Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 21

Archer and Armstrong are back for more wacky adventures. This time stuck in a crazy hotel looking for the Wheel of Aten.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Pere Perez

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

In what seems to be one of the crazier locations that the duo have been through, Archer and Armstrong have been dumped inside a crazy hotel by a man known only as The Lizard King. The two run into a host of celebrities and trouble.

The issue also raises more mysteries while solving others, thanks to Armstrong's explanations about just how the crazy hotel works some have been solved and thanks to the beginning and ending of the book raises a mystery.

This issue has some great moments where things slow down for explanations and speed up for action. Some great action at that. Especially when it features a certain martial arts legend. That alone was enough to make me go from simply liking the issue to feeling it was great.

Art

The art looks wonderful. Pere Perez line-art gives everything a dynamic feel and David Baron's colors complete it and gives the art character.

Verdict

For a fun story that has substance, great action and good art it's hard to not recommend. ...So I won't, it definitely feels like Van Lente and the artists had a lot of fun creating this issue and I had fun reading it. I give Archer and Armstrong a 9.5 out of 10.

Preview: Archer & Armstrong # 20

First Look: "AMERICAN WASTELAND" Begins in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20!


 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20, the FIRST ISSUE of "AMERICAN WASTELAND" – an all-new story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and rising star Pere Perez! Start reading here this Wednesday as Archer & Armstrong take on a cabal far more deadly than any ancient curse – the secret cult of American celebrity!

His whole life, Obadiah Archer has been lied to about his true heritage – but when he and his immortal pal Armstrong arrive in L.A. to meet his real parents, they find them in the clutches of the Church of Retrology! What insidious plans does The Lizard King, the head of the favored religion of the Left Coast’s rich and famous, have in store for Valiant's premier conspiracy busters? And what lurks inside The Lizard King's mysterious hotel hideaway? Archer & Armstrong are about to take a trip into the darkest reaches of Hollywood history, and they can check-out any time any they like…but they can never leave!

On May 7th, the mojo rises for "AMERICAN WASTELAND" – beginning right here in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20!
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #20 (NEW ARC – "AMERICAN WASTELAND")
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover A by SHAWN CRYSTAL (MAR141405)
Cover B by MICHAEL WALSH (MAR141406)
Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN (MAR141407)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 5/7/14 (FOC – 4/14/14)

 

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 20

After all the crazy events with Bloodshot and the Sect Civil War Archer and Armstrong take the time to look for Archer's biological parents. Of course things are never as easy as that.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Pere Perez

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

To summarize without any spoilers Archer and Armstrong are searching for Archer's parents and have a lead that sends them to Los Angeles. After that they find things aren't all what they seem to be and get pulled into a larger plot that involves Archer's birth parents. It also seems to involve a lot of celebrities and pokes at pop culture.

The story seems to be a really interesting one. Involving not only pop culture but a dive into the human psyche. This first issue setting things up with references to all sorts of famous people who had mental health issues, be it depression or whatever multiple issues that can afflict a person.

The dialog still has that Van Lente charm and wit to it. Almost like it's back to normal, Armstrong is the funny oaf and Armstrong is the straight laced foil to Armstrong's antics. But being out into the kind of storyline they are dropped in gives them a fresh way to look at them.

Art

There's no complaints about the art. The characters look decent, they have a crisp line-art that lends itself to the action scenes. The environments and the segments that seem surreal are what stands out in this comic the most. It's really unique and it gives this comic something more to stand on, on top of it's good writing.

Verdict

This issue of Archer and Armstrong is not only a fun read but a smart one. It builds up the arc well and sets up all the themes it's going to explore in a pretty unique way. Whether or not the rest of the arc will have a pay off for everything it sets up will be seen. But for the first issue in a new arc it does things beautifully. The dialog is human, and the action and "crazy" scenes are great. It feels like Archer and Armstrong is hitting it's stride again and deserves another 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 19

The eponymous duo are back again for more action against Bloodshot and the H.A.R.D Corps.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Pere Pérez

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

This issue is mostly action but the story is told through the action, which is nice. It gives important information without feeling like it's dragging on since there is some bullets flying or punches being thrown.

