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. 

Preview: Shadowman # 10

Twin Evils, Twin Origins in SHADOWMAN #10

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #10 – continuing the uncanny origin tale that began in Shadowman's critically acclaimed zero issue! The arcane source of all Shadowmen, past and present, will stand revealed when Valiant opens the next chapter in the lives of Nicodemo and Sandria Darque!

Long ago, in the antebellum South, Master Darque’s evil spawned the one thing that could stop him: the Shadowman. Discover how the Darques’ depravity has intertwined with Shadowman for more than a century and the betrayal that forged them both in this special standalone bookend to Shadowman’s first year in the Valiant Universe. 

From the bloodied battlefields of Gettysburg to the darkest corners of the Deadside, Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) and an all-star cast of comics talent expand the origin saga that Bloody Disgusting calls "simply flawless" on September 4th, only inShadowman #10!

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

SHADOWMAN #10

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by DIEGO BERNARD and ANDREA CUNEO with MICO SUAYAN, LEWIS LAROSA, and CARMEN NUNEZ

Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (JUL131314)

Variant Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (JUL131315)

Variant Cover by RILEY ROSSMO (JUL131316)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 9/4/13

1st Impressions: HARBINGER WARS # 4

HARBINGER WARS # 4
Written by Duane Swierczynski & Joshua Dysart
Art by Clayton Henry, Pere Perez, Mico Suayan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We open with Cronus making a threat to an unknown authority an hour before the final battle began. Then we jump into the chaos of the final battle. And boy … what battle. Psiots were changed. People died. And all the while, Harada was making his own moves for the Endgame of the war.  Bloodshot had his hands full facing off against most of the Renegades; leaving Generation Zero facing off against the H.A.R.D. Corps. And things go from bad to worse.

                As you find, the book makes no attempt the winner of this conflict and just how much the losers of this war lost.

ART:

                To say this book’s art ended with a bang would be an understatement. Henry, Suayan & Perez all brought their a game for the book. The panel work by each of these artist were eye opening throughout the entire issue. Crazy angles, distinct characters and vivid backgrounds. Each artist really came to their own here. Suayan though, kind of steals it at the end with his portion of the book, which slightly breaks up the artistic flow of the book but still is amazing to look at.
                Reber did an outstanding job with colors this issue, making sure everyone’s work jumped off the page. Reber switched up colors and shading when it came to the tone of the page and light source. Really solid job by Reber and the rest of the art team of the book.

WRITING:

                Dysart and Swierczynski deliver a solid ending to Valiant’s first event book. It tied up most of the loose ends, set up new storylines, closed chapters for some characters while opening new ones for others. There were a lot of characters this issue and all the main players were dealt with in one fashion or another. I applaud their usage of Harada … having him make sure that the other psiots were not going to have their enhancements explode in their heads then swoop in when he felt the time was right.

                The H.A.R.D. Corps had a very vicious, introduction and their final role in this was just as violent as their hello. The multiple forces made for a chaotic mess. And during all that, one thing that I found smart was that neither of the children told the others that Bloodshot was trying to help the other psiots … being manipulative on purpose. The Generation Zero children … many of them … were very selfish and self serving which was good cause, in all honest, it made you dislike them as much as you felt sorry for them. Although, I do feel that Pete not checking the brains of some of the psiots with Bloodshot a misstep on his part … even thought he was getting his butt kicked by Bloodshot.

                Overall, both writers gave a solid conclusion. Unfortunately, this is the only issue that I would definitely suggest getting the tie-ins for more cause the end was a bit fast. Otherwise, a good job.


OVERALL RATING:

                The ending was a little breezy there and Suayan’s art definitely broke the flow but overall, a good ending to a great summer comic event.

RATING:

                I give Harbinger Wars # 4  a 8 …. Out of 10.

Preview: Harbinger Wars Finale Arrives in HARBINGER # 14 & BLOODSHOT # 13

HARBINGER WARS FINALE Arrives in HARBINGER #14 and BLOODSHOT #13

 

In less than two weeks, it's all over for Valiant's first landmark crossover event… Who will survive the Harbinger Wars?

 

Before Harbinger Wars #4 (of 4) slams into stores this Wednesday, Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of the explosive final chapters of the summer's critically acclaimed, must-read comic book event – arriving in Harbinger #14 and Bloodshot #13 on July 24th! 

