Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 23

In this prelude to Armor Hunters we see Aric get taken on a new mission to space to search for something interesting. Well, it looks like that won't be hard to accomplish at all.

Writer - Robert Venditti

Artist - Diego Bernard

Publisher - Valiant

Story

Aric is tasked with a mission to outer space to look into the debris of a wreckage of a Vine ship and possibly recover something that can interest Uncle Sam. Simple enough for the X-O Manowar.

Of course though there's going to be something that will complicate matters. Something that is such a big obstacle that it can possibly even become Aric's main problem. The dialog and most importantly the tension building with this foray into space is quite well done. However it wasn't anything I wasn't expecting. Well, mostly what I wasn't expecting. There was one scene in the beginning of the issue where I have to wonder if Vendetti has been hanging out with Fred Van Lente or James Asmus because it's a scene that would be right at home in Archer and Armstrong or Quantum and Woody. That was quite a welcome change of pace. There's also the villain himself, while nothing much is known about him his design raises a lot of questions, especially about his connection to the Manowar armor.

Art

Although I admit I did see a lot of this issue's story coming, it was still pretty entertaining and the art is a big reason why. The characters have a presence to them, especially Aric which is what you want since he's always described as quite an intimidating person.

The action looks great too, movement and hits and explosions look great. The art has this added touch to the action that I don't see in many other comics where it doesn't just look good, it looks deadly. Like every punch or shot has a consequence of pain or even death.

Verdict

I already mentioned that this issue was a little bit predictable. However that didn't make it any less enjoyable. Possibly because the action and art were so good. There is good dialog in there, and some character exploration for Aric and his wife and for the woman who gives Aric his orders. I recommend picking this book up it's solid and makes a good segue in Armor Hunters. I give X-O Manowar an 8.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 21

Coming off the heels of the events in Unity # 3 comes X-O Manowar # 21!

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

As mentioned above, this issue takes place right after Unity # 3 and follows what happens with Aric right after the big events happening then.

Before reading this issue, it's best if you read Unity # 3 as the impact of this story will be felt and the transition from the last issue to this one won't seem weird. Although, the comic does a good job of not leaving you in the dark on exactly what happened. So, it's not required but it is recommended.

The story in this issue focuses on Aric's new plans; which are mainly the safety of his people, who all happen to be incarcerated along with him. The story gets filled out with flashbacks to Aric's youth and we see like we have in previous issues why Aric fought to keep the land he proclaimed to be for his people. They've been in captivity so long and he has had to see his people with bars and fences around them for so long that he's utterly sick of it. We also see the starts of what seems to be a new arc for Aric in this issue. A government agent explains to Aric that they didn't get what they wanted out of him but that it seems that he can have other uses. Without spoilers, of course, it seems that these other uses will lead to a new story arc and that it seems right to keep the name X-O Manowar for this series.

The pacing is really well done and the dialog is really intriguing. Aric, speaking to the government agent,  was pretty cool and something I see that can be in a movie.

Art

I have mentioned before that I like the art style the series is using right now. The color palette reminds me of old Street Fighter promotional art.

I am aware there are people who find the art style strange or don't like it however. It is still technically well done though and the art won't detract from enjoying the story. You might not like it, but, in this review, I say it's excellent.

Verdict

Valiant's comics lately have been hitting us with crazy curveballs and X-O Manowar is no exception. For that, I stopped guessing what might happen in future issues and just enjoy the ride. Coming right after Unity # 3, X-O Manowar melds action, suspense and even a little mystery for what turned out to be a fantastic comic. I give X-O Manowar # 21 a 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 20

After the all the action in Unity # 2, Valiant hits you again with the latest issue of X-O Manowar which resumes the action where Unity left off.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

As stated above this resumes right after Unity # 2 so it's highly recommended, heck one could say it's required, to read Unity # 2 before jumping into this. Also, because of that I'll try and not give too much details about the plot in this review in case you don't know what's happening from Unity # 2. You can read the review for that here. On with the review.

This issue tells it's story through action more than expositional monologs and the like. The actions Aric takes against Harada and his team gives insight into his character and shows that he is more resourceful than people would think. There is some meaningful dialog exchanged between Aric and the Eternal Warrior and the Eternal Warrior definitely does some useful stuff in this issue. If you've read the review for Unity # 2 you'll know what I mean.

