1st Impressions: HARBINGER # 17

HARBINGER # 17
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Clayton Henry & Moose Baumann

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                You know what? I do not want to spoil this issue so, here is the deal. We get focused on a new character and we find exactly what is going on? Plus, the REAL ending of the Harbinger Wars for the Renegades.

ART:

                We get some very solid pencils from Henry. He does not miss a single beat as he renders some wonderful and outlandish looking characters and animals throughout the issue. His style is getting more and more detailed but it is really coming together nicely. The backgrounds are interesting. The characters have a great sense of movement. The extra detail he has started to put into his pencil work is definitely working for him. Baumann’s color just give it life and really making Henry’s art look better. The color ads more and more into the insanity that this issue provides.  Really well done for this artistic duo.

WRITING:

               

                Without any major spoilers, this issue does not focus on the Renegades but a newer character, Animalia, and some of Harada’s own people. It is an interesting look into a mind of a child with power who was brought up by Project: Rising Spirit while also seeing things from the other side of the fence. It also gives us another looking into Harada and his organization. We get to learn what actually happened and it just gives more impact to the previous event afterward. Kudos for Dysart for writing a great script with interesting characters. Dysart makes sure the characters introduced this issue leave an impression while also evolving Harada further. A solid job from Dysart as always.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
                Good art. Good story. It was also a great to see more and more long lasting effects of the previous events.  We got to see more of the inner workings of our main antagonist and very impactful introductions.

RATING:
                I give Harbinger # 17 an 8 out of 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: 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.

1st Impression: X-O MANOWAR # 14 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 14
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Cary Nord & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                The finale to Planet Death has arrived as Aric has amassed an army from the slaves of the Vine while the Vine themselves are split down the middle between those who believe in the religion of Shanhara and those who do not.
               

                It is clear that the Vine who do not believe in the prophecies of Shanhara are ready to do whatever it takes to kill Aric and the Manowar armor … even destroy one of their own cities in order to get him. A verbal confrontation between Vine gets violent as Aric makes his way to the Council to end this battle once and for all.


ART:

                Nord and Baumann deliver big time this issue. Dynamic panels, like a group of panels that revolve around the helmeted Aric looked amazing. The assortment of alien slaves lead by Aric looked formable.  The battles looked grand as we got machines, soldiers and all kinds of aliens making trouble.

                The backgrounds were also fairly diverse. Everything from cities, to fields, to mountains & more were wonderfully rendered. Nord really shines with some interesting panel work, including Aric floating in the air and lighting up … almost in a religious sense with him being the light for the slaves and the Vine who believe in Shanhara. The interesting contracts on the Vine was also well appreciated … making them distinct while Baumann’s colors really brightened up the art. The colors made the art in the book breath while not being overpowering.

                Overall, Nord does a great job this issue with a solid art work.


WRITING:

                Planet Death comes to its climatic conclusion and I have to say that I am pleased yet feeling a bit unsatisfied. Why? While we do get war during the final issue with Aric leading the charge against the Vine, we also get the Priest of Shanhara and other followers of his facing off in a religious/beliefs debate over the armor and what it means.  The debate was extremely well done; full of passionate debate, tension and some really powerful, emotional moments. The problem isn’t the debate … no … that was great … it was the fact that the debate felt it had more weigh this issue than the final battle.

                While I understand the overall set up to the issue and all the players and even why it happened where it happened, there seems to be a problem with balance this issue. The debate felt like it too up more time this issue than the action did. And while I agree that it needed that much time, I felt that the issue was missing some more battle just to give the issue the right girth. The pacing felt a little off.

                Otherwise, Venditti crafted a strong conclusion with emotional weight and character development amidst the war. The theological debate was excellent. Yet, for some reason, it felt like it the amount of it interrupted the flow of the issue. The Battles were the afterthought … which I understand is the meaning but at the same time, the lack of balance made the book felt as if the battles were kind of pointless at one more. Yet, many of the characters evolved and Aric turned his out right racism and hate and stopped going for just the Vine as a race entirely and looked at beings for who they are.  Some really good writing on Venditti’s part.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                The art was superb. The writing was top notch yet the battles in this issue felt next to useless over the power and weight of the Theological debate and the meaning behind Aric having the armor. Yet, the story was still a somewhat fulfilling conclusion to the Planet Death storyline and one phase of Aric’s life being done. 

RATING:

                Balance issues aside, this was a good issue. I give X-O Manowar # 14 an 8 out of 10. Get it when it comes out tomorrow.

X-O Manowar # 12 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 12
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Cary Nord & Moose Baumann

Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Aric continues to walk with the devoted priest of Shanhara as our hero’s hot head temper and thirst for revenge leads him to a battle where he loses the armor. Those that want Aric killed raise the states after Aric wakes up finding more allies on the Vine Homeworld ... including ….