 

Choosing sides is never easy – especially when the decision could get you killed. As the lines between friend and foe blur and the casualties pile high, Peter and his team must decide where they stand in the war of escalation between Toyo Harada, H.A.R.D. Corps and Generation Zero. A reckoning is coming and one of the Renegades will put themselves on the line… What will be the fate of Faith? New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart and acclaimed artists Khari Evans and Trevor Hairsine deliver the answer, only in Harbinger #14!

 

Then, fan favorite writer Duane Swierczynski and superstar artists Barry Kitson and Clayton Crainjoin the Harbinger Wars' final firefight in Bloodshot #13! Even if Bloodshot manages to win the day, will the tortured, traumatized, and über-powerful kids he’s fought for choose to remain under the protection of the Harbinger hunter that once haunted their nightmares? Something’s in the air – and a new era is unfolding for the weapon – no, the soldier – no, the man known as Bloodshot.

 

Two can't-miss series. One explosive conclusion. Don't miss the final shots fired in the Harbinger Wars when Harbinger #14 and Bloodshot #13 strafe into stores on July 24th! And witness the main event firsthand in Harbinger Wars #4 (of 4) – on sale this Wednesday!

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

 

HARBINGER WARS #4 (of 4)

Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by CLAYTON HENRY, PERE PEREZ, & MICO SUAYAN

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131294)

Wraparound Pullbox Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAY131295)

Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (MAY131296)

Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (MAY131297)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/17/13 (FOC – 6/24/13)

 

HARBINGER #14

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Art by KHARI EVANS & TREVOR HAIRSINE

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAY131298)
Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131299)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/24/13 (FOC – 7/1/13)

 

BLOODSHOT #13

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by BARRY KITSON & CLAYTON CRAIN

Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (MAY131300)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131301)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/24/13 (FOC – 7/1/13)

First Look: HARBINGER WARS # 4

First Look: HARBINGER WARS #4 Decides the Battle of Las Vegas!

 

On July 17th, it all comes down to this!

 

Valiant is proud to present the first look inside Harbinger Wars #4 – the concussive final chapter of Valiant's first crossover event! H.A.R.D. Corps vs. Bloodshot vs. Toyo Harada vs. Peter Stanchek and the Renegades – the comic book battle of the year happens here! 

 

Four groups have come to capture the escaped test subjects of Project Rising Spirit – but only one can claim victory. Who will be left standing amidst the wreckage once called Las Vegas? Join the action here to find out why Harbinger Wars is the series that's being heralded as an "event done right" by critics far and wide. The summer's most acclaimed event storyline unleashes its oversized final chapter on July 17th, only in Harbinger Wars #4!

Then, follow the the fallout of the last stand between Bloodshot and the Harbinger Renegades into Harbinger #14 and Bloodshot #13 – in stores one week later on July 24th!

 

For information on Harbinger Wars and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, onTwitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

HARBINGER WARS #4 (of 4)

Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by CLAYTON HENRY, PERE PEREZ, & MICO SUAYAN

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131294)

Wraparound Pullbox Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAY131295)

Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (MAY131296)

Variant Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (MAY131297)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/17/13 (FOC - 6/24/13)

 

HARBINGER #14

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Art by KHARI EVANS & TREVOR HAIRSINE

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (MAY131298)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131299)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/24/13 (FOC - 7/1/13)

 

BLOODSHOT #13

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by BARRY KITSON

Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (MAY131300)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131301)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/24/13 (FOC - 7/1/13)

Shadowman # 0 Review

SHADOWMAN # 0
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Roberto De La Torre, Mico Suayan, Lewis La Rosa, Neil Edwards & Dave Baron
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            We get the origin of Master Darque in this issue and dear god … it lives us to its name. We find that Master Darque and his twin sister, Sandria, were taught magic by their father since shortly after they were born. We find out how Darque grew in power. We find out about how and why he and his sister have the tattoos. And we even learn why  Master Darque looks like he does now.

            We get some pretty big revelations and some very, very creepy underlining issues between the 3 members of the Darque Family. It all added up to a gruesome and powerful ending.


ART:

            I admit. I was worried about this title after Patrick Zircher left. Hell, I didn’t give the last issue as large of a score cause I thought the book suffered with the multiple artists. Let me say now … that is NOT the case here. What we have from De La Torre, Suayan, La Rosa & Edwards is a visually stunning & haunting piece.

