Preview: SHADOWMAN # 12

Extra-Spooky Valiant Preview: KOT, CAFU, SEBELA and More Haunt SHADOWMAN #12

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #12 – featuring three complete tales of New Orleans' nocturnal guardian by some of the brightest talents in comics today!

 

Follow Ales Kot (Zero, Secret Avengers) & CAFU (Action Comics) into the realm of arcane horrors for "Deadside Blues"; Christopher Sebela (Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel) & Matthew Southworth (Stumptown) present the "Lucky Charm" of the Big Easy's underworld; and Duffy Boudreau (BlackAcre) & Diego Bernard (Eternal Warrior) go "Blackout" for an uneasy day-in-the-life of Jack Boniface, the mysterious Shadowman! Plus – a special short story starring Jaunty the Deadside monkey by acclaimed webcomic creator Neil Dvorak (Easy Pieces)!

 

Be here on November 6th as a who's who of rising stars come together to push the outer bounds of Shadowman's world ever further, right here in Shadowman #12!

 

And be back in 30 for Shadowman #13 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc and all-new vision from the new ongoing creative team of comics icon Peter Milligan and fan favorite artist Roberto De La Torre!

 

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

 

SHADOWMAN #12

Written by ALES KOT, CHRISTOPHER SEBELA, DUFFY BOUDREAU, and NEIL DVORAK

Art by CAFU, MATTHEW SOUTHWORTH, DIEGO BERNARD, and NEIL DVORAK

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (SEP131369)

Variant Cover by KEKAI KOTAKI (SEP131370)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs. 

ON SALE 11/6/13
 

SHADOWMAN #13 (NEW ARC - "FEAR, BLOOD, AND SHADOWS")

Written by PETER MILLIGAN

Art & Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (OCT131338)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (OCT131339)

Variant Cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH (OCT131340)

Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS (OCT131341)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 12/4/13 (FOC – 11/11/13)

1st Impressions: Eternal Warrior # 2

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 2

Written by Greg Pak

Art by Trevor Hairsine, Clayton Crain& Brian Reber

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad’s reunion with his daughter, Xaran, gets complicated as she points out cause he neglected his job; there is danger to the entire world. Gilad realizes his daughter is being chased as they meet the Sword of the Wild. It is there where Gilad makes a fateful decision … just like the decision to walk away hundreds of years ago.

ART:

                Hairsine and Crain really get their chance to shine without overlapping with each other or causing some kind of imbalance to the issue’s story. Crain deals with the past and gives us a very brutal wild west while Hairsine gives us a gritty and rough present. Their panels are nice and detailed with full backgrounds and people. The rougher style of Hairsine continues to shape the way Gilad looks but Crain’s work still is breathtaking and dirty at the same time. Reber colors some mean panels to give it the right level of beauty and grit; perfect about a series about an immortal warrior that has no qualms about killing.

                A strong job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Pak continues to get us deeper and deeper into the characters. Not only do we get significant development for Gilad but , also get developments in his daughter as well. The plot continues to add layers of depth into the characters and story while also raising the stakes. Pak’s dialogue and narrative continues to be a fun read.
                Pak continues world building, giving Gilad a more distinctive past, compared to what was done with him before. And the pace and flow of the issue was superb. A great issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great writing at a perfect pace with interesting characters, a developing plot, a troubled parent-child relationship and spectacular art really makes this issue shine.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 2 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up tomorrow.

Comic News: ZUB & SEPULVEDA Take Shadowman on a Halloween Adventure in October

HALLOWEEN Hits SHADOWMAN #11 – A Special October Adventure by JIM ZUB and MIGUEL SEPULVEDA!

Halloween is coming – and it's about to hit the Valiant Universe like a ton of bricks!

Valiant is proud to announce its first standalone Halloween special, coming this October inShadowman #11 – an all-new, hell-raising, bonfire-blazing adventure from critically acclaimed writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and superstar artist Miguel Sepulveda (Red Lanterns, The Thanos Imperative)! 