After the main action scenes we see a build up for what looks to be round 2 or maybe even round 3 and with things changed it definitely leaves the reader with a sense of wanting more.

Art

With this issue being mostly action the art really shines. Seeing the Manowar suit pull off some crazy

feats and Harada's Harbinger powers is fantastic. The panels look like extremely well polished animated movie stills. The art in this is absolutely fantastic.

Verdict

Even while going through this issue looking at minute details there really isn't anything to complain about in this issue. There's a good narrative, lots of action and fantastic art that really conveys how great the action is. I give X-O Manowar # 20 a 9.5 out of 10

UNITY Hits Home in X-O MANOWAR #20!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #20 – the next chapter of X-O Manowar's head-to-head confrontation with Valiant's all-star superteam, Unity, from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and artists Cary Nord (Conan) and Vicente Cifuentes (Batgirl)!

X-O Manowar finally has it all, and his people finally have a land they can call home…but threats from all sides now threaten to destroy the man inside the armor, Aric of Dacia, and the peace he has struggled to secure. While unrest stirs and Aric’s camp threatens to rebel against him, the most dangerous strike force ever assembled – Unity – have joined forces with the Harbinger Foundation’s Toyo Harada to achieve but one goal: destroy X-O Manowar before his actions push in western civilization to the brink of all-out nuclear annihilation.

The all-new story arc of the heart of the year's biggest comics event inches one minute closer to midnight on December 18th, only in X-O Manowar #20 – featuring Eternal Warrior, Ninjak, Livewire and the rest of Valiant's landmark first superteam, Unity!

And, next month, don't miss a moment of the action as New York Times best-selling writer Matt

Kindt(Mind MGMT) and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite (Justice) unleash an all-new issue of one of the year's most acclaimed new series in Unity #3 – on sale January 15th!

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

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit Valiant.CinderBlock.com.

X-O MANOWAR #20 (UNITY TIE-IN)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD with VINCENTE CIFUENTES
Cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY (OCT131345)
Variant Cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA (OCT131346)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 12/18/13

UNITY #3
Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE (NOV131283)
Variant Cover by J.G. JONES (NOV131284)
Variant Cover by SHANE DAVIS (NOV131285)
B&W Sketch Variant by DOUG BRAITHWAITE (SEP138205)

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar # 19

Welcome again to Straight Forward Reviews! Where we take a look at those wonderful things we read and have interesting pictures known as comic books. Was that intro too cheesy? Anyway this time we're looking at Valiant's X-O Manowar # 19. With the events of Unity just beginning you can bet this is going to be important to that story.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Cary Nord

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

This issue focuses on Aric's point of view of what happened right after the events of Unity issue 1. Which goes to show how Aric can be seen as both a villain and a hero if you read both of these books.

Besides dialog with Ninjak this issue really isn't about the wider plot as much as it is just about Aric and what kind of man he is. We get to see plenty of action still but it isn't about determining the fate of the world or anything that major. It is however really awesome and gives more insight into Aric and his people.

The dialog in this is very well written, you get the sense these really are people from another time that were forced into our modern world. They are confused and a little lost with the new world but willing to fight. Just as you would expect warriors from another time to be like if they did see our world today.

Art

I remember in previous issues of X-O Manowar that Cary Nord has worked on I mentioned them being some of my favorite art of the year. Seeing this has only made me feel stronger in that belief. The art in this comic has flavors of the art I would see for fighting games. It's a western comic drawn in a realistic style but the style has the flavor of the more realistic art that was made to promote Street Fighter 2 and
King of Fighters. It's what the art invokes memories of, for me.

Verdict

Looking through this book, I couldn't find anything that I didn't like. Not a thing. The dialog and the wonderful art all gelled together so well that all I left with after reading this issue was a smile. With that I have to give X-O Manowar issue 19 a 10 out of 10. It really is amazing to see the different views and worlds of the people of the Valiant universe and how villains can be heroes and heroes, villains.

Straight Forward Reviews : X-O Manowar 18

The last X-O Manowar issue before Unity starts. This is a huge moment.