            The backgrounds were wonderfully detailed. The colors and dark shading of the entire issue fit the ominous events of this issue. The panel work was gripping and near cinematic at times. We have some really strong pencils from both De La Torre and Suayan only to have even stronger inks from La Rosa and Edwards. The whole issue was this dark journey as to how Nico Darque became the frightening.  From the Darque’s birth to Master Darque’s confrontation with his dad … we see chilling visuals that will burn their way in your brain.

            Kudos to the art team for conveying such emotion, wonder and horror all rolled up within the various panels in the issue. The use of blacks, greys and whites were really smart … particularly during the death of Sandria’s rabbit. Those panels are now burned in my brain for the rest of my life thanks to the art demonstrating them. The emotion was palable when you read it and this team did an incredible job in bringing out the best in this story.

 

WRITING:

            Jordon takes us full into the origin of Master Darque and his sister and it was both solemn and fantastic at the same time. The use of narration (Jordon having Sandria Darque narrate it) was a splendid idea. It really worked for the pacing of the issue as well as give us insights on Master Darque we probably couldn’t have been given from anyone else.

            We get an idea of how close Master Darque and his sister were and their background was interesting and relateable. Nothing seemed to last longer than it was supposed to and I love that we get shades of the man Darque becomes throughout the issue.

            The revelations and pay offs this issue made it more than worth the read. Great writing by Jordon.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            We got a look at the past of one of the greatest villains in comics and we know a bit as to why he is the way he is. Great art work with superb writing makes this issue a must have.


RATING:

            I am happy to give Shadowman # 0 a 9 out of 10 for such a great origin issue full of depth, story and emotion. Buy on May 1^st.

Con News: Hitch, Layton, Cinar, Kitson, Yu & over 175 Comics Creators at WW Philly

Bryan Hitch, Salvador Larroca, Leinil Yu, Bob Layton, Yildiray Cinar, Barry Kitson Head Up 175+ Comics Creators At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 30 – June 2

Mico Suayan, Julian Totino Tedesco, Angel Unzueta, Michael Golden, Greg Horn, J.G. Jones Among Other Superstar Artists On Board At Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, April 18, 2013 – A superstar lineup of comics writers and artists, including such luminaries as Bryan Hitch (“Wolverine,” “Captain America”), Eisner Award winner Salvador Larroca (“Avengers vs. X-Men,” “Iron Man”), Leinil Yu (“Hulk,” “Superman: Birthright”), Bob Layton (“Avengers,” “Batman”), Yildiray Cinar (“Teen Titans,” “Action Comics”) and Barry Kitson (“Thor,” “Green Lantern”) will be among the more than 175 scheduled to populate Artist Alley at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 30 – June 2 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  Eisner Award Hall of Famer Stan Lee will attend on Friday and Saturday, May 31 – June 1, appearing in the celebrity area.

The international roster also features top creators like Mico Suayan ("The Punisher," "Batman: Arkham Unhinged"), Julian Totino Tedesco ("X-Treme X-Men, "Daredevil"), Angel Unzueta ("Titans, "DC Comics Presents"), Michael Golden("Star Wars," "BSG"), Greg Horn ("Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," "Wonder Woman"), Phil Noto (“Buffy,” “Batgirl”) andJ.G. Jones ("Final Crisis," "Wanted").  Nearly any comics character and franchise imaginable are represented by at least one, and usually more, of these talented men and women.

In addition to displaying some of their best work at the event, most creators at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con will be available for commissions.  Many will also take part in four full days of Creator Spotlights and a wide variety of other panel programming focusing on the comics industry, to be announced in the coming weeks.

Other special guest creators scheduled to attend are Tyler Kirkham (“Superboy,” “Ultimate FF”), Doug Sneyd(“Playboy”), Mark Texeira (“The Punisher,” “Black Panther”),Tom Raney (“AVX: Consequences,” “Deadpool”) and recent Eisner Award nominee Ryan Inzana (“Johnny Jihad,” “Ichiro”).