After witnessing the origin of all Shadowmen past and present in Shadowman #10, follow Jack Boniface into his first Halloween in the Valiant Universe! It's All Hallow's Eve in News Orleans – and Shadowman's about to find himself alone on the job, standing guard on the most dangerous night of the year. Still reeling from the fallout of his cataclysmic battle with Master Darque, can Jack go it alone and protect his city from the legion of evils that haunt the Halloween night? By popular demand, it's a special October tale for Valiant's nocturnal guardian – and a perfect jumping-on point for new readers!

"Halloween mixes in well with the supernatural action and voodoo that drives the series and this issue uses the over the top Halloween revelry in New Orleans as a backdrop for an action-packed caper," Zub told the New York Post. "On a night where everyone is in costume and the imagery of death and the supernatural is all over the place, Shadowman can operate a bit more ‘publicly’, but the seasonal chaos also presents a whole other set of challenges."

Featuring a standard cover by Marcus To (Cyborg 009, Batwing), also look for the Shadowman #11 Halloween Mask Cover – featuring a perforated, fully detachable Shadowman mask printed on high quality card stock that no Valiant fan will want to miss!

This October, evil has its day. Ride along when Shadowman confronts Halloween's worst horrors in Shadowman #11 – by acclaimed creators Jim Zub and Miguel Sepulveda!

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

SHADOWMAN #11

Written by JIM ZUB

Art by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA

Cover by MARCUS TO

Valiant Level Two 8-Bit Variant by DONOVAN SANTIAGO

Halloween Mask Cover Also Available

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 10/2/13 (FOC - 9/9/13)

Comic News: Things Heat Up in Sect Civil War For Archer & Armstrong

VAN LENTE and EVANS Declare SECT CIVIL WAR – A Four-Part Event Beginning in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #14!

 

It's a mad, mad, mad, mad Archer & Armstrong event!

 

Valiant is proud to announce Sect Civil War – an all-new four part event pitching each of the world's most deadly conspiracies into a globe-spanning power struggle...and Archer & Armstrong along with them! Beginning this October, New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente and Harvey Award nominee Khari Evans begin the knockdown, drag-out A&A storyline of the year with an all-new jumping-on point in Archer & Armstrong #14 – and no conspirator will escape unscathed!

 

For centuries, the cloak-and-dagger coalition of conspiracies collectively known as The Sect has worked together to bring silent oppression and undercover tyranny to a world that thought it was free. But, now after centuries of profit sharing and uneasy alliances, the factions of The Sect are about to erupt into open conflict…and the only men that can end the insanity are Archer & Armstrong! Too bad they're fighting for different sides! Why? How? And will either survive? 

 

"Suffice to say something happens that puts Archer and Armstrong against each other to the point where you might even be able to re-title the book Archer Versus Armstrong," Van Lente told Comic Book Resources. "Unfortunately, I can't really reveal more than that, but it's something that's been building for a while and will explode rather messily…"

   

 

Featuring a standard cover by new series artist Khari Evans, also look for a series of special Sect Civil War shelf covers by Michael Walsh (The X-Files, Comeback), beginning with the Archer & Armstrong #14 Pullbox Exclusive Variant – available exclusively to comic shop subscribers who pre-order with their local retailer.

 

The One Percent. The Black Block. The Master Builders. The Sisters of Perpetual Darkness. Every enemy. Against each other. From Ancient Egypt to modern day Wall Street, get ready to run a history-tripping, continent-spanning rat race that will pit villain against villain, Sect against Sect – and Archer against Armstrong!

In the end, only one can emerge victorious... Place your bets when Sect Civil War begins on October 9th in Archer & Armstrong #14!

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

 

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #14 (SECT CIVIL WAR – PART ONE)

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art & Cover by KHARI EVANS

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by MICHAEL WALSH

Level Two Valiant 8-Bit Cover by DONOVAN SANTIAGO

Variant Cover by TOM FOWLER

ON SALE 10/9/13 (FOC - 9/16/13)

Comic News: HARBINGER WARS # 3 Sells Out & Gets Reprint This Month

HARBINGER WARS #3 Sells Out, Returns with New Printing in July!

