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: Shadowman: End Times # 3 (Finale)

SHADOWMAN: END TIMES #3 (of 3)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by VALENTINE DE LANDRO
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
Variant Cover by RUSSEL DAUTERMAN

The curse of the shadow loa is a terrible cross to bear…and Jack Boniface is about to be crushed by it.

As an army of voodoo invisibles makes war on Shadowman, the tortured spirit inside Jack will begin to consume his soul – and force a final confrontation with his greatest enemy, Master Darque…once and for all.

$3.99 | T+ | 32 pgs.
ON SALE 6/25/14 (FOC – 6/2/14)

Preview: BLOODSHOT & H.A.R.D. CORPS # 21

BLOODSHOT AND H.A.R.D. CORPS #21 ("MISSION: IMPROBABLE" – FINALE)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE & JOSHUA DYSART
Art by TOM RANEY
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA
Interlocking Pullbox Variant by JORGE MOLINA
Variant Cover by TOM FOWLER

MISSION: IMPROBABLE – FINALE! Bloodshot! Archer! H.A.R.D. Corps! Armstrong! It all comes down to this!!

“Mission: Improbable” rockets into its explosive climax as four world-shattering forces collide! Will Bloodshot re-capture Archer for Project Rising Spirit…or is a double-cross in the works?! Will H.A.R.D. Corps figure out how you kill an immortal like Armstrong…or are they going home in body bags? Only one thing’s for certain…it doesn’t matter who loses – you win!

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 4/9/14

1st Impressions: HARBINGER: THE BLEEDING MONK # 0

HARBINGER: THE BLEEDING MONK # 0
Written by Joshua Dysart
Art by Khari Evans, Mico Suayan, Stephen Segovia, Lewis LaRosa & Ian Hannin
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                We learn how the Bleeding Monk came to be. From how he learned of his gifts to becoming the man he is now and why he has decided to become the teacher for Toyo Harada. Spanning across time, this issue opens your eyes about Psiots and the Bleeding Monk himself.

ART:

                Going through different parts of within the Bleeding Monk’s life time, the four artists give very distinct looks and feel for each period. Each artist gives a great amount of detail with every panel, allowing readers to feel really submerged into the story. The art also reflects the various lives and “aging” of the Bleeding Monk: showing him from a young man to the Bleeding Monk we know today looking very old.

                The attention to detail and color this issue is striking as Hannin makes sure the four different art styles mess together with nice dark tones when needed. Each artist does a spectacular job of making this issue visually appealing, with memorable panel work and incredible detail. A superb job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Dysart spins more into the myth of the Bleeding Monk, bringing us quite the different origin story than anyone could have suspected. To the humble beginnings of the man that would become the Bleeding Monk, to the end of the issue were he meets Toyo Harada for the first time; Dysart crafts a very personal, painful tale of a man who finds his ultimate destiny and that time works different for him.

                The narration was well written, with good dialogue that allowed you to hear the character’s voice while still be relatable. Along with the narration, I found the choices of places and times equally intriguing. Dysart makes sure each moment of time chosen were pivotal points in the life of The Bleeding Monk. Also, Dysart hints that the Bleeding Monk might be the first Psiot ever in the Valiant Universe .. . adding more weight to why he has such strong interests in Toyo Harada and Peter Stanchek.
                The issue’s pacing  was great as well as the overall method of storytelling. Dysart does it again with this origin issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                A stellar origin issue with striking art and extemporarily writing.  Once again, another piece of the puzzle behind Harbinger’s mythology.

RATING:

  I give Harbinger: The Bleeding Monk # 0 a 10 … out of 10. 

Preview: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 6

ETERNAL WARRIOR #6 ("ETERNAL EMPEROR" – PART 2)
Written by GREG PAK
Art by ROBERT GILL
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (DEC131332)
Variant Cover by DIEGO BERNARD (DEC131333)

Long live the Eternal Emperor!

The first glimpse into the Valiant Universe in the year 4001 continues here! The Eternal Emperor rules over a blighted landscape, the last hope of a desperate band of survivors. When an enigmatic force appears and threatens to destroy the last remnants of his people, he faces a horrific choice: travel an irradiated landscape in search to kidnap an innocent, or see his people destroyed. Welcome to the Valiant Universe of 4001.