Celebrities featured at Philadelphia Comic Con include “Castle” star Nathan Fillion, fellow “Serenity” and Firefly headliner Summer Glau, “Star Trek's” William Shatner, WWE® Superstars John Cena® and Daniel Bryan® and “The Walking Dead” trio of Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker and Jon Bernthal.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.  Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con show hours are Thursday, May 30, 3-8 p.m.; Friday, May 31, noon – 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more on the 2013 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, visit http://www.wizardworld.com/home-pa.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2013-14 DATES *****
May 30 - June 2 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con
June 28-30 – Wizard World New York City Experience
August 8-11 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 20-22 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 18-20 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con
November 22-24 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
January 24-26, 2014 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con
February 7-9, 2014 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
April 4-6, 2014 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

Preview: Get the Origins of Master Darque in Shadowman # 0

The Origin of MASTER DARQUE Haunts SHADOWMAN #0

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #0 from Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Legend of Luther Strode) and an all-star cast of visionary artists including Roberto De La Torre (Daredevil), Mico Suayan (Harbinger), Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four) and Lewis LaRosa (PunisherMAX)! For hundreds of years, the Shadowmen have guarded our world from the nightmare realm known as the Deadside and its sadistic necromancer, Master Darque. But who is Master Darque? And what is the root of his otherworldly evil?

 

Now, for the first time anywhere, the answer to these questions and more will finally be revealed. Journey back to the plantations of antebellum Louisiana to meet the man once called Nicodemo Darque and discover how a depraved life drenched in dust, blood, and bone transformed him into a menace that would one day threaten the whole of the Valiant Universe and all life as we know it.

 

Before the discovery of the Deadside, before Jack Boniface, before the rise of the Valiant Universe, go back to the beginning to witness the first coming of Master Darque on May 1st in Shadowman #0 - now featuring a wraparound standard cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Dave Johnson!

 

For more information on Shadowman, Master Darque and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #0 

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, MICO SUAYAN, NEIL EDWARDS and LEWIS LAROSA

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (MAR131327)

Pullbox Exclusive Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR131328)

Wraparound Gatefold Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (MAR131329)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 5/1/13 

Con News: Valiant Strikes Hard At C2E2

VALIANT Heads to C2E2 with ROBERT VENDITTI, CLAYTON HENRY, MICO SUAYAN and More!

From April 26th to April 28th, Valiant Entertainment will be joining the festivities at C2E2, Chicago's premier comics and pop culture convention, and we're bringing along a ton of special guests and exclusive giveaways to celebrate! 

 

Visit Valiant at booth #1029 all weekend long to get a sneak peek at the next big things to rock the Valiant Universe inside the pages of the Valiant Summer 2013 Preview Edition – a FREE C2E2-exclusive convention giveaway, featuring a look inside Quantum & Woody #1 by James Asmus and Tom Fowler and an extended preview of Harbinger Wars #1, the debut issue of Valiant's first crossover event.

 

Stop by for signings and appearances throughout the show by some of the Valiant Universe's greatest talents, including New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar, Demon Knights,The Surrogates), New York Times best-selling artist Clayton Henry (Harbinger Wars, Archer & Armstrong, Incredible Hercules), and acclaimed artist Mico Suayan (Harbinger, Batman: The Dark Knight).

 

As always, Valiant will also have a complete selection of Valiant comics, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and t-shirts on hand, alongside a brand new convention-exclusive Harbinger Wars #1/Shadowman #1 blank flip book – debuting for the very first time at C2E2!

 

Then, find out everything you need to know about the Valiant Universe in 2013 on Saturday, April 27that 4pm in room W471 for the Valiant 2013: Harbinger Wars and Beyond panel presentation! With the landmark events of Harbinger Wars and Planet Death currently underway, find out what's next for Valiant's greatest heroes directly from a panel of Valiant insiders, including X-O Manowar writer Robert Venditti, Harbinger Wars artist Clayton Henry, Executive Editor Warren Simons, Publisher Fred Pierce, and CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani.

 

And rounding out the weekend, join Valiant's Executive Editor and a special slate of surprise guests onSunday, April 28th at 11:30 AM W474 for Valiant 2013: The Craft of Comics with Warren Simons. In this candid, behind-the-scenes panel discussion, find out just what it takes to put together a compelling story from start to finish, how to make your series stand apart, and how the editorial process functions at the highest levels – from the award-winning industry veteran behind the Valiant relaunch and a host of fan favorite titles, including Thor, Immortal Iron Fist, Invincible Iron Man, and many more!

 

For more information, please visit C2E2.com and ValiantUniverse.com.

 

We’ll see you at C2E2!

ABOUT VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT

 

Valiant is a leading character-based entertainment company with a library of over 1,500 characters, including X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Shadowman, Harbinger, Eternal Warrior, and many more. Established in 1989, Valiant has sold over 80 million comic books, and today its characters continue to be forged in publishing, licensing, film, video games, and beyond. In 2012, Valiant was named Publisher of the Year  by numerous press and industry sources, including Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.