 

Valiant is proud to announce that Harbinger Wars #3 (of 4) – featuring the first full appearance of the all-new H.A.R.D. Corps – has sold out at the distributor level and will be returning to comic shops everywhere with a new printing on July 31st! Right here in the climactic third round of Valiant's first crossover event, meet the weaponized men and women of the Harbinger Active Resistance Division before they join Bloodshot this September in Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14!

 

"Harbinger Wars has been a rousing success across the board – posting stunning reviews, smash-hit sales, and a new group of readers following Harbinger, Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps in their own monthly series," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "If you've heard the buzz about Valiant over the past year, look no farther than Harbinger Wars as the perfect jumping-on point."

 

Two dozen undisciplined, untested and untrained superhuman children have just escaped from a top-secret research facility and onto the Las Vegas Strip. As Bloodshot, the Harbinger Renegades, and H.A.R.D. Corps besiege them from all sides, the world's most powerful forces will find themselves drawn into a battle without sides, without rules, and without mercy. What happens in Vegas may just destroy the Valiant Universe!

 

Drop into the action of the critically acclaimed event storyline of the summer with the Harbinger Wars #3 (of 4) Second Printing Variant! And look for the final showdown between the Harbinger Renegades and Bloodshot go blow-for-blow in Harbinger Wars #4 (of 4), Harbinger #14, and Bloodshot #13 – also on sale in July!

 

For more information of H.A.R.D. Corps and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.
 

HARBINGER WARS #3 (of 4) SECOND PRINTING VARIANT

Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by CLAYTON HENRY & PERE PEREZ

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY138359)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/31/13 (FOC - 7/11/13)

 

HARBINGER WARS #4 (of 4)

Written by JOSHUA DYSART & DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by CLAYTON HENRY & PERE PEREZ

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 

 

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

 

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)

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #14
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover by J.G. JONES (JUL131310)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO (JUL131311)
Variant Cover by RAFEL GRAMPA (JUL131312)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 9/18/13 (FOC – 8/26/13)

1st Impressions: QUANTUM & WOODY # 1

QUANTUM & WOODY # 1
Written by James Asmus
Art by Tom Fowler & Jordon Bellaire
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We start with our heroes falling out of a building … and work our way backwards.  We get a few flashbacks to the boys when they were younger.  We learn about the two brothers Henderson, Eric and Woody. Woody was adopted by the Hendersons and we get a clue as to why during the issue. Yet, we find out a lot about each bother individually … like how Woody is a dandy (yes, I am using the word dandy … look up the answer) who ran around and skips out on bills. Eric, on the other hand, is a bit more straight laced, good ole soldier that seems to be working hard on doing “something else.”

                After the death of their father, the police are monitoring them as Eric and Woody have a very … unwelcomed reunion during their father’s funeral.  At the end of the book, we get some clear indications of their origin as well as finding that the mystery only deepens.

ART:

                Fowler draws a very solid first issue. Clean inks with good levels of detail on all his people. Younger Eric was very skinny and his face and body reflect that. Older Eric has muscle on him which Fowler remembers and performs as such.  Fowler’s people were very well detailed … in such a classic way with some modern sensibilities that Fowler’s style stands out.

                The action seemed to flow well. And expression really capture the feelings and emotion of the characters. The death of Derek Henderson visually held impact. Bellaire’s colors were good and I can see style choices made. My only real complaint was that some of the coloring seem muted when it shouldn’t be.  Part of me things it is a tone choice, like in the dinner but it just felt too bright for that scene.  Otherwise, we got some great colors and solid art from Fowler & Bellaire.

WRITING:
               

                Asmus writes a very gripping, intriguing and funny first issue. There was a great level of humor with touches of heart and seriousness that blend together seamlessly. This book has been a hot topic amongst the comic book community since it’s relaunch announcement. Asmus more than assuages people’s fears with this issue alone.

                The characters are varied and interesting. Our leads are so very different that their relationship works.  Woody is more carefree, womanizing while Eric is more straight laced with a very large sense of responsibility.  Their relationship as brothers seems to be as deep as it is varied. The Henderson brothers drive us along throughout the book with their personalities and their family. 
  

