Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody : Goat # 0

So Valiant has launched a spin off of Quantum and Woody that seems to be much more than it appears.  Much like it's protagonist.

Writer - James Asmus and Tom Fowler

Artist - Tom Fowler

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de León

Story

So much of this story are spoilers! But without spoilers the synopsis is that this issue delves into the origin of the Goat that Quantum and Woody met and took back with them near the start of that series run.

These origins that revealed are perhaps some of the funniest I've ever read. There were definitely times where I laughed out loud and awkwardly disturbed the people around me. But, it isn't just laughs you actually come to feel for the goat. Those feelings grow to a high point at the end of the issue.

Art

Tom Fowler comes back and his work still looks great as he goes back to drawing the Goat and the boys. Especially noteworthy is the way he conveys effects like fire and explosions.

Verdict

Goat is a winner. With a story that is more well thought out than the cover would have you believe and lots of hilarious moments there is no way this can't be recommended. There's drama, there's action and there's tons of comedy I give Goat # 0 a 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody # 6

The eponymous duo are back with more wacky adventures. Are these adventures worth looking at though?

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Ming Doyle

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story picks up almost immediately after the previous issue and sees Quantum happy over what he feels will be the chance to be a real superhero. Woody doesn't seem to buy into what Quantum believes his employer said and wants to follow. There's also the clone's antics as she is left to do her own devices, well, the goat is with her.

This issue sees a lot of laying down essential pieces for the plot. I don't want to spoil the rest of the issue, so I won't. But while this issue still has great comedic moments it really focuses on the story and does it well. Quantum's backstory, the clone sister and the goat, and the plans that certain people are making for what seems to be the next big event are done with great pacing and well written dialog.

Art


It's hard to not repeat myself when talking about the art in this issue. Especially since my opinion hasn't changed since the last issue. The stylistic choice of a retro looking comic really makes sense, especially with the current story arc. Facial expressions are also drawn really well and the movement of the characters really looks well done, like they all have a weight and mass to them and not just sketches on paper.

Verdict

Like the previous issues of Quantum and Woody there's big laughs and a story that's definitely growing from previous issues. There's also a reference to Archer and Armstrong if you can find it, it's especially funny if you've been reading that series since at least issue 3.

With big laughs, an intriguing developing plot and an art style that matches perfectly I have to give it a 10 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.

Straight Forward Reviews: Quantum and Woody # 5

Quantum and Woody seem to have started to get into their life again after the crazy events of the past 4 issues. But of course, there just has to be something that is going to make their lives harder.

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Ming Doyle

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The duo have a full house after the events of the last issue and they are trying to figure out what to do with their living situation now. Which includes hosting a clone and a mysterious goat. Or at least Quantum is trying to figure things out.

Without spoilers I'll say that the two split ways and both go through some hijinks involving a building that seems to be a haven for evildoers. There's also plenty of commentary on comic books during these hijinks.

What you really see in this issue isn't so much action but character development for both Quantum and Woody, and their dialog like the previous issues is fantastic.

Art

The artist changed in this issue and it's definitely noticable. Not in a bad way at all, definitely different though. The previous issue was stylized and more modern looking, this time the art looks like a throwback to older comics which is a nice touch. Especially with the dialog about comic books, the retro looking art seems to really bring this issue together.

Verdict

This issue brings the funny and couples it with nice character development and commentary on comic books and current issues. It's nothing but entertaining and I wholeheartedly give this issue a 9 out of 10. Pick it up.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstong # 14

Welcome back to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews! This time Archer and Armstrong is under the eye of scrutiny.

Writer - Fred Van Lente

Artist - Khari Evans

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

This issue is the start of a new arc, with Archer by himself looking to talk to someone with The Sect. There's also some follow up on what happened to Mary-Maria after the events in the Faraway.

The most important thing this book covers, however is the origins of The Sect and the tensions between  each different faction, and each of their different goals. There is also some mentions of things in the Valiant universe that you probably didn't know the Sect had any part in or partnerships with, but considering how big and powerful they are, is really no surprise.

Art

The art seems to grab my attention a little more than previous issues. If I had to pinpoint the reason why it does, I would have to say it's the characters. The detail on them and their designs stand out a lot more than before. The female characters look especially well drawn

this time around.

Verdict

The story starts off a new arc perfectly. It shows some of the aftermath of the previous arc with some being a mystery for now which definitely seems like those mysteries will play a role in this current arc. There's good story building with the origins of The Sect, it really helps the reader understand why the different factions have tension. There's also the mysteries surrounding Archer and his origins. All that combines together to make a story you just have to keep up with.