Writer - Robert Vendetti

Artist - Lee Garbett

Publisher - Valiant Entertainment

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Things ramp up to, as the kids would say, "all the way to 11" in this issue. We've seen the plotting the entire world was starting to take against Aric and we know everybody was monitoring him like a hawk. But now, everyone is making their moves.

This arc had always had tension but this issue has tension that I wouldn't call thick, I'd call it combustible. So much so that you already see explosions occuring. All these moments however are only the signal of the start of the huge events going to happen in Unity next month.

Art

The artwork is something special, just calling it dark or gritty isn't enough because in the very same issue words like vibrant and colorful can be used to describe it.

The art is truly something to behold in this issue. Also of note is the line work of the characters it has this sketch like yet detailed quality to it. There isn't a ton of details on their faces or anything but you can immediately tell who they are and that they're totally unique characters.

Verdict

The writing in this issue is gripping, and that's a word I don't use very often unless I truly feel it is. As a matter of fact I think this is the only review I've said that. (Waits to see someone point out a previous review and prove me wrong.) The art is distinct and has a really style. 

Also considering these are the events that lead directly to Unity you definitely want to pick this up. X-O Manowar 18 gets a 9.5 out of 10.

Valiant Preview: A New Nation Rises in X-O MANOWAR #17

A New Nation Rises in X-O MANOWAR #17

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #17 from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and fan favorite artist Lee Garbett (Batman R.I.P.)! The road to UNITY continues here! With the might of a military occupation, X-O Manowar has forged a new nation state for the Visigoth people inside of modern day Romania. But his actions will not go unnoticed – or unpunished – by a world on red alert…

 

Since bonding with the sentient X-O Manowar armor, Aric of Dacia has rampaged unchecked, crushing every enemy in his path. But what happens when a one-man war machine must become the protector of an entire people? Aric’s skills as ruler are about to be put to the test, and the result will set off a chain reaction that will lead to one of the biggest confrontations in the history of the Valiant Universe – UNITY! 

 

A king claims his kingdom as the Valiant Universe universe marches toward war, only in X-O Manowar #17 – in stores September 18th!

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

 

X-O MANOWAR #17

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by WILL CONRAD

Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY

                                    $3.99/T+/32 pgs.

Straight Forward Reviews: X-O Manowar issue 17

X-O Manowar is back in the Straight Forward eye of scrutiny. Last issue saw some nice tension building and was a worthy buy. Is this issue worth looking at too or is it a skip?

Review by Jeremias de León

Publisher Valiant Comics

Writer Robert Venditti

Artist Lee Garbett

Story

This issue starts off at a slower pace than the last one with Aric and his people starting to live on Earth. There's a nice contrast being shown throughout the issue of what Aric is going through and what his subjects are going through. The dialog in this issue comes off as pretty natural for the people Aric rules over. You really do feel that they're from another time and place when they interact with normal society.

There's also the buildup to what Valiant has been promoting with Aric and pretty much the rest of the Valiant universe. We see what some of Aric's subjects do when they decide to act on their own and the tension between the world governments and Aric building.

Art

The art has this very nice style to it that makes it look like each panel caught a moment. The line art pulls of flowing hair and wrinkling clothes and curling facial expressions beautifully. Every panel really did look like a snapshot.

Verdict

Although the taking a break in action is a fine thing to do for character development and for plot details to pop up, I felt like it took a little too much time on Aric's random subordinates who think they shouldn't be farming. I know it was there for a very important reason, I just felt like it could have been about 2 or 3 pages less about them and that those 2 or 3 pages could have been used showing the tension growing with Aric and the world governments.

Other than that it's a fantastic issue, not everything can be just flat out action and they did the right thing slowing things down to develop things. I just felt somethings could have used more developing and other things didn't need as much. I give X-O Manowar an 8.5 out of 10. Still a very worthy buy.

Straight Forward Reviews : XO Manowar issue 16

Aric of Dacia has freed his people and has his revenge on his captors. What will he do now? Not that I'll tell you exactly since this is spoiler free. But I will tell you if it's worth picking up!