HARBINGER WARS # 1 Review

HARBINGER WARS # 1
Written by Joshua Dysart & Duane Swierczynski
Art by Clayton Henry, Clayton Crain, Mico Suayan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

       Almost a year ago now, Valiant relaunched. Now, we have their first major event. And I can honestly say this starts off with a bang. We get introduced to more Psiots and you find how this issue not only sets up the events but also a look into what Project: Rising Spirit has really been doing. There are a lot of new characters this issue but you still see the major players: Pete and the Renegades, Bloodshot and his group of kids, Harada's crew & finally, Project: Rising Spirit themselves. You get all that? That means 4 different factions. Technically, there is a 5th faction which makes this all the crazier.

      We start looking at the role that Pete is supposed to play in this while we get the first face to face between Harada & Bloodshot that ....

ART:

   This book has 3 different art styles. These art styles are very distinct. Crain's hyper detailed painted look. Henry's classical comic style. Suayan's own interesting mix of art. Yet, these three styles are utilized extremely well throughout the book. Each act of the story has a different art style, which works for the book.
Crain's art is gorgeous and really shines with his pages featuring the new Harbingers. Meanwhile, Henry & Suayan give strong showings. The fact that each act is split between artist makes the reading experience less daunting over the changes. Suayan's art seems a bit darker but I present that is due to the surrealism behind Pete's scene at the time.

  Reber's colors are fantastic. He really does a tour de force helping each different style look their best while having a kind of color cohesion. He makes the best of the art put out by the 3 artist and works on all their strengths to give vivid, pleasing works.

   The artist changes is only a slight gripe cause it can feel daunting but over all, a superb job by the artistic team.


WRITING:

     Writing wise, it was an excellent first issue. It gave you the characters. It gave you the final sparks that start the fire. We get an introduction to a slew of new characters that seem interesting. We get ourselves another leader in Cronus. Dysart & Swierczynski pace this book to perfection, letting the events of what happened in Bloodshot and Harbinger to spill organically in this first issue on top of the new developments.

     The characterizations were enjoyable. Torque just feels like a fun character. And the stakes continue to be high. Dysart & Swierczynski grab you with each of the acts and hold tight. You are enthralled from the moment you open the book till the final panel where you will say "Shit just got real!" 

    Really strong writing makes this book a must read and have.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

     Okay. I was interested and scared when they first announced Harbinger Wars. I guarentee that this is an event worth getting. It takes what has been done in the other titles and meshes the events well with its own major event. The characters are appealing, relatable and fun. The art is fantastic, even with the multiple artists. Harbinger Wars # 1 is how ALL EVENT COMICS SHOULD BE LIKE!

    With a dynamic and explosive plot, art that will just floor you and characters that you will love (and or hate on purpose), Harbinger Wars # 1 really sets it up well. I cannot wait for the rest of the event.


RATING:

       The art change is the only thing that works against it but it only does that barely.  Get this book! I give Harbinger Wars # 1 an 8.5 out of 10. 

Preview: Zephyr Flies High in Harbinger # 9

ZEPHYR Flies High in HARBINGER #9

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Harbinger #9 from New York Times best-selling author Joshua Dysart (BPRD) and rising star Pere Pérez (Smallville Season 11)! Pinned down by the forces of Project Rising Spirit, Peter Stanchek and his new team of Renegades are facing their first trial by fire and their only hope is the amazing, the indomitable, the indestructible…Faith Herbert?!

 

Nothing can bring her down. She’s the light in the dark. The soul of a rising resistance movement. Here now, for the first time, is the story of Zephyr (aka Faith…but shhh don’t tell anyone)! As danger closes in on all sides, Faith must begin the trials and tribulations of being the Valiant Universe’s first real-life superhero. Look, up in the air! It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s frakkin’ Zephyr!

 

On February 20th, learn the secret potential of Zephyr's powers and the truth about her time at the Harbinger Foundation — and then follow her into her battle as she vies to save the Renegades in the devastating penultimate chapter of "Renegades," only in Harbinger #9!

 

HARBINGER #9 - ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th!

Written by JOSHUA DYSART 

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by MICO SUAYAN (DEC121263)

Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS (DEC121264)    

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.