HARBINGER # 25 Review !!!

HARBINGER # 25
Written by Joshua Dysart, Justin Jordon,  Vivek Twary,  Dan Goldman & Lucy Knisley
Art by Lewis Larosa, Khari Evans, Clayton Henry, Lucy Knisley, Romulo Fajardo, Brian Reber, Dave Lanpher, Rafer Roberts & allen Passalaqua
Valiant Comics



This will be a spoiler free review

                We look back several times this issue as to what happened before with the origin of the Renegades, the team a car talking about Fan Fictions, sharing personal moments with Peter and Kris and how one of Harada’s inner circle came to be part of his group.
                The main event story is, however, is a look at a new status quo for Harada and that one snippet from Harbinger #21 comes back to haunt us now as things have changed … for everyone.

ART:

                Since this issue had a diverse amount of art, I am just going to run by things quickly. Rafer Roberts was entertaining in his own right with his cartoony style. LaRosa does some really nice, detailed work that is clean with help from Fajardo, Reber and Lanphear. Knisley has a great moment as well with some okay art there for her tale. Yet, Henry and Evans clearly steal the issue with their powerful, detailed art.  Evans and Henry, who have drawn the majority of the Harbinger issues, give some of their best work this issue with great perspectives and detail. Overall, the art was from okay to excellent.




WRITING:

                This issue packed an emotional wallop that would not be denied. From the change status quos, to memories of characters long gone, to knowing that the group of people we have come to know will not be together again the same way  … ever. Jordon’s story brought much needed levity and a great sense of nostalgia of our heroes on the road. Knisley showed us the heart of our girl, Faith. Twary and Goldman gave us some powerful memories of a character who has been long dead but still in the minds of two of our main characters. Each of those stories were good, solid and ran their course.

                Yet, Dysart writes his masterpiece finale for this first chapter. Yep. It says in the end of the main story of the issue “End of Chapter 1.” If all of this was chapter one, all I can say is that I am looking forward to chapter 2 and onward. This issue gave a terrific climax to all that had occurred before as well as gave us new plots for things to come while sending off our original team. It is over. The Renegades as we knew them are done … gone possibly forever.  It was a send off that was heartfelt and Dysart grabbed every last one of our emotions this issue … both the characters and the readers. We got some significant development for our main cast as we say goodbye to the rest of our crew … leaving only two left.  And Harada and Stronghold both get significant characterizations as the status quo had changed. Dysart crafts these changes well, making them grandiose and impactful. The pacing was perfect and the overall weight of everything as palpable. Everything Dysart has written in Harbinger has worked up to this … and it was the end … the end of the beginning it seems. Like graduating college, it was time to move to the next phase and Dysart captures that feeling with this issue completely. The dialogue was rich and the overall construction of the story was perfect. THIS is comic book writing at its best and I will claim this as Dysart’s greatest work in comics ever … till he tops it.

FINAL VERDICT:

                This was a great celebration of what Harbinger was, is and will be. The stories were entertaining, powerful and full of a cascade of emotion. The art was good to excellent. This issue excelled at giving fans a great look into Harbinger and its evolution. Dysart continues his prolific work with a great end … to chapter one.  Yet, all Harbinger fans should buy and read this book. It really is comics at its best. Harbinger # 25 gets a 4.5 … out of 5.  

Preview: HARBINGER # 25

HARBINGER #25 (ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR!)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART with VIVEK J. TIWARY, JUSTIN JORDAN, DAN GOLDMAN, and LUCY KNISLEY
Art by KHARI EVANS with LEWIS LAROSA, RAFER ROBERTS, CLAYTON HENRY, BARRY KITSON, and LUCY KNISLEY
Cover A by MICO SUAYAN (MAY141659)
Cover B by JENNY FRISON (MAY141660)
Variant Cover by LUCY KNISLEY (MAY141661)
Throwback Variant by SEAN CHEN (MAY141662)
Variant Cover by BARRY KITSON (MAY141663)

Toyo Harada’s last stand! The future of Harbinger starts here with a star-studded, 48-page anniversary milestone – packed with brand new contributions from an all-star cast of creators and shocking new revelations about the fate of Valiant’s teenage superteam!

A Renegade has fallen and, now, there is no turning back. Stripped of his allies and all sense of self-preservation, the world’s most powerful “harbinger,” super-powered billionaire Toyo Harada, is about to inflict a terrible reckoning on a world he thought he could control…and everything we thought we knew will be forever changed in its wake.

Original series creators Joshua Dysart and Khari Evans reunite to deliver a devastating climax to the second year of the series that The Onion/A.V. Club calls “the crown jewel of Valiant’s lineup” – and officiates the “Death of a Renegade” with all-new artwork and stories from an incredible roster of award-winning talents, including Vivek J. Tiwary (The Fifth Beatle), Lewis LaRosa (Punisher MAX), Dan Goldman (Red Light Properties), Clayton Henry (Archer & Armstrong), Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode), Rafer Roberts (Carpool Buddies of Doom), Lucy Knisley (Relish: My Life in the Kitchen), and Barry Kitson (Empire)!

