Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody # 9

Quantum and Woody are back for more antics in issue 9. Just what kind of trouble are they in this time?

Story - James Asmus

Art - Kano

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

The story in this issue focuses on Woody's attempt to be a stand up citizen. A simple premise, but this issue gives you so much with just that, that is all it needs for the story. Through this premise we get character development, character backstory and a build up for the next issue. It was quite a clever issue actually. Sometimes having a laser focus like this for a comic issue or for a television episode is needed. This felt quite satisfying to read through.

There's still the wacky humor that's been present in every issue before this. It not only does not take a back seat but it's actually used to propel the story further. Besides taking some lighthearted pokes at comic books in general there's some jokes about other things that aren't comic book related that are franchises in the real world. One such franchise that was mentioned on page two I never thought would be mentioned in any Valiant comic, or Marvel or D.C for that matter. That franchise just happens to be near and dear to my heart as well so seeing it mentioned was quite a pleasant surprise.

Art

Kano is handling the pencils now, taking over for Ming Doyle from the last issue. He happens to do great work with really big moments like explosions and that was used to great effect in this issue. Especially with Woody's powers.

Verdict

James Asmus is a really clever writer who knows how to grow and flesh out characters and use comedy to great effect to comment on something. This issue is not only funny but well thought out, and has great action. Add references to things geeks like me love and wouldn't expect to see referenced and you have a winner here. I give Quantum and Woody # 9 a 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 17

The Sect Civil War comes to a surprising turn of events and what looks to be the start of a new story arc.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans with ChrisCross

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Archer and Armstrong continue on their plan to unite the Sect. As they get closer to their goal a lot of things get in their way from soldiers of the different factions to old friends.

As the events play out in the tomb where the Sect believes the Wheel of Aten is, there are reveals, plans that get foiled and turns of events that happen to change things even with all the obstacles in Archer and Armstrong's way.

Much like Unity there isn't much more that can be said without spoiling the issue and it would be a shame to spoil it for those who haven't read it yet.

Art

The art in this issue is pretty gritty. It has plenty of action and not fantasy action but realistic hard hitting action. Things get bloody, and it is done really well. There is a feeling that people are getting hurt and that bodies, and the environment, are getting damaged.

Verdict

This issue is fantastic. There was lots of laugh and smart dialog. The arc ended in a brilliant way that left the reader wanting more, and the next arc looks like it's going to get pretty epic. I give this issue a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 16

The Sect Civil War rages on in the latest issue of Archer and Armstrong.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans with ChrisCross

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Archer and Armstrong are back together as a team again as they look to end the Sect Civil War. There's only one thing that can end the war and there's only one man who knows where it is, and that man is constantly drunk.

Archer hatches a plan on what to do with it and the other sect factions are either still fighting or hatching their own plans. We also see where Mary Maria has been. Seems things aren't quite completely fine for her. Without trying to spoil anything it also looks like she may be important in this story arc.

The dialog in this issue is still written quite well and as always manages to at the very least get some chuckles if not some genuine laughs.

Art

The art has a fantastic sense of motion throughout the comic. Whether characters are running or fighting
the motion looks fluid. Something I've been mentioning for forever with this series. It seems every artist that works on this series understands action very well.

Verdict

This issue has a sense of adventure, some comedy, great action and even some social commentary. So it should appeal to a wide variety of people. I still really enjoy this series but something about this issue despite the reveals about Mary Maria and the awesome action doesn't have me as invested as before. This book is still extremely enjoyable however. For it's great dialog and awesome action I'll still give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Archer and Armstrong # 15

Archer and Armstrong are back for some more crazy happenings with things like a civil war going on between different factions of the sect among other things.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans with ChrisCross

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

We saw what Archer was up to in the previous issue after the events of the Faraway but that was strangely quiet on the whereabouts of Armstrong. Without spoilers, Armstrong is showing making his way around time itself and Archer is shown looking for him.

We get a nice look at how Archer and Armstrong cope by themselves and learn more about their characters throughout the issue. With a bigger focus on Armstrong since the previous issue already gave a lot of attention to Archer.

There's also a funny thing that isn't related to the story at all but is worth mentioning in the story since it has to do with the writing. During the issue you will see "beer stats" and they add a very nice touch of humor to the issue.

Art

This issue had me cracking up and had me really intrigues at a lot of places with the dialog and the "beer stats" but what had me most intrigued was the facial expressions. Seeing Armstrong's face at different points in the comic. His face, and later on Archer's, without any speech bubbles or text said so much without needing any explanations. Major kudos for the art in this issue.

Verdict

For the past few issues Archer and Armstrong had been doing well, but hadn't grabbed me like it did during it's first few arcs. I would say this is a return to form but that's almost insulting because this doesn't just go back to how good it was, it changes it and improves it. The art and the little comedic touches push this book into must buy territory. I give Archer and Armstrong a deserved 10 out of 10.