Preview: X-O MANOWAR # 21

Imprisoned by UNITY In X-O MANOWAR #21!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #21 by New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti and red-hot artists Cary Nord, Vicente Cifuentes and Trevor Hairsine! In the aftermath of Unity #3, the X-O Manowar armor has found a new bearer… Now find out what terrible punishment awaits its former host, Aric of Dacia…prisoner of war!

Stripped of the X-O Manowar armor, Aric of Dacia has been imprisoned and interrogated at an off-the-grid black site. But what knowledge could the governments of the world want from a man who has journeyed 1,600 years to the present? A man who liberated an alien planet? A man who once wielded the most powerful weapon in existence? What knowledge could they want, you ask? All of it. And the agents of Unity will extract every one of Aric of Dacia’s secrets by any means necessary.

Separated from the universe's most powerful weapon, can the Visigoth warrior that led the world to war still pose a formidable threat? Find out on January 22nd when Unity exacts its revenge on the man at the epicenter of the winter's blockbuster comic book event, only in X-O Manowar #21!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

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X-O MANOWAR #21 (UNITY)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD with VINCENTE CIFUENTES and TREVOR HAIRSINE
Cover by SHANE DAVIS
Variant Cover by CARY NORD
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE JANUARY 22, 2014

1st Impression: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 4

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 4
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Trevor Hairsine, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Vicente Cifuentes & Guy Major
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad and Xaran get the scoop on Nergal’s new general from Buck. Buck also gives them the lowdown on the Goddess of the Earth. And after that, Gilad STILL wants to kill her.

ART:

                Hairsine and Bernard do a  fantastic job again with this issue. The art was nice and detailed. Sicat and Cifuentes inks do a great job cleaning up Hairsine’s rougher pencils to make it look cleaner this issue. The transition between the two artists was near seamless.  A great amount of detail in the panels alongside with some great emotional pieces throughout the book really expressed a lot of the story without words. Bernard really does some magnificent pieces this issue and look forward to more of his work. Major does a breathtaking job on the colors. Overall, a good job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Pak ends his first arc on Eternal Warrior with a LARGE BANG. This issue had an amazingly strong amount of emotion and heart that I had not felt since reading Gilad during Archer & Armstrong # 0. This was definitely the high point of the issue. The dialogue in this issue was  nothing short of brilliant. It was powerful, authentic  and moving. There was so much to this issue but it was extremely well paced. And there is some great character development for Gilad, Xaran and even Mitu that felt like a real evolution of what they were going through.  Pak also gives us enough twists this issue to make you go “WTF,” but in a good way. Overall, Pak written his best issue yet.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Hands down the best issue of the series yet and I want more.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 4 a 9.5 …. Out of 10. Wow 

Death to the Gods in ETERNAL WARRIOR #4!

Death to the Gods in ETERNAL WARRIOR #4!

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Eternal Warrior #4 from New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak and all-star artistic talents Trevor Hairsine and Diego Bernard! Fist and steel, blood and bone… The Eternal Warrior's first solo adventure in the all-new Valiant Universe thunders into a skull-crushing conclusion right here on December 18th!

Gilad Anni-Padda was once the Earth’s sworn champion…but time changes everything. Together with his daughter and fellow immortal, Xaran, the Eternal Warrior has returned to stop the never-ending cycle of bloodshed that comes with obeying the Earth's command. To do it, he'll slay the god of the Earth itself…and the legion of swords at her command. But, immortal or not, can history's most feared warrior withstand the divine wrath which he has wrought?

A battle thousands of years in the making will be fought today…and what happens here will reverberate for centuries to come…all the way to the year 4001! Begin the journey toward the return of Valiant's famous future timeline right here on December 18th, only in Eternal Warrior #4!

And be back in January for Eternal Warrior #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of ETERNAL EMPEROR, an all-new story arc launching Gilad Anni-Padda into the far-flung world of the Valiant Universe circa 4001 A.D.!
 

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

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

ETERNAL WARRIOR #4
Written by GREG PAK
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE & DIEGO BERNARD
Cover by LEWIS LAROSA (OCT131353)
Variant Cover by MICO SUAYAN (OCT131354)
Valiant Signature Series Variant by MARK MORETTI (OCT131355)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 12/18/13

ETERNAL WARRIOR #5 ("ETERNAL EMPEROR" – PART 1)
Written by GREG PAK
Art by ROBERT GILL
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (NOV131267)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by DIEGO BERNARD (NOV131268)
Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (NOV131269)
Variant Cover by DAVID MACK (NOV131270)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE 1/22/14 ( FOC – 12/23/13)

       

1st Impressions: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 3

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 3
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Trevor Hairsine, Diego Bernard, Alejandro Sicat, Brian Reber & Guy Major
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Xaran and Gilad end up going shopping as they are monitored by a group called the House of the Wheel. Yet, this does not go unnoticed as the two make their way to the Geomancer. As the father/daughter duo continue on their path, we find out exactly what Xaran’s done for the last several thousands of years. As Gilad and Xaran track the Geomancer, some frightening revelations come about.