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

In a very short, I'm going to leave out a lot of details summary: the story sees Aric and Eternal Warrior relationship expanded upon a bit. There's fighting between the two, there's some story focusing on what Aric is going to decide to do now that the threat of the Vine is behind him and there's a glimpse into what the rest of the world that sees him as a threat are planning.

The story actually moved along well this issue. This issue is more about the psychology of the characters rather than any specific events or plans and they do a nice job of conveying all these different things about them, mainly Aric though.

There's also the dialog between Aric and Eternal Warrior about their different ideologies and it's very interesting. Whether you're a martial artist or psychology major or just someone who likes to ponder about human nature, it's actually something worth thinking about. No complaints about the writing here.

Art

Though it's been a little while since I last reviewed an X-O Manowar book I do remember my comments about the different artists who's been on the book since the Valiant relaunch. I was basically saying that X-O Manowar had my top 3 favorite sequential art. It's even better this time around. The action in this issue is so visceral and has such a great feeling of motion that I have to say it's still in my top 3 most well drawn comics. It had me stopping in awe to look at some panels over and over again.

Verdict

X-O Manowar starts an extremely big event in Valiant's universe and from the beginning to the end of the book you get that perfect feeling of tension and stakes and just what kind of consequences we can expect that it's hard not to say pick up this book. Matter of fact I can't find any reason to not say pick up this book. X-O Manowar issue 16 gets a 9.5 out of 10.

Comic News: Shadowman #1 & X-O Manowar #6 Get Reprints

VALIANT Heads Back to Press on SHADOWMAN #1 and X-O MANOWAR #6!
 

Shadowman and Ninjak are returning to store shelves everywhere in the New Year! Valiant is proud to announce that Shadowman #1 and X-O Manowar #6 have sold out at the distributor level and will return with second printings featuring sketch variant covers by superstar creator Patrick Zircher (Hulk, Captain America) on January 9th!

 

Just as Shadowman #3 arrives in stores, jump into on the first adventure of Valiant's newest hero as he inherits an uncanny legacy that just might mean his end in theShadowman #1 Zircher Second Printing Sketch Variant! From creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher, this is the perfect opportunity to join the series that IGN calls "another awesome notch in the belt of Valiant."

 

And, then, catch up on "Enter Ninjak" – the best-selling storyline that's about to send X-O Manowar hurtling into "Planet Death" – with the X-O Manowar #6 Zircher Second Printing Sketch Variant. Continuing the debut of MI-6's most lethal intelligence agent, Ninjak, in the Valiant Universe, do not miss a single installment of the story arc that Complex calls "wall-to-wall action on a blockbuster scale."

 

Retailers, please note: Valiant will be offering Shadowman #1 and X-O Manowar #6 first printing incentives for these issues while supplies last.

 

For more information, visit ValiantUniverse.com.

 

SHADOWMAN #1 ZIRCHER SECOND PRINTING SKETCH VARIANT (OCT128368E)

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER 

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

SHADOWMAN #1 JOHNSON VARIANT (OCT128369E)

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

SHADOWMAN #1 SIENKIEWICZ VARIANT (OCT128370E)

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER

Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER 

Cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZ

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

X-O MANOWAR #6 ZIRCHER SECOND PRINTING SKETCH VARIANT (OCT128371E)

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

 

X-O MANOWAR #6 ZIRCHER VARIANT(AUG121336)

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by LEE GARBETT

Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

Comic News: X-O Manowar Ventures Into Planet DEATH

 

Nord, Crain, Rivera, and Sears Invade PLANET DEATH in X-O MANOWAR #11

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of PLANET DEATH - Part 1 (of 4) in X-O Manowar #11  – the FIRST ISSUE of the most ambitious X-O Manowar storyline of all time! Written by New York Times best-selling author Robert Venditti (The Surrogates) and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (Conan), the invasion is finally here – and X-O Manowar is the invader!

 

Aric of Dacia, a 4th century Visigoth armed with the universe's most powerful weapon, is all that stands between the Earth and all-out annihilation at the hands of the alien race that abducted him from his own time. Now, the day of Aric's reckoning has finally come. As his Visigoth forefathers sacked Rome, Aric will take the battle directly to his oppressors on the Vine homeworld of Loam. He will decimate their armies, he will level their cities – and he will not stop until the whole of their empire is reduced to ash. This is PLANET DEATH!