$4.99 | T+ | 48 pgs. | ON SALE 7/16/14 (FOC – 6/23/14)

Preview: X-O MANOWAR # 25

Valiant Preview: On Sale May 21st, 2014 – X-O MANOWAR #25 (PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS) |


 

X-O MANOWAR #25 (PRELUDE TO ARMOR HUNTERS)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI with TOM FOWLER and JUSTIN JORDAN
Art by DIEGO BERNARD, SEAN CHEN, TOM FOWLER, BRYAN HITCH, J.G. JONES, BARRY KITSON, CARY NORD, RAFER ROBERTS, and ANDY RUNTON
Cover A by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC (MAR141400)
Cover B by BRYAN HITCH (MAR141401)
Armors Variant by ARTURO LOZZI (MAR141402)
Throwback Variant by SEAN CHEN (MAR141403)
Variant Cover by TERRY DODSON (MAR141404)

VALIANT FIRST delivers another must-read milestone this May with a blockbuster, 48-page celebration of X-O Manowar’s 25th issue…and an essential introduction to the comic book event of 2014 – ARMOR HUNTERS!

Find out why the galaxy’s most feared team of hunter-killers have journeyed across the stars to destroy the X-O Manowar armor and the Earth along with it in ARMOR HUNTERS: BURIAL by Robert Venditti & Diego Bernard. Then, revisit the roots of Aric of Dacia’s transformation from Visigoth conqueror into the 21st century’s alien-armored guardian, as told by Robert Venditti & J.G. Jones! Plus, all-new tales of X-O Manowar from Robert Venditti & Bryan Hitch, Justin Jordan & Rafer Roberts, Tom Fowler, Sean Chen, Cary Nord, Andy Runton, and much, much more!

$4.99/T+/48 pgs.
ON SALE 5/21/14 (FOC – 4/28/14)

1st Impression: SHADOWMAN # 10

SHADOWMAN # 10
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Diego Bernard, Andrea Cuneo, Mico Suayan, Lewis LaRosa, Carmen Nunez, Alejandro Sicat, Stefan Gaudiano, Brian Level, David Baron & Matt Milla.
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                This issue actually takes place after the events of Shadowman # 0, getting into more about how Master Darque came to be but focuses on Sandria Darque and (SPOILERS) the origin of Shadowman.  We get some back ground on Sandria Darque and the beginning of the Shadowman line, going back to the Civil War.  

ART:

                Okay. There are a lot of people who took part in drawing this issue. And honestly, it WORKS EXTREMELY  WELL. The darker tones and the different art styles blend together to present a tragic, yet gripping love story in the heart of war. From the powerful pictures of Sandria, Marius and more in the snow, to Master Darque coming for his sister … each panel had a beautiful macabre look to them.  There is an excellent amount of detail, thanks to all our pencilers. And all our inkers do a great job giving the right shading, adds to the mood and background of the story. We get some really sharp panels that dive into the grime of war.
                 Overall, the dark look of the book works with the tone. The characters are proportioned and look historically accurate to the time it was set in.  Really good work.

WRITING:

                We get a solid story focusing on Sandria and the origin of the Shadowman line.  The focus on her was refreshing; as it is a character we didn’t see much of before. And we get a very loving yet twisted woman who does what she must to get away from her sadistic brother.  The tragedy of her love to Marius Boniface only adds a weight to the mythology. The backstory and the time period was used extremely well in this issue. The characterizations were definitely relatable for the time period. And the narrative by Sandria kept a nice, consistent flow to the issue.  Jordon gives a solid issue but I felt weird at the end. Not for what happened but just … the impact of it. It was felt but I felt it needed more time.  Otherwise, a damn good issue.

OVERALL:

                Shadowman # 10 picks up after Shadowman #0 extremely well as we get the focus on Sandria Darque after what happened. The art was excellent with some really good writing. The end wasn’t bad, just a bit fast. Yet, it was a strong showing.

RATING:

                A really good book that adds to the mythology of Shadowman with a VITAL chapter. I give Shadowman # 10 a 9 …. Out of 10. 

Preview: Shadowman # 10

Twin Evils, Twin Origins in SHADOWMAN #10

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #10 – continuing the uncanny origin tale that began in Shadowman's critically acclaimed zero issue! The arcane source of all Shadowmen, past and present, will stand revealed when Valiant opens the next chapter in the lives of Nicodemo and Sandria Darque!

Long ago, in the antebellum South, Master Darque’s evil spawned the one thing that could stop him: the Shadowman. Discover how the Darques’ depravity has intertwined with Shadowman for more than a century and the betrayal that forged them both in this special standalone bookend to Shadowman’s first year in the Valiant Universe. 