                With the death of their father being so visually realistic yet brutal, we got to see a little of what he meant to both boys. Woody’s adoption is now shrouded with a little mystery as it seems that Derek may not have wanted to adopt Woody but his wife did. Eric, for all his straight-laced, very honorable attitude, has some mystery himself as he was definitely training … to be a hero? Who knows? He’s military so that opens a lot of doors.  The origin of the two also was built up so very well.

                The overall story was paced well.  The dialogue is smart and witty but does not insult readers intelligence. I get a very 90s movie feel to it … particularly making me recall Woody Harrison & Wesley Snipes in “Money Train.” Hmm … coincidence?  A truly wonderful, witty and engaging first issue.

OVERALL  IMPRESSION:
                This was one of the best first issues of the year. The story was engaging. The art was great. Besides the slight issue with color, it really was a strong first issue. The characters are engaging, relatable and fun. The situations and stakes raise throughout the course of the first issue. The interpersonal relationships were very well thought out, fun and full of heart. Asmus, Fowler & Bellaire have something to be proud of.


RATING:

                Besides the color for a few panels, it was exquisite. I give Quantum & Woody #1 an 8 … out of 10.

Comic News: Superstar Artist Trevor Hairsine Signs Exclusive Contract With Valiant

Superstar Artist TREVOR HAIRSINE Joins VALIANT as Exclusive Creator

 

In advance of the release of Eternal Warrior #1 this September, Valiant is proud to announce that superstar artist Trevor Hairsine has signed on as the publisher's next exclusive artist!

 

A veteran of 2000 AD and Judge Dredd Megazine, Hairsine made his mainstream comics breakthrough in 2002 as the artist of the acclaimed mini-series Cla$$war. Shortly thereafter, Hairsine moved to Marvel, where was named to the first wave of up-and-coming "Young Guns," alongside Jim Cheung, Olivier Coipel, David Finch, Adi Granov, and Steve McNiven. From 2003 onward, Hairsine penciled several high-profile titles, including Ultimate Six with writer Brian Michael Bendis, X-Men: Deadly Genesis with writer Ed Brubaker, and Ultimate Nightmare with writer Warren Ellis. 

 

Hairsine made his Valiant debut earlier in early 2013, illustrating the prelude to the best-selling "Planet Death" storyline in X-O Manowar and, at present, is completing an acclaimed four-issue run onHarbinger with co-artist Khari Evans. On September 11th, the newly Valiant-exclusive artist will launch his first ongoing series for Valiant with New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak in the pages of Eternal Warrior #1.

 

"I had a blast working on X-O Manowar and Harbinger, and couldn't be more excited about launching Eternal Warrior with Greg Pak," said Hairsine. "Valiant's an incredibly exciting place to be, and I'm looking forward to making great comics with them for some time to come."

 

"Trevor is one of the premier artists in comics and with good reason," said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons. "His work is nothing short of stunning, and, at the helm of Eternal Warrior with Greg Pak, they're readying an absolute monster of a book."

 

Hitting shops on September 11th, Eternal Warrior #1 is the first issue of all-new ongoing series featuring Valiant's most feared immortal, the Eternal Warrior. Across ten millennia and a thousand battlefields, Gilad Anni-Padda has traversed the darkest, most mysterious corners of history. But the horror and bloodshed of constant warfare has finally taken its toll on the man myth calls the Eternal Warrior…and he has abdicated his duties as the Fist and the Steel of Earth for a quiet life of seclusion. But when a blood vendetta from the distant past suddenly reappears in the modern day, he must decide if he will return to the ways of war…for the child who betrayed him thousands of years ago…

 

Hairsine joins Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (X-O Manowar, Conan) and New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars, Harbinger) as the next addition to Valiant’s roster of exclusive talent.

 

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

1st Impression: SHADOWMAN # 8 Review

SHADOWMAN # 8
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Roberto Del La Torre, Neil Edwards, Lewis LaRosa, Matt Ryan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

 FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We open with souls in the Deadside being devoured by a soul being devoured by a group of Eaters while another soul, a little girl with a rabbit, hides from them thanks to Jaunty.  Master Darque ends up explaining  to a trapped Dox what he does with the souls … turning them to Eaters. 