 

"X-O Manowar is a soldier at heart, and he knows from his years on the battlefield that the best defense is a powerful offense," said Executive Editor Warren Simons. "The only chance he has to protect the fate of humanity is to take the battle directly to the Vine's doorstep and stop their alien empire from spreading further." 

 

The beginning of an all-new arc for the breakout series of 2012, X-O Manowar #11 features a painted standard cover by Clayton Crain (Carnage USA), a Pullbox Exclusive Variant by Cary Nord, an incentive variant by Paolo Rivera (Daredevil), and a top secret wraparound variant by legendary X-O Manowar artist Bart Sears! Featuring the return of superstar penciler Cary Nord to Valiant's signature hero, PLANET DEATH will define X-O Manowar's place in the Valiant Universe. Don't miss the first chapter of a comics juggernaut when X-O Manowar descends on PLANET DEATH in X-O Manowar #11 – on sale March 20th!

 

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 1 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #9 – ON SALE JANUARY 23rd!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (NOV121333)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (NOV121334)

Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (NOV121335)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

 

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 2 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #10 – FEBRUARY 20th!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (DEC121266)

Variant Cover by CARY NORD (DEC121267)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

 

Planet Death – Part 1 (of 4):

X-O MANOWAR #11 - ON SALE MARCH 20th!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD

Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA

Top Secret Wraparound Variant by BART SEARS

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
 

Planet Death – Part 2 (of 4):

X-O MANOWAR #12 - ON SALE IN APRIL!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Comic News: Valiant Cuts Down TPBs Prices

VALIANT Slashes First Four TPB Collections to $9.99!

Valiant is proud to announce that it is cutting the price of the upcoming trade paperback volumes collecting the four series that launched the "Summer of Valiant" – X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Bloodshot, and Archer & Armstrong – to the special introductory price of $9.99!

Due to popular demand, each of Valiant's previously solicited trade paperback collections will be joining X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword TPB by Robert Venditti and Cary Nord – on sale December 5th – at the $9.99 price point. With one collection hitting stores each month through March, this is the perfect entry point into the new Valiant Universe, the critically acclaimed comic book relaunch of 2012!

 

"Valiant is dedicated to getting its titles into the hands of as many new readers as possible and a $9.99 price point is the perfect way to do that," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "Our 'Summer of Valiant' launch generated a tremendous amount of critical acclaim, and retailer support for the first X-O Manowar trade paperback has been through the roof. If you've been holding out on trying a particular title or the new Valiant Universe as a whole, this is the perfect opportunity to find out what you've been missing. You'll get hooked!"

 

Four series. Four months. Four all-new entry points into the superhero universe that has everyone talking. Featuring work from some of the industry's leading talents, find out why Valiant has topped the charts and won over a legion of fans and critics worldwide with the X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword TPB, Harbinger Vol. 1: Omega Rising TPB, Bloodshot Vol. 1: Setting The World On Fire TPB, and Archer & Armstrong Vol. 1: The Michelangelo Code TPB – on sale in finer comic shops everywhere this winter!

X-O MANOWAR VOL. 1: BY THE SWORD TPB (OCT121241)

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by CARY NORD

Cover by ESAD RIBIC

$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.

ISBN: 978-0-97964094-0-5

ON SALE DECEMBER 5th

 

HARBINGER VOL. 1: OMEGA RISING TPB (NOV121345)

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Art by KHARI EVANS

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI

$9.99/Rated T+/128 pgs.

ISBN: 978-0-97964095-7-5

ON SALE JANUARY 9th

 

BLOODSHOT VOL. 1: SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE TPB (DEC121274)

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI

$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.

ISBN: 978-0-9796409-6-4

ON SALE FEBRUARY 6th

 

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG VOL. 1: THE MICHELANGELO CODE TPB

Written by FRED VAN LENTE

Art by CLAYTON HENRY

Cover by MICO SUAYAN

$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.