ART:

                I give it to Hairsine, Bernard and Sicat. Their art is a great blend. And while Hairsine’s style is a bit rougher, the transitions between both styles is near seamless visually. There is a good amount of detail from both artists as Bernard really get to stretch his artistic muscles here with flashbacks of Xaran’s past. Hairsine continues to deliver some very impactful panels while still being a bit gritty; which fits for Gilad, the Eternal Warrior. There were some great angles, panel composition and exceptional displays of emotion that was put into these pages this issue. I also give it up to the artists for doing a great job making sure everyone looked distinct.  Major and Reber do an outstanding job coloring the issue with just the right tones and colors to give the book its gritty, yet cultured appeal. Great use of backgrounds and anatomy by Hairsine and Bernard. A really solid job by this art team this issue.

WRITING:

                Pak really dives into Xaran this issue, fleshing her backstory out and really making her better for it. Readers will come to understand why Xaran is the way she is and Pak does this with a style and smoothness that makes melted chocolate jealous. Xaran’s development really gives her a more multi-layered body and is a testament to Pak’s writing abilities. Gilad himself has gotten some really great development as a father who understand his daughter is an adult who challenges his beliefs. It is a really interesting look on how a parent walks away from something they strongly believe but is picked up by the child.

                The pacing of the book is perfection while the dialogue is witty, insightful and full of life. When it needs to be fun, Pak does fun but still maintains Gilad’s more serious nature. Xaran’s arrival has softened it some but definitely a welcome look into the immortal warrior. The plot itself gets a nice jump this issue as we find out much more about the Geomancer, the House of the Wheel and Nergal than we could have anticipated. And the cliffhanger was COMPLETELY from left field. Kudos to Pak for writing such a great issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                This book continues to just get better and better. Gilad definitely feels more multi-layered. So does his daughter. The art was great. Pak is creating a mythos with Eternal Warrior that will stand the test of time among some of the greatest in comics history and this issue definitely proves it.  DEFINITELY pick up this book.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 3 a solid 10 … out of 10. Buy it Wednesday, November 20^th!

Preview: Father Daughter Bonding In ETERNAL WARRIOR # 3

Ancient Immortals, Unlimited Ammo in ETERNAL WARRIOR #3


 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Eternal Warrior #3 by New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak and fan favorite artists Trevor Hairsine and Diego Bernard! The acclaimed debut of Valiant's immortal champion kicks in overdrive as Gilad Anni-Padda begins a cutthroat quest to locate a Geomancer gone missing in the modern day America!

 

Hungry for glory as the Earth's new Fist and Steel, the Eternal Warrior’s daughter Xaran has started a war between the mysterious Houses that rule the world. Now, as Gilad struggles to contain his daughter’s savage nature, two generations of Eternal Warrior race after the answers that lie between science and myth, rumor and legend, conquest and defeat.

 

Save the wizard – or all is lost! The series that The Onion/A.V. Club calls "gorgeously rendered comic-book action" hurtles into a brand new chapter on November 20th, only in Eternal Warrior #3!

 

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

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

1st Impressions: Eternal Warrior # 2

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 2

Written by Greg Pak

Art by Trevor Hairsine, Clayton Crain& Brian Reber

Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:

                Gilad’s reunion with his daughter, Xaran, gets complicated as she points out cause he neglected his job; there is danger to the entire world. Gilad realizes his daughter is being chased as they meet the Sword of the Wild. It is there where Gilad makes a fateful decision … just like the decision to walk away hundreds of years ago.

ART:

                Hairsine and Crain really get their chance to shine without overlapping with each other or causing some kind of imbalance to the issue’s story. Crain deals with the past and gives us a very brutal wild west while Hairsine gives us a gritty and rough present. Their panels are nice and detailed with full backgrounds and people. The rougher style of Hairsine continues to shape the way Gilad looks but Crain’s work still is breathtaking and dirty at the same time. Reber colors some mean panels to give it the right level of beauty and grit; perfect about a series about an immortal warrior that has no qualms about killing.

                A strong job by this art team.

WRITING:

                Pak continues to get us deeper and deeper into the characters. Not only do we get significant development for Gilad but , also get developments in his daughter as well. The plot continues to add layers of depth into the characters and story while also raising the stakes. Pak’s dialogue and narrative continues to be a fun read.
                Pak continues world building, giving Gilad a more distinctive past, compared to what was done with him before. And the pace and flow of the issue was superb. A great issue.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                Great writing at a perfect pace with interesting characters, a developing plot, a troubled parent-child relationship and spectacular art really makes this issue shine.

RATING:

                I give Eternal Warrior # 2 a 9 … out of 10. Pick it up tomorrow.

The SWORD OF THE WILD Strikes ETERNAL WARRIOR #2!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Eternal Warrior #2 from New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and superstar artists Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis) and Clayton Crain (Carnage)! Who is the Sword of the Wild? And why have they brought a centuries-old war right to the doorstep of the Earth's former guardian?

 

After thousands of years on the battlefield, the Eternal Warrior has finally laid down his sword. But today he learns that when you turn your back on your destiny, your destiny may find another champion. And when that new champion is your own savage, immortal daughter, the balance of the world itself may be at stake.

 

The Fist and Steel's journey back to battle continues on October 9th, only in Eternal Warrior #2! And don't miss the Eternal Warrior #2 Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Variant by artist Donovan Santiago, in stores the same day!

 

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

 

ETERNAL WARRIOR #2