From the bloodied battlefields of Gettysburg to the darkest corners of the Deadside, Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) and an all-star cast of comics talent expand the origin saga that Bloody Disgusting calls "simply flawless" on September 4th, only inShadowman #10!

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

SHADOWMAN #10

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by DIEGO BERNARD and ANDREA CUNEO with MICO SUAYAN, LEWIS LAROSA, and CARMEN NUNEZ

Cover by STEPHANE PERGER (JUL131314)

Variant Cover by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE (JUL131315)

Variant Cover by RILEY ROSSMO (JUL131316)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 9/4/13

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

1st Impressions: SHADOWMAN # 7 Review

SHADOWMAN # 7
Written by Justin Jordon

Art by Neil Edwards, Matt Ryan & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics


FLIPPING THROUGH:

            After Samedi has both Alyssa and Shadowman in his clutches, Dox comes in trying to save them. Samedi, though, gives an offer to Jack. Dox tells him not to take it but Jack and Dox have an intense conversation which leads to an unlikely alliance .. .

            Meanwhile, Darque is doing crazy stuff to get out of the Deadside while the Brethen are trying to get Darque to Earth. Yet, Shadowman jumps into action against the Brethen and their leader, Devereaux, as Dox takes a different approach …

ART:

            Neil Edwards definitely showed his skills this issue.  It has improved this issue as we get some pretty gory stuff as Samedi makes his presence felt big time. The action looks good. The gore looks horrifying. There is some pictures where the faces just looked a little weird cause of distance but over all, Edwards and Ryan bring out some great art. Smooth lines and descriptive faces and backgrounds. Darque, though, does not look that menacing this issue … till the final page.

            Reber does a great job with colors, keeping the book dark and moody, as it should be. It also makes the gore that much more horrific. Reber really does a good job bringing out the best of Edwards and Ryan pencils and inks. Pretty good work from the art team.


WRITING:

            Jordon weaves a good, solid issue. Jack continues to show that just because he accepted the responsibility of Shadowman, all things attached to it are not to his liking at all. Jack’s conversation with Dox was very gripping and resonated with me about young men arguing with their fathers about what they are going through to achieve this “destiny” set upon them.

            We got more of Devereaux this issue which really made him seem more charming. Yet, it gave us a view of The Brethren and their role serving Master Darque. Darque had the single most chilling final page this year (thus far) as he took the soul of *******.

            The pacing was great. The characterizations really gripped me but I was slightly annoyed by 2 things: 1 – No Dr. Mirage … even though she’s on the cover. I still don’t understand what happened to her after what happened last issue.  And 2 – Alyssa, if you were gonna be like “We should be protecting Shadowman” … then why the hell you didn’t tell Dox that in the first place or go with Jack when he left?

            Those were the two things that had me scratch my head but still, Jordon delivers a good issue with this.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

            Shadowman continues to mix horror with drama and action in a great unique blend. Besides the 2 follies, this was a good issue. It set up the climax, gave a really great exchange between Dox and Jack, show us how powerful both Samedi and Darque are and advances the characters of Jack & Dox. The art is good. The pacing great. Overall, a good issue but there could be some improvement.


RATING:

            I give Shadowman # 7 a 7 out of 10. Buy it. Although it's got a couple of holes, it's a good issue.

Con News: Summer of Valiant Turns Up the Heat at HEROESCON 2013

The SUMMER OF VALIANT Heats Up HEROESCON 2013!

 

This weekend, Valiant Entertainment is heading south for HeroesCon 2013 in Charlotte, NC – the largest independent comic convention in the United States! 

 

From Friday, June 7th to Sunday, June 9th, visit Valiant in the Charlotte Convention Center at booth #1220/1319 for a ton of special guests, signings, convention exclusives, and free giveaways! Kick off the weekend with an advance look at Quantum and Woody #1 – in stores July 10th – in the pages of the FREE Valiant Summer 2013 Preview Edition, then browse a comprehensive selection of Valiant comics, trade paperback and hardcovers.

 

Plus, for the first time ever, Valiant will also have a complete array of merchandise from its new partners at Cinder Block available for sale – including t-shirts, hats, buttons and more!

 

Then, find out everything you need to know about the next year of the Valiant Universe at the Valiant 2013: Inside the Summer of Valiant panel presentation! Join acclaimed creators Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar), Justin Jordan (Shadowman), Matt Kindt (Bloodshot #0), Tom Fowler (Quantum and Woody), Associate Editor Jody LeHeup, Publisher Fred Pierce and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani for an exclusive round of news and announcements about the most exciting universe in comics. 

 

The Summer of Valiant starts this weekend – only at HeroesCon! We'll see you in Charlotte!

 

For more information, visit HeroesOnline.com/HeroesCon and ValiantUniverse.com.