ISBN: 978-0-9796409-8-8

ON SALE MARCH 6th

Comic News: X-O Manowar Preludes A Planet of Death With Hairsine

Venditti & Hairsine Enter PLANET DEATH in X-O MANOWAR #9

The most ambitious X-O Manowar event EVER – Planet Death – kicks off this January with a two-part prologue beginning in X-O Manowar #9 by New York Times best-selling authorRobert Venditti and comics superstar Trevor Hairsine! Jump on board one of the most buzzed about books of the year as X-O Manowar ignites an interstellar war and changes the landscape of the Valiant Universe forever.

 

It has all led to this. Abducted from his time and enslaved by an alien race known as the Vine, Visigoth warrior Aric of Dacia has escaped into the modern day with the universe's most feared weapon – the all-powerful X-O Manowar armor. Hounded by the Vine at every turn since his return to Earth, X-O Manowar is about to face his most formidable foe yet – an elite unit of X-O Commandos, sent to reclaim their weapon at any cost! But if the Vine can't defeat the X-O Manowar armor, they'll find another human to wield it…

Cities will be leveled. Vengeance will be wrought. And a new X-O Manowar will rise – beginning in Prelude to Planet Death – Part 1 (of 2) this January in X-O Manowar #9 and concluding this February in X-O Manowar #10!

 

Then, X-O Manowar takes the battle away from Earth and directly to the doorstep of the Vine homeworld with Planet Death – Part 1 (of 4) in X-O Manowar #11 – featuring the triumphant return of Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord to Valiant's signature hero.

 

The culmination of X-O Manowar’s first year in the Valiant Universe is almost upon us. Don't miss the crucial first chapter when Valiant begins the campaign to conquer Planet Death this January in X-O Manowar #9 – featuring a Pullbox Exclusive Variant by Cary Nord and a variant cover by Clayton Crain!

 

Prelude to Planet Death Part 1 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #9 - ON SALE JANUARY 23rd!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (NOV121333)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (NOV121334)

Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (NOV121335)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

 

Prelude to Planet Death - Part 2 (of 2):

X-O MANOWAR #10 - FEBRUARY 20th!

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (DEC121266)

Variant Cover by CARY NORD (DEC121267)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

X-O Manowar Issue 7 review

Well, it's time for another look into Valiant's X-O Manowar series. The past issues have been phenomenal, how about this issue? Well, let's find out.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story 

Aric is talking with Alexander as he tries to convince Aric why he should listen to him and why trying to team up with Ninjak is a good thing. We get more exposition and in a very good way, which is straight to the point and doesn't bog down the action. The exposition itself is actually important as well, as you learn more about the Vine and why they're able to communicate with each other and why they have plantings in the first place. Just when you think it's a good time to stop the exposition and have something happen, something does happen and you see some really well drawn action scenes, especially between Ninjak and Aric. 

Speaking of Aric and Ninjak another major story point is their possibly awesome alliance, if they can stomach each other long enough. It's not clear whether Ninjak is willing to help for real or just playing along so he can strike Aric. Although considering the evidence Alexander gave Ninjak, it does seem like he is ready to help.

Art 

Lee Garbett is a great addition to the Manowar team, the way action scenes are drawn have such dynamism I can't help but be in awe and have to keep looking for a couple seconds longer. It's certainly need to see art. 

Verdict 

For this issue with the exposition on the Vine, the great action scenes and banter between Aric and Ninjak I have to give this issue a 9.5 out of 10. I was seriously prepared for a drop in quality, just because of mistakes or something but no, this series just keeps blowing me away, it can't stop being awesome.

Valiant Solicitations for February 2013

HARBINGER #0

Written by JOSHUA DYSART

Art & Cover by MICO SUAYAN

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CLAYTON HENRY & CLAYTON CRAIN

Wraparound Gatefold Variant by LEWIS LAROSA

 

Rise to power!

 

Toyo Harada, CEO of Harada Global Conglomerates and the most potent known psionic in the world, has a vision for the perfect future. A vision he will realize with or without the consent of the rest of humanity. In order to achieve it, he’s built a private army of super-powered hyper-telekinetics within the Harbinger Foundation. But who was Harada before he became the world’s most powerful man? And what are the origins of his vast ambitions? Don’t miss those answers and more in this special standalone issue that will define the future of the Valiant Universe.