It also doesn't hurt the art is great too. I give Archer and Armstrong something it hasn't seen in a while but definitely deserves. A 10 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews : Quantum and Woody issue 4

Quantum and Woody is back with more antics and we're back with another Straight Forward Review.

Writer - James Asmus

Artist - Tom Fowler

Publisher - Valiant

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

Quantum tracked down an ERA base to find out more about what happened with his father, while Woody is hanging around in front of the mysterious Crone. There's still good amounts of comedy but this issue focuses on fleshing out the backstory of what the ERA is and what exactly happened with Quantum and Woody's dad. 

There's also something mysterious that appears for now to at least not be an enemy that the rest of ERA is terrified of. Something to possibly become a big plot point in the next few issues.

Art

The art in this book is pretty lively. Considering that the book is mainly a comedy one the fact that every character looks a little exaggerated when moving and that some characters have exaggerated features works really well in this issue. 

During parts that act as flashbacks during the issue there is a color overtone for whoever is speaking and that's a cool thing to do too. Overall the art is where it needs to be for the antics going on this issue.

Verdict

First off the writing in this issue is phenomenal, the dialog is a blast to read. Reading about the backstory of ERA and the brothers' dad was great too, and it really makes me want to see what else they learn about him and about their powers. As already mentioned the art is good in this issue and some of the gags, like the one with an ERA member and his body, made me laugh out loud. This comic is seriously funny and seriously entertaining I give this a wholehearted 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 13

So I punched my best friend in the face and then... Oh wait, this is a review. But if you read the latest issue of Archer and Armstrong you'll understand that first line. So what's going on in the Faraway this time? Are they going to finally leave?

Review by Jeremias de León

Story


This issue reaches the climax of the struggles in the Faraway and leads into the next story arc. General Redacted's forces are regrouping Archer and Ivar, Armstrong's brother are trying to regroup with Armstrong and Mary-Maria.

We see a satisfying close to the conflict with Redacted and we see a nice transition to a new set of problems.

The dialog, even with the extreme fantastical elements of the Faraway, are pretty believable. Near the end of the issue especially. Everybody has been in or has known someone in a situation like that. Maybe without stepping foot in a land of flying saucers but we all know about those kinds of situations. Although it was believable some of the dialog near the end had me questioning things though, but when you read it and think of the character's mindsets it makes sense.

Art

The art is nothing short of gorgeous. There were some pages where there's a zoom out showing the scenery and I had to pause and just take a couple extra minutes to soak in the details and beautiful color work of the panels.

Verdict

This issue of Archer and Armstrong has a nice climactic battle and a good transition to the next big chain of events. It still hasn't lost it's comedy touch, and the action scenes in this issue have stepped up from the already impressive action of the previous issue. The high of the previous issue didn't fully come over to this one and the ending though it makes sense was still a little questionable in my eyes, this is a hugely entertaining comic and I give it a 9 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Quantum and Woody issue 2

Hello and welcome to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews!

This time, I'm taking a look at issue 2 of Valiant's Quantum and Woody.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story picks up immediately after issue 1 with the eponymous duo naked after an explosion that gives them their powers. After a run in with the cops, they start to recoup and form a plan on finding out what to do what they set out to do in issue 1; which is find their father's killer.

The writing in this book is brilliant. Honestly, it's one of the funniest books I've read all year and the only book that I believe that can show off comedy chops that are just as good is Archer and Armstrong. Which this book reminds me of in little ways. It is, by no means, a clone but there are similarities in the duo's personalities and with the dialog in the book.

Every page had me at least chuckling but, for a good majority of the book, I was laughing out loud. It was nice to see the kinds of jokes that were being made in this. It's not trying to offend anyone but it isn't afraid to not be politically correct either.

Art


What catches my eye the most are the effects of the characters powers. Quantum and Woody's powers
kind of have the Kirby crackle thing going but in a unique way; and for the kind of powers, they have which aren't really explained yet, by the way.

The character designs look good for this kind of action/comedy comic too. They have slightly exaggerated features that are funny but they are pulled back so the comic can have a look that it is an action comic as well. It pulls off a nice balance.

Verdict

I believe this comic needs some more time before I can go around saying it's my favorite of the year but, if it keeps this up, it just might be that. Next to Archer and Armstrong, of course. Valiant keeps churning out top quality comics in every genre and Quantum and Woody is no exception. This gets a well deserved 9.5 out of 10.