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE FEBRUARY 12th!!

1st Impression: Shadowman # 9 Review

SHADOWMAN # 9
Written by Justin Jordon
Art by Neil Edwards, Roberto Del Torre, Lewis LaRosa, Rocco Martellacci, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Andrea Cuneo & Matt Ryan
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                It’s the final show down between Jack and Darque during this issue as the two clash in the Deadside. Darque’s full plan is revealed as he is using the souls he corrupted to give him power and build a tower back to the land of the living. And it’s starting to work.

                Meanwhile, Baron Samedi does his best to rally the free spirits in the Deadside against Darque and his forces. As they join with Jack to face off against Darque … a sacrifice is made in order to stop the mad sorcerer.

ART:
                The art for the issue varied because it had a VERY LARGE, variety of artists (pencilers & inkers), that put their stamp this issue. And that lead to feeling a bit disjointed visually while reading the book.  There was some really spectacular art in there by Edwards, Del Torree  and another but there was some art that just was TOO simplistic, and clashed with the rest of the book. I am not saying that they are bad artists. I am just saying that it was NOT the right mix.

                Overall, most of the backgrounds were detailed. We saw multiple characters and a wide range of emotions. Reber does his best to keep the multiple artists construct that is Shadowman #9 together through his colors. With the exception of one or two … he succeeds.  Reber is really proving himself to be one of the best colorists in the business ….with the right colors and right tones for the right scene.

WRITING:
                This writing this issue was superb. It was a strong closing to the story that began about 6 months ago now in Shadowman # 5.  There were high stakes. Good amount of character development.  A right mix of action with emotion. Colorful characters and great pacing. This current storyline really continued to set up the status quo for Jack … which seems to be that NO ONE is safe.

                There is a great pace for the story as it reaches its climax and the payoffs are well worth it. My own disdain for the comic is the inclusion … or lack there of  Dr. Mirage.  She was introduced in the beginning of the arc then just dropped.  And she wasn’t in this issue and I can understand why but still feels like she was supposed to have a big part in the storyline.  Other than that, I really feel that Jordon establishes that NO ONE is safe around Jack and that their fight with Darque is very deep and personal one.

                 The issue was paced well.  The dialogue was interesting, concise and clear. Jordon also enriches the story by making sure that the stakes and the prices paid were personal to Jack and the others.  A great job overall by Justin Jordon.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Good book. Strong finish but the multiple artists worked against this issue and the lack of explanation for Dr. Mirage  hurt it, but not too much. Solid book to read.

RATING:

                I give Shadowman # 9 a 7.5 out of 10. It’s a good book. It could be better but still good conclusion that will grab you and don’t let go.

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

Preview: Get the Origins of Master Darque in Shadowman # 0

The Origin of MASTER DARQUE Haunts SHADOWMAN #0

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #0 from Harvey Award-nominated writer Justin Jordan (The Legend of Luther Strode) and an all-star cast of visionary artists including Roberto De La Torre (Daredevil), Mico Suayan (Harbinger), Neil Edwards (Fantastic Four) and Lewis LaRosa (PunisherMAX)! For hundreds of years, the Shadowmen have guarded our world from the nightmare realm known as the Deadside and its sadistic necromancer, Master Darque. But who is Master Darque? And what is the root of his otherworldly evil?

 

Now, for the first time anywhere, the answer to these questions and more will finally be revealed. Journey back to the plantations of antebellum Louisiana to meet the man once called Nicodemo Darque and discover how a depraved life drenched in dust, blood, and bone transformed him into a menace that would one day threaten the whole of the Valiant Universe and all life as we know it.

 

Before the discovery of the Deadside, before Jack Boniface, before the rise of the Valiant Universe, go back to the beginning to witness the first coming of Master Darque on May 1st in Shadowman #0 - now featuring a wraparound standard cover by Eisner Award-winning artist Dave Johnson!

 

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

 

SHADOWMAN #0 

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN

Art by ROBERTO DE LA TORRE, MICO SUAYAN, NEIL EDWARDS and LEWIS LAROSA

Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (MAR131327)

Pullbox Exclusive Cover by KHARI EVANS (MAR131328)

Wraparound Gatefold Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (MAR131329)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 5/1/13