                Back on Earth, Shadowman, Alyssa & Baron Samedi talk over whether or not to go to the Deadside to save Dox.  Baron Samedi says that going to the Deadside is NOT and option but after a quick flashback of Jack bonding with Dox; Jack decides that whether he likes it or not, Baron Samedi and him are going to the Deadside to save Dox and fight Master Darque.

                When they arrive, they figure out that Darque had created a pillar of souls for energy to cross over to the living world. Shadowman and Baron Samedi decide to fight Master Darque head on. Meanwhile, Darque gloats to Dox about his victory as Jack appears .. . only to fall to Darque’s trap.


ART:

                The art in this issue was pretty good. The art between De La Torre, Edwards & LaRosa are fairly similar enough that it does not distract from the flow of the story … unlike in previous issues. Their dark pencils work really well. Particularly, De La Torre’s pencils really have a nice grip on the darkness of the book. The horror aspects are well rendered with Reber’s wonderful darker tones and shadows with all the greys.

                The people looked distinct and the opening scenes with the girl and the rabbit were very well rendered and gripping. While some of the art on Earth was pretty good, a couple panels seemed a bit lighter than others. I am not sure if it was due to pencils, inks or colors. Still, the backgrounds in the issue were okay. The Deadside is dark but got a bit more expansive this issue.  Overall, this was fairly good art this issue.

WRITING:

                Jordon does a good job this issue in terms of pacing, dialogue and emotional moments.  While I really did like Jack saying he wants to save Dox cause he’s like family … I do wish we had seen more of it before this issue between Dox and Jack. We saw it between Alyssa and Jack before but not Dox and Jack. That definitely hurt the emotion of what Jordon was doing but still, it was pulled off well in execution.

                The way Darque plans to break though was actually very smartly written. And I really enjoyed the dialogue between Dox and Darque. There is almost some kind of respect between Darque and Dox.  Jack is continuing to really get a hang of his responsibilities as Shadowman and the power at his command. His approach to getting Baron Samedi’s help was definitely great development of his character.  Overall, there was some good emotional moments but some of the weight missing. Otherwise, Jordon does a good job.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While there is a lack of precedence between Dox & Jack, the emotional power of Jack wanting to save him still shined through. The issue was paced well. The art was getting better. There is still room for improvement.  Yet, This book is doing better again.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 8 an  8 out of 10.

Preview: SHADOWMAN # 8

At Death's Door in SHADOWMAN #8

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #8 by Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (Green Lantern: New Guardians) and all-star artists Roberto De La Torre (Daredevil),Neil Edwards (Dark Avengers) and Lewis LaRosa (Punisher MAX)!

Jack Boniface’s life is about to become a living hell. Master Darque may be trapped in the forbidden realm known as the Deadside, but his disciples on Earth, the Brethren, continue to track Jack’s every move. When Shadowman takes the fight to their doorstep, the Brethren’s counterattack proves much more than Jack bargained for…and the people he cares about are going to pay the price…

The road to the final, fateful clash of Shadowman and Master Darque starts here on July 3rd when the Deadside's darkest strike close to home, only in Shadowman #8!

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

SHADOWMAN #8

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN 

Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, NEIL EDWARDS & LEWIS LAROSA

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (MAY131310)

Variant Cover by DAVID MACK (MAY131311)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 7/3/13

Comic News: Valiant & CBLDF Team For Exclusive QUANTUM & WOODY # 1 SDCC Variant

VALIANT and CBLDF Team for Exclusive TONY MILLIONAIRE QUANTUM AND WOODY#1 SDCC Liberty Variant

Valiant is proud to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) with the Quantum and Woody #1 Liberty Variant with a cover by Eisner Award-winning cartoonist and underground icon Tony Millionaire – debuting this July exclusively at Comic Con International in San Diego, California! Following on the heels of the release of Quantum and Woody #1 on July 10th, this Valiant/CBLDF collaboration is notably the first convention variant cover ever produced by Valiant.