Straight Forward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 11

We're back with another issue in the escapades of the duo Archer and Armstrong. So far it's been nothing short of fantastic how does this issue stack up?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story of this issue has explanations and twists and turns like ypu wouldn't believe. Explanations about Armstrong, twists about Archer and explanations about some mysteries that happened in the world they live in that are quirky and, especially in the universe they live in, seem plausible. 

The land of the Faraway is one crazy place with what seem to be aliens, dinosaurs and tribes of native Americans all living in the same place. Archer goes off on his own and Mary Maria and Armstrong are off on their own and get into their own adventure. There are story building elements and also enough explained that make this a real meaty issue. 

Archer meets some people, gets some things explained only to run into another mystery. Armstrong and Mary Maria run into their own problems as they try to just figure out what to do next and Armstrong has to try and deal with Mary Maria's violent instincts.

Art

The art in this issue does two things fantastically. One are the facial expressions, as can be plainly seen on the cover but also throughout the issue. The second are the action sequences. The movement when Archer or Armstrong or Mary Maria or Armstrong fight, run, jump, or shoot are done so well, and everything looks like it's making an impact when it should. The art gets an A plus because of these characters movements and expressions.

Verdict

With this issue adding to the mystery behind Archer's origins and shedding light on other things in their universe while at the same time still offering big laughs and plenty of action, there's really only one way I'm going with this verdict. I'm going to have to give it a full recommendation with a perfect score of 10 out of 10. Pick it up, laugh look at the cool action scenes and tell your friends to do the same.

StraightForward Reviews: Archer and Armstrong issue 10

Welcome to another edition of Straight Forward Reviews, this time looking at Valiant's Archer and Armstrong. Archer and Armstrong is currently the highest rated series on The Broken Infinite... I think. It's at least the highest rated by this particular reviewer. Does this issue still keep up the awesome?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

A new arc begins as Archer and Armstrong head to Nevada to discover more about Archer's past and about who he really is.

You get a real interesting narrative focusing on Archer and Armstrong and Mary Maria's different routes on the same base at the same time. It builds the stage nicely for the storytelling in the rest of the arc.

The humor from previous issues is in full force here after the crazy high stakes action from the previous it would seem things did need to simmer down a bit. That isn't to say there isn't a lot of action and it certainly ramps up at the end but there's more laughs abound in this issue.

There's also the intrigue about the Area they're in, there seems to be a lot of research going on with the world of Archer and Armstrong going on there. Plus the mystery of Archer's real origins which of course you won't learn in this issue.

Art

The art has a cool flashy style to it, apparent in the action scenes. Lots of great artists usually are able to make action scenes look like they're flowing. They do not look that way in this case but they are great in a different way. Each shot looks more like a lightning bolt. In that the panels look like they were caught at the moment of impact, and it's quite nice to see.

Verdict

This is a fun read. I don't know how Van Lente just keeps writing this really intriguing and funny stories but he does. The action, comedy and intrigue blend into a super delicious smoothy of awesome and deliver on entertainment. I give Archer and Armstrong issue 10 a 9.5 out of 10. 

Archer and Armstrong issue 4 review

Welcome again, readers of TheBrokenInfinite to another review of the relaunched Archer and Armstrong. So far the series has been doing very well with the past three issues, will the 4th continue to impress?

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story 

Without spoilers of course I will say the writing is really hitting it's stride in this issue. The action is starting to meld well with the comedy and neither are overpowering the other. It hits a perfect blend. What was being built up to in the previous three issues have paid off well here. We see Archer get into some great fights, we see Armstrong be funny and pull his weight around and we see a lot of revelations about what their enemies were after and about Archer and Armstrong themselves. 

This arc has ended and effectively started the new one with a new enemy to worry about. It's also a great touch to see all the explanations of the various skills and martial arts Archer pulls off, especially something not as widely known as Pankration.

Art

The art is definitely consistent. Every single one of these issues have stayed the same quality without dropping even for a panel. With the action scenes in this issue it really has more of a chance to shine and it doesn't disappoint. Certain scenes near the end of the issue look especially cool.

Verdict

This issue is another fantastic one. The mix of action and comedy in this make it particularly hard to put it down. Plus the reveals of mysteries and the arrival of new ones make this intriguing and does it's job of making you want to buy the next issue.

Archer and Armstrong issue 4 gets a 9 out of 10