I usually try not to spoil much in these reviews, and this time will be no exception. What I will say about the plot is that it seems to borrow heavily from big budget action movies, but with some more comedy. That is not a bad thing at all because it's still pretty original and it's extremely intriguing. Note that I said this issue borrowed and not copied or stole from action movies. Fred Van Lente knows how to take what's worked before and put his own spin on things to make it uniquely his. Also, if you wanted to see just how far Archer's abilities that were explained in issue 0 and in recent previous issues go this issue shows just that.

Of course Armstrong isn't too far behind in the fray and Bloodshot does show up, but if you want to see them in a more prominent role it seems you'll have a tiny bit of waiting to do. They are important to the storyline of course but this issue is mostly focused on Archer and his fight.

Art

The art in this issue is quite well detailed. On the panels that don't have any action going on it looks like plenty of work went in to give them a specific kind of tone. On the panels with action in it, the art looks like it was made to look like as good as any high quality action animation. Which I'm fairly impressed with.

Verdict

This was a hard book to put down. After reading it once I wanted to go back and look at the action scenes and just take some extra moments to appreciate the art in them. The book still has it's trademark humor too which makes it even more enjoyable. Add all that up and you have a fantastic issue here. I give Archer and Armstrong issue 19 a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstong # 18

Archer crosses paths with Bloodshot and bullets fly, amongst other things.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Peré Perez

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

Without spoilers here's a synopsis. After the events of the Sect Civil War plans are being made with the help of Bloodshot and H.A.R.D Corps to go after Archer. The first part of the book is slow with some tension and some nice bits of comedy too. The last half of the book ramps everything up with action and some drama too.

The dialog has Fred Van Lente's sharp, humorous wit spread throughout the issue and on top of that dramatic and quite believably human dialog from all the characters. Well, all the characters named Bloodshot, Archer, or Armstrong anyway. The big bad military people that sent the H.A.R.D Corps after Archer and Armstrong seemed quite stereotypically like "mean military people". Still, the writing is very strong and those people don't have much time in the issue so it's a minor thing.

Art

Dear reader, do you love action? Well this issue has it in spades and it's quite wonderfully drawn. The nice gun fu poses and Archer's trademark martial arts look spectacular. As someone very famous would say from time to time "'nuff said". That should be enough to at least be interested in the book. It's darn awesome.

Verdict

Archer and Armstrong is back in awesome form and has reminded me why it became close to my heart in terms of recent comic runs. The action was fantastic and the story was funny and had a nice human element to it. I give Archer and Armstrong # 18 a 9 out of 10.

First Look: Bloodshot Strikes In ARCHER & ARMSTRONG # 18

First Look: MISSION IMPROBABLE Sends BLOODSHOT into ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #18!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Archer & Armstrong #18 – the FIRST ISSUE of MISSION: IMPROBABLE, a four-part smash-up colliding Valiant's conspiracy-smashing thrill-seekers against the twin threats of Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps! From New York Times best-selling writerFred Van Lente (Marvel Zombies) and red-hot artist Pere Perez (Harbinger Wars), start reading here on March 5th when two teams of daredevil powerhouses begin an improbable mission with impossible odds!

Archer &  Armstrong have been targeted for elimination by Project Rising Spirit’s most elite kill crew. (G-G-GULP!) Their mission? Assassinate the the newly appointed leader of a homegrown fundamentalist terror sect named…Obadiah Archer?! And if they could take out his mentally ill, alcoholic bodyguard who just happens to think he’s a 10,000-year-old immortal, that’d be swell too! Hot on the heels of today's Archer & Armstrong: Archer #0, the showdown of the year begins right here on March 5th!

Then, the next bullet-dodging chapter of MISSION: IMPROBABLE arrives one week later on March 12th with Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #20 from acclaimed writers Christos Gage (Superior Spider-Man) & Joshua Dysart (Harbinger) and legendary artist Tom Raney (Ultimate X-Men)! 