ART:

            Nord blesses us with great work here. The backgrounds are lush and interesting. The characters looking very distinct. The action looks great too. The semi-heavy inks work well with his style while you get a sense of power in his work. Nord is giving us a great panel work. Yet, I wish he would me a bit more adventurous with his panels. It is very classic comic book story telling, which is good. Still, sharp pencils and solid inks are only made better with Baumann grand palet that he displays this issue. Battles look great and the explosions vivid. Kudoes to Nord and Baumann on a solid issue.


WRITING:

            Last issue started with an aggressively huge opening shot. This issue slowed things down a bit. We got great interplay with the Shanhara Priest and Aric. We get great development as we find our hero not controlling his temper … which leads to him losing the armor. The action was good, the interactions with the characters were fine. The fact that time still passed on the Vine Homeworld is also a testament. Yet … Fine seems to take up the majority of the issue.

            While I do like it slowed down and we got some interesting reveals, nothing in this issue was making me go “oh my god.” When Aric lost the armor, I was genuinely surprised that he was save. Yet, the issue as a whole is good but Venditti has written better. And what I thought was gonna happen this issue is now hinted to happen next (not going to spoil it). Still, there is a lot of good with this issue as Venditti let’s us dive in with the characters.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Venditti wrote a good issue and Nord and Baumann rendered it spendidly. Yet, the slower pace this issue seemed to hurt it more than help it. The reveals were good but nothing too earth shattering (in my mind). Yet, the characterizations continue to be interesting and I am looking forward to what will happen next.

RATING:

            Not the best issue of X-O Manowar but certainly not a bad issue either. I rate X-O Manowar # 12  a 7.5 out of 10. It’s good. Get it. The slower pace might or might not turn  you off but still a good issue. 

X-O Manowar # 11 Review

X-O MANOWAR # 11
”Planet Death Part 1”
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Cary Nord & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            Planet Death opens with a tale of the past. A tale that mirrors our main character and his own conflict. We get a very interesting origin of the X-O Manowar armor just in time for the legend to end abruptly with a bang. Aric is on the Vine Homeworld and things are about to get BLOODY.

            As the legend connects to the present, Aric meets up again with a very familiar Vine and the book ends on a stagger revelation.


ART:

            It is great to see Cary Nord back. What is even better is that he is back full of energy. Nord definitely turns up the volume with his pencils and inks for the first part of Planet Death. The Vine actually looked sympathetic, the armor looked impressive and the locals were an interesting feast to the eyes. The slightly bunkier inks really work for Aric in his armor while Nord shows a versatility that really grips you.

            Baumann’s colors really helped bring a lot of life to the book alongside Nord’s pencils and inks. This is an alien world and Baumann’s colors really help Nord’s art set that mood and distinction. Really solid work from this art team.


STORY:

            Venditti … you sir are becoming one of the greatest writers in the current comic book age. The book opened up well with the legend behind the armor and its full origin. We have a character that we as readers understand but at the same time, is definitely not a boy scout cause he intends on genocide. The Vine look sympathetic this issue thanks to both the art and Venditti’s masterful writing. Knowing that the Vine have an enemy worse than themselves is scary and leads to possible story potential.

            Aric’s feelings still help him not only feel human but extremely relatable. And the revelation at the end of part 1 really helps not only make the issue feel balanced but leaves a proper cliffhanger that will make readers wanting more. The pacing of the issue really helped as well. Very strong showing by Venditti.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

 

            Venditti, Nord, Baumann and the rest of the X-O Manowar # 11 creative team provide an opening to an epic that will not only profoundly change our hero … but the Valiant Universe as a whole. There are new plot threads and revelations that will mean a whole lot to our hero and the readers. The art is fantastic, original and full of life and the writing is superb.


RATING:

            I give X-O Manowar # 11 a 9.5  out of 10. BUY IT NOW!!!

First Impressions: Bloodshot # 7

BLOODSHOT # 7
Written by Duane Swierczynski
Art by Matthew Clark, Stefano Gaudiano , Moose Baumann & Chris Sotomayor
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            While  this does not continue the story from last issue but it does give background as to why the little boy at the end of last issue recognize. We find out where and when they met before while also seeing why, at least back then, Bloodshot did what he did an his connection to the good Dr. Kuretich.
           
            This also leaves you wondering about Bloodshot’s former assignments and connections to not just the one boy but many of the kids.