 

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE FEBRUARY 6th


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X-O MANOWAR #10
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by CARY NORD

Planet Death looms! A new X-O Manowar rises! And nothing can stop what's coming.

With the Vine invasion fleet waiting in orbit, Aric of Dacia is forced into the one battle he never wanted, against the strongest, most horrifying opponent he’s ever faced.  This adversary doesn’t want the X-O Manowar armor.  It doesn’t want Earth.  It only wants Aric — dead.  The winner will hold the fate of everyone – human and Vine – in the palm of his hand.  Because before this fight is over, the armor will reveal that it wields far more destructive potential than anyone could have possibly imagined. Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine conclude the two-part prelude that sets the stage for the epic war everything has been building up to. X-O Manowar is going home!

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th


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BLOODSHOT #8

Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI

Art by MANUEL GARCIA

Cover by ARTURO LOZZI

Variant Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE & CLAYTON CRAIN

 

CHAINSAW EAT BLOODSHOT!

 

Bloodshot may be the best, but he wasn't the first.  Bloodshot is taking his revenge on Project Rising Spirit—the secret quasi-government experimental division that created him — one body at a time. But nothing could have prepared him for what's waiting for him inside the Nursery.  Deep underground, get ready to go to war with the band of misfit killers that Bloodshot used to call brothers-in-arms. Cleaner. Recon. Point. Gunner. Team: CHAINSAW is reporting for duty, sir!

 

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE FEBRAURY 13th



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ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #7
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY

Who shoots The Shootist?!

What would an Eternal Warrior be without an immortal enemy? For centuries, The Shootist – the Sect's most feared assassin – has been a pivotal player in world events.  Now he has Archer & Armstrong in his sights! With Gilad and the new Geomancer's help, can they stop the man who only fires shots heard 'round the world?

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 13th



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BLOODSHOT VOL. 1: SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE TPB
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI

Every mission is a suicide mission.

Your name is Angelo Mortalli. Your brother is trapped behind enemy lines and on the verge of — no. That’s not right. Your name is Raymond Garrison. You’ve retired from the dangers of the field, but a desperate plea from your oldest friend plunges you into a vicious firefight that — no. That’s not right, either. You are Bloodshot. You are the shade of gray that freedom requires. The perfect confluence of military necessity and cutting-edge technology. A walking WikiLeaks. A reservoir of dirty secrets that could set the world on fire. And you’ve just been captured.

Collecting BLOODSHOT #1-4 (2012) by best-selling writer Duane Swierczynski and acclaimed artists Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi, find out why this is the series that has IGN proclaiming “Valiant is quickly becoming the publisher to beat.”

$14.99/Rated T+/128 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-9796409-6-4
ON SALE FEBRUARY 6th



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VALIANT MASTERS: NINJAK VOL. 1 – BLACK WATER HC
Written by MARK MORETTI
Art by JOE QUESADA & MARK MORETTI
Cover by JOE QUESADA

Collected for the very first time – Ninjak’s solo debut in the original Valiant Universe by Mark Moretti (Bloodshot) & comics icon Joe Quesada (Daredevil, Amazing Spider-Man)!

Colin King – sophisticated British playboy by day, elite super-spy by night! Codenamed Ninjak, King is gifted with a brilliant mind and lethal training in the world’s most dangerous fighting techniques. Both will be put to the ultimate test as he is drawn into globe-spanning mission to apprehend Dr. Silk, mastermind of the WEBNET terror network, before the mysterious weapon known as “Black Water” goes online.  From the British Isles to the land of the Rising Sun, Ninjak will leave an indelible imprint on the Valiant Universe – or die trying. Collecting NINJAK (1994) #1-6, #0, and #00 and featuring special, rarely seen sketches and process art from the Valiant vault!

$24.99/Rated T+/184pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-9796409-7-1
ON SALE FEBRUARY 27th

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SHADOWMAN #4
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
 
All hell breaks loose.
 
Shadowman and the monstrous Mr. Twist battle to the death! Everything is at stake for Jack, Dox, and Alyssa – and for the world as they know it – because if Twist succeeds, then Master Darque will walk the earth once more.
 