With each issue featuring a new interlocking Pullbox Exclusive Variant for comic shop subscribers by artist Jorge Molina (X-Men), don't miss a perfect a jumping-on point for two of the most over-the-top action books on the stands when MISSION: IMPROBABLE kicks down the doors of Archer & Armstrong #18 and Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #20 – in comic shops everywhere this March!
 

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #18 (MISSION: IMPROBABLE – PART 1)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (JAN141366)
Interlocking Pullbox Variant by JORGE MOLINA (JAN141367)
Variant Cover by MICHAEL WALSH (JAN141368)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 3/5/14 (FOC – 2/10/14)

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #20 (MISSION: IMPROBABLE – PART 2)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by TOM RANEY
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (JAN141369)
Interlocking Pullbox Variant by JORGE MOLINA (JAN141370)
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY (JAN141371)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 3/12/14 (FOC – 2/17/14)

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #19 (MISSION: IMPROBABLE – PART 3)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (FEB141473)
Interlocking Pullbox Variant by JORGE MOLINA (FEB141474)
Variant Cover by MICHAEL WALSH (FEB141475)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/2/14 (FOC – 3/10/14)

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #21 (MISSION: IMPROBABLE – FINALE)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by TOM RANEY
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (FEB141476)
Interlocking Pullbox Variant by JORGE MOLINA (FEB141477)
Variant Cover by TOM FOWLER (FEB141478)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 4/9/14 (FOC – 3/17/14)

Preview: ARCHER & ARMSTRONG # 12

For Freedom! For Capitalism! For America! ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #12!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Archer & Armstrong #12 by New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and rising star Pere Perez! The battle for control of the time-lost land of the Faraway starts now, as General Alphonse Redacted charges into battle with his 500 Shades of Greys!

 

If General Redacted wins the Faraway, he'll use its centuries-old secrets to stamp out the heathen collectivist Bolsheviks of modern day America. Now, it’s down to Archer, Armstrong, and Mary-Maria, Archer's assassin stepsister/love interest (ew), to run the greatest infiltration/liberation/inebriation mission mankind has ever known. Which would be a cakewalk if its wasn’t for all the trigger-happy UFOs, hostile natives and, of course, the dinosaurs… Yep, they could definitely do without all those dinosaurs.

 

Don't miss the next @$%*#!-smashing moment of "Far Faraway" when Fred Van Lente and Pere Perez toss Valiant's conspiracy-busting adventure buddies into the fight of their lives, only in Archer & Armstrong #12 – on sale August 14th!

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

 

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #12

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art by PERE PEREZ

Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (JUN131332)

Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (JUN131333)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 8/14/13

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)

Preview: ARCHER & ARMSTRONG # 11

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #11 is [REDACTED]!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Archer & Armstrong #11 – the second sensational chapter of "Far Faraway," the all-new story arc by New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and rising star Pere Perez! 

 

Flying saucers! Dinosaurs!  Flight 19! The lost colony of Roanoke! History's most mysterious figures have all wound up in the time-lost world called The Faraway – and now so have Archer & Armstrong! Can Valiant’s greatest conspiracy-busters find their way out before they’re trapped forever? And get those insurance premiums paid up before reading the last page revelation – because jaws will drop! (And probably have to be reattached surgically.)

 

History's greatest mysteries have all been found – and each one is gunning for Archer & Armstrong #11! Start reading here on July 17th to find out for yourself why "Far Faraway" is the story arc that has fans and critics praising all things A&A!

 

"I love where the new arc is going and the creative team on this book is stupidly good." - Comic Vine

 

"The characters look great, the action is frantic and fun, and the humor is spot on… Archer and Armstrong is the comic book we deserve, people." - IGN

 

"One of the most entertaining comics on the market… It’s a great time to jump on board so no excuses pick it up." - Comic Bastards

 

"Fred Van Lente amps up the action and intrigue in a tale that mixes hilarity and truly compelling plot devices into one of the best series on the market today!" - Cosmic Book News
 

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

 

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #11

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art & Cover by PERE PEREZ (MAY131312)

Variant Cover by JUANE DOE (MAY131313)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/17/13