ART:

            Matthew Clark steps in this issue and does a great job. His gritty style mixed with Stefano’s inks really jump out on the page. It fits the done well and the visuals were gripping. Bloodshot looked meancing yet human which is perfect dealing with this story. Gaudiano’s inks were a big rougher to match the style and we’re superb.  Moose Baumann & Sotomayor do spectacular jobs in coloring: slightly changing the colors to help bring out Clark’s work more while stay true to the  themes and plots  of the story. A great work by this team.


WRITING:

            Swierczynski continues to build up this wonderful stew called Bloodshot, full of mystery and intrigue. Intitally, I thought this was bad to have an interlude in the middle of a story arc. Yet, the story works out to be a vital piece of information for the readers to discover what exactly Bloodshot has been doing and how, while he’s part of the problem – he is not at fault.

            What is even scarier is the power the young boy possess and the implications of Bloodshot’s missions and Project: Rising Spirit. Layered with great dialogue about motivations and why people do what they do, this issue is a storytelling gold mind.  The emotions feel authentic. The situations feel real .. . only slightly enhanced by super powers. This is truly a great piece of written work and I really enjoyed this issue.


OVER ALL IMPRESSION:

            Intelligent writing mixed with intrigue, emotion and curiosity to add with the gritty, in-your-face visuals make Bloodshot # 7 REALLY stand out. The pacing in this issue was excellent. And I do feel that Swierczynski has a great more to tell. The art team really fit the book. Bloodshot is proving to be a masterful work by Swierczynski and company.


I give Bloodshot  # 7  .. a 9 out of 10.  A great issue all around.

First Impression: X-O Manowar # 8

X-O MANOWAR # 8
Written by Robert Venditti
Art by Lee Garbett, Stefano Gaudiano & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

     The Vine has human spawn among us. And they have infiltrated many countries and worlds. And Aric and Ninjak decide to take a bunch of them out ...in MI-6. Yes. X-O Manowar and Ninjak join forces this issue to tackle the Vine spies and tear up MI-6 headquarters in the process. Alex Dorian, a human sympathizer, ends up deciding to work with our heroes as the Vine's hold on Britain gets torn apart .. . only to signal worse things to come.


ART:

     Garbett style has a somewhat similar style to Cary Nord which suits the book in terms of style and flow. This issue, Garbett & Gaudiano lay it on the line in this issue alongside Ninjak and X-O Manowar. We got strong pencils with some great inks this issue. The backdrop of England was perfect. All the characters were distinct in look and feel.
      The action had a good pace. And I like the coloring from Baumann this issue. It was darker and grittier than previous issues of X-O Manowar I read but it really worked for the book.


WRITING:

    All plots leading towards a few things: 1 - that Ninjak is back as a major player. (& me & Bryan of Laid Back Comics are hoping this leads to his own spin off book, 2 - that the Vine/Human offspring are not all aligned with the Vine and Alex Dorian may not be alone, 3 - Aric definitely is willing to take out the Vine alongside an alley ... even if he truly does not trust them, 4 - The set up for Planet Death storyline in a couple of issues.

    Venditti handles the multiple plots well. There was great action. Strong characterizations. A looking into how the Vine is organized on Earth. overly, a strong flow to the issue as well. What is holding it back is that ... well. Ninjak. The way the issue was structure, there are reasons why everything happened the way it did. But Ninjak is a double edged sword this issue: cause the focus on him was pretty much on par with Aric. And while that is good in many cases ... this book is still X-O Manowar. So ... it is both a good and bad thing. Cause while it was great to see Ninjak, I believe this issue was balanced between Aric and Ninjak.

 I feel  that was was slightly too much Ninjak this issue. And you don't want your guest star overshining your main character that much. Maybe just a page. I love Ninjak but when your guest-star gets so much more interesting, you'd rather just see more scenes with him than with the main character ... yeah. That is saying something. Still, very well written issue by Venditti.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

   It was a strong ending to this multi-part storyline alongside Ninjak. The art was good. The pacing was great. The story was interesting and really good. Unfortunately, the guest-star shined a bit too much over the main star. And while I am looking forward to what comes next, I am far more interested in Ninjak. Venditti is a great writer with a mastery of pacing and character work. X-O Manowar is a good book. Aric is a good, interesting hero. The storylines are intriguing and you want to know more Yet, I want to see what happens next for Ninjak ... now preferably.  

I give X-O Manowar # 8 a 3.5 out of 5.

PREVIEW: X-O Manowar # 4

Valiant Preview: X-O MANOWAR #4

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #4, from the chart-topping creative team of New York Times best-selling author Robert Venditti and Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord!