 

Limited to 750 copies, Millionaire's Quantum and Woody #1 Liberty Variant will be available exclusively at the CBLDF's booth inside the San Diego Convention Center and via the CBLDF website (cbldf.org). All proceeds will directly benefit the First Amendment legal and education work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, an organization that works to protect the freedom to read.

 

Coinciding with the release of the Quantum and Woody #1 Liberty Variant, Valiant is also signing on as the CBLDFs latest corporate member. Valiant joins comiXology, Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Diamond Comic Distributors, Image Comics, IDW Publishing, and more in support of the CBLDF's ongoing mission.

 

"Valiant have been doing some of the most exciting comics on the stands, and we're thrilled to be joining forces with them for this project," said Alex Cox, Deputy Director of the CBLDF. "Between being huge fans of the brilliant Tony Millionaire, and the high quality of what Valiant has published so far, this is going to be a great project, and will be a tremendous fundraiser. The Valiant staff has been extremely generous, and we can't wait to debut this in San Diego!"

 

"Quantum and Woody have one the most crazily passionate fanbases in comics and, with our solidified support of the CBLDF now in place, they're the perfect choice to debut our first convention-exclusive variant cover – and all to benefit of the CBLDF's vitally important mission. This is a very special release for us, and one that we're incredibly proud to have produced on behalf of the CBLDF," said Valiant CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. 

 

The CBLDF benefit cover is illustrated by Tony Millionaire, a venerable cartoonist best known as creator of the comic strips Maakies and Drinky Crow. His forays into the superhero genre have been few and far between, but the non-traditional flair of Quantum and Woody make it a natural project for his unique take.

 

Written by James Asmus (Thief of Thieves, Gambit, The End Times of Bram & Ben) with art by Tom Fowler (MAD, Venom, Hulk: Season One) and colors by Jordie Bellaire, Quantum and Woody #1, in stores July 10th, begins the adventures of estranged, underachieving brothers Eric and Woody Henderson. When their father’s murder leads them into the throes of a life-altering scientific accident, Eric and Woody will soon find themselves with a whole new purpose – and a perfectly legitimate reason to wear costumes and fight crime. Featuring covers by Ryan Sook, Marcos Martin and Andrew Robinson – as well as a "talking", QR code-enabled variant cover by Tom Fowler – go big or go home, folks! Quantum and Woody are coming!

 

You can learn more about the work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund by visiting them online atwww.cbldf.org.

 

For more information on Quantum and Woody and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant onFacebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

Comic News: Valiant 8-Bit Levels Up to Level Two This October

VALIANT 8-BIT Enters LEVEL TWO in October!

 

The 8-bit invasion of the Valiant Universe continues this October!

 

Valiant is proud to announce Valiant 8-Bit Level Two – a new wave of 8-bit-inspired covers by artists Matthew Waite and Donovan Santiago hitting comic shops everywhere this October! Debuting today at Topless Robot, the Valiant 8-Bit Level Two 8-bit covers follow up on the colossal success of the first Valiant 8-bit cover month – in stores now – with a new round of shelf covers inspired by gaming's greatest milestones.

 

"Our first batch of Valiant 8-bit releases have been an immediate success with fans, retailers, and critics, and all three have been asking us to expand the scope of the Valiant 8-bit program since it was first announced," said Valiant Executive Editor Warren Simons. "Level Two is that expansion, and Matthew, Donovan and Valiant's own Assistant Editor Josh Johns have done a phenomenal job. Not only has Level Two moved beyond cartridge gaming for inspiration, but it will also include more than just incredible covers. Fans of the Valiant 8-bit initiative, take note – we have some exciting developments in store that you'll be hearing about very soon."

 

Kicking off this October in a comic store near you, level up to Valiant's next smash-hit sensation with a special, Valiant 8-Bit Level Two cover for each of Valiant's ongoing monthly titles, including:

• Archer & Armstrong #14
• Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #15
• Eternal Warrior #2 
• Harbinger #17
• Quantum and Woody #4
• Shadowman #11
• X-O Manowar #18

Check out October's Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Covers right now at Topless Robot. For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter and at ValiantUniverse.com.

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.