

                Kitson and Crain deliver great, gritty art that fit the tone of the story so well. The grittier pencils were matched by Gaudiano’s, Kitson’s & Pennington’s  harder inks which definitely fit the book during this whole arc and they both excel at it this issue. There are some truly horrific panels throughout the issue that really stuck to me done by both pencilers.  The inkers this issue do an excellent job in some light shading and really bringing out the gritty-ness of the book.

                Reber does an excellent job with the colors … from giving Crain’s style more of a painted look to Kitson’s style being more classic comic. Still, the two style don’t clash to the point where it effects the flow of the story at all.  There are some truly awesome shadow and shade work thanks to the inkers and Reber.

                And panel work was really strong this issue. Overall, really good art.

WRITING:

                For those of you who do not know, this is Duane Swierczynski’s FINAL issue of Bloodshot.  After this issue, we get a guest writer than new writing team of Joshua Dysart & Christos Gage.  So, how does Swierczynski wrapped up his run?

                Swierczynski ties up nearly every end he had from the first issue of the book last year.  The kids … the false memories … and Bloodshot’s struggle. We have seen so much happen to the main character this last year. And now, we see Bloodshot going all in with the kids in Las Vegas, to reunite them with Generation Zero.  From Kara’s perspective … Bloodshot has grown a lot. Doing the right thing for these children.

                There is a lot of heart and emotion this final issue as well as Kara and Bloodshot have their “final” heart to heart talk which really shows how far Bloodshot has come and also how far Kara has developed. Yet, she was done and Bloodshot knew it and (SPOILERS) gave her a way out.

                The hard reboot being for Kara was a brilliant move for Swierczynski and that final panel with Bloodshot was chillin. Swierczynski definitely set up this issue to be his last issue … tying up loose ends and seemingly (SPOILERS): this Bloodshot. The scary thing is that I suspect that the Bloodshot we knew won’t be back in issue #0 or in Bloodshot & the HARD Corps # 14. Swierczynski blends powerful emotion, great story and leaves us guessing at the end of his run.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This is one of those issues that you have to read … digest a little than look back at it cause there is a lot that gets covered in this issue. Yet, it was paced well and Swierczynski goes out with a bang … giving a sense of finality as this is the exit of multiple characters while also leaving enough mysteries for the new writing team to pick up. Also, Kitson’s experimentation with his art to be grittier worked extremely well and kudos to the art team for giving us a great issue.

RATING:
                Swierczynski’s Bloodshot ends with a BANG … and an awe-inspiring one. I give Bloodshot # 13 a 9 … out of 10.