 

After years in captivity, Aric of Dacia has returned to Earth to enact his vengeance on the Roman Empire! But when the ancient warrior in control of the X-O Manowar armor discovers that more than 1,500 years has passed since his journey began, will he turn his fury on the alien empire that enslaved him or the whole of modern day civilization? Meanwhile, the secret history of The Vine’s presence on Earth is about to be revealed. Who is The Vine's highly placed ambassador to the human race? And will he be Aric’s one ally in this strange new world – or his very first enemy?

 

Aric's centuries-spanning war for freedom is about to hit the home front in an explosive finale that will send shockwaves through the Valiant Universe. Learn the true price of victory when when the summer’s hottest series reaches its first major milestone on August 29th, only in X-O Manowar #4!

 

X-O MANOWAR #4—ON SALE AUGUST 29TH!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD 

Cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE (JUN121330)

Variant Cover by DON KRAMER (JUN121331)

$3.99/ T+/ 32 pgs.


X-O MANOWAR #4 - Preview Page #1
X-O MANOWAR #4 - Preview Page #2
X-O MANOWAR #4 - Preview Page #3
X-O MANOWAR #4 - Preview Page #4
X-O MANOWAR #4 - Preview Page #5
X-O MANOWAR #4 - Preview Page #6

First Impressions: X-O Manowar # 3

Aric gets his armor on in X-O Manowar #3

XO Manowar 
Issue # 3
The Road to Rome
Written by Robert Vendetti
Art by Cary Nord, Stefano Gaudiano & Moose Baumann
Valiant Comics


Review by Frankie Rodriguez


Flipping Through: 

     At this point, Aric, Gaft and the other members of their clan have been enslaved for what seems to be years. Aric now has the X-O Manowar armor on and he leads his group of humans against their alien oppressors. During the course of the issue, we find out why Aric is the only one to escape alone and how he makes his way into the present with the Manowar armor.

     We say goodbye to Gaft and we find that while some of the Vine think the Manowar armor blessed, others feel that is a curse. And Aric is more than happy to prove it a curse than a blessing.


Writing:

  Lot of good solid writing by Vendetti as we see Aric's escape, learn a bit more about the Vine and work in how he gets to the present all at the same time.  There some interesting character moments between Gaft and Aric, setting up Aric up as this great warrior. While the story over all was enjoyable, the pacing seemed a bit weird. Aric gets his hand back which helped give credence of how powerful the armor is does well. Also, Aric taking out Commander Trill, who enslaved him in the first place also felt a bit rushed.


Art:

   Nord's pencils and Gaudiano's inks really compliment each other extremely well. The Vine look ... alien; the armor looks high tech and amazing. The humans look out of place on the ship. The backgrounds are really vibrant and suck you in. There is a grandness of what is going on and Baumann's colors just add to the spectacle. From an alien ship, to outer space, to the Colosseum in Rome ... everything was well rendered and visually appealing. A great job done by the Nord, Gaudiano & Baumann.


Overall Impression:

    X-O Manowar was the first book in Valiant's relaunch and it is still a solid book. A very interesting, multifaceted main character and a journey that has just begun, I am looking forward to Aric's adventures this time. The art is great and really works for the characters and story. The only  real negative of the issue is the breakneck pace. It is understandable why it is paced the way it was this issue but it did hurt the story over all. If there was a little more time with the great healing abilities of X-O Manowar armor and a battle between Aric and his chief jailer, it would have been perfect. Still , a great job from the X-O Manowar creative team.

  So I give X-O Manowar a 4 out of 5. Still looking forward to Aric's adventures and what will come.

X-O Manowar # 3 Preview

Valiant Entertainment is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #3 – the next issue of the critically acclaimed series by New York Times bestselling writer Robert Venditti and Eisner-Award winning artist Cary Nord! It's a pivotal turning point for the smash hit series of the summer when Aric of Dacia heads the call to arms and embraces his destiny as the unstoppable X-O Manowar this July 18th!

With the enormous power of the Manowar armor now in his possession, all that stands between Aric and freedom is a legion of alien soldiers. When he at last comes face to face with Commander Trill — the alien responsible for his capture — the armor reveals its potential in a new and electrifying way. Can Aric lead his band of fellow prisoners off the Vine colony ship and back to Earth, or will their revolt be put down? Who will live and who will die?

On July 18, the stars will run red when X-O Manowar is finally unleashed on the Valiant Universe! The epic conclusion to the action-packed origin story of the year starts here, only in X-O Manowar #3!

Find out now why this is the book Comics Bulletin calls "blisteringly entertaining" and a "really fun, sharp, swift comic." And discover where the saga of Aric of Dacia began in the X-O Manowar #1 Third Printing Sketch Cover – in stores the same day!

X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 1
X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 2
X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 3
X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 4
X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 5
X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 6
X-O MANOWAR #3 – Preview Page 7