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 6th

HARBINGER #9 
Written by JOSHUA DYSART 
Art by MATTHEW CLARK
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
Variant Cover by KHARI EVANS 
 
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 Herbert… 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. Learn the secret potential of her powers and the truth about her time at the Harbinger Foundation, then follow her into battle to save the other Renegades. Look, up in the air! It's a bird, it's a plane... it's freakin' Zephyr!  
 
 $3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th


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Comic News: X-O Manowar Inspires Luge Athletes New Race Suits

VALIANT’S SUPERHERO X-O MANOWAR INSPIRES USA LUGE ATHLETES

First-of-its-kind Partnership Results in Superhero Race Suits

 

New York, NY (November 2, 2012) - Valiant Entertainment, one of the leading comic character-based  entertainment companies, will design the competition and practice race suits for the USA Luge team through 2014.  The USA Luge National and Junior National teams will wear Valiant-designed race suits for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 World Cup and World Championship seasons.  This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time ever that an entertainment company has outfitted a national sports organization with uniquely designed uniforms inspired by a comic book character.   Valiant and USA Luge will also work together to create the look of the team's race gear when they compete at Sochi, Russia during the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. The partnership also includes other marketing and cross-promotional opportunities.

 

Each suit created by Valiant and its illustrators will be designed to resemble the look of the character X-O Manowar, one of the comic book industry’s most popular characters with over  8 million comic books sold and a best-selling 2012 comic book relaunch. A key character of the Valiant Universe, X-O Manowar is a time-displaced warrior bonded to a suit of extraterrestrial armor, the most technologically advanced weapon in existence, and is also notable for a best-selling, multiplatform video game crossover with Marvel’s Iron Man.

 

USA Luge spends a considerable amount of time researching the fastest possible fabrics for their race suits. Each summer, tests are conducted at the San Diego Low Speed Wind Tunnel to determine, among other things, the most aerodynamically efficient race suit for competition use. The suits are fitted and tailored to each athlete, as even the smallest wrinkle can result in lost speed, especially in a sport timed to the 1/1000th of a second.

 

“This partnership between Valiant and USA Luge is an incredibly exciting and unique opportunity.  As entertainment marketing becomes more challenging and the marketplace more global, we see this as a fantastic way to marry many elements.  Olympic sports are a worldwide pastime enjoyed by millions, while Valiant comics and their characters seek to embody the same superhuman traits so often found in these special athletes.  And just as X-O Manowar is enhanced by his armor, it is our hope that the athletes of USA Luge are similarly emboldened by their X-O Manowar designed race suits. Luge is not just any sport -- it is a thrilling endeavor of high speed, challenge and edge, which makes its athletes a perfect fit for our Valiant superheroes," said Jason Kothari, CEO of Valiant Entertainment.

 

"We are honored to be working with the world-class team at Valiant. This is a tremendous opportunity for USA Luge to reach out to a new group of fans and grow with a company on the fast track, just like our athletes. Our organization has always taken pride in working with our family of sponsors to create unique marketing opportunities surrounding our sport and the Valiant partnership is no exception. We look forward to the build-up to 2014 with Valiant in our corner," said Gordy Sheer, USA Luge Marketing Director and 1998 Olympic silver medalist.    

 

USA Luge National and Junior National Team athletes will unveil their new X-O Manowar inspired speedsuits at the World Cup at the first races on November 24th and 25th in Innsbruck, Austria.

 

Valiant Entertainment is one of the leading comic character-based entertainment companies in the world that owns and controls a library of 1,500 characters. Since their creation in 1989, Valiant characters have sold 80 million comic books, been the basis of a number of video game franchises and a slate of major motion pictures are in development.  In 2012, Valiant relaunched print and digital comic books based on a number of its most popular properties, such as X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Bloodshot, Archer & Armstrong.  These new issues garnered rave reviews and are consistently the best-selling independent comic book titles in the industry.  In 2013, the Company has plans to become a financing partner alongside film studios for major motion pictures based on its characters.

 

Since 1985, USA Luge team members have won over 560 World Cup and World Championship medals and 4 Olympic medals.  Luge is one of the most competitive and thrilling sports in the Olympics with racers reaching speeds in excess of 90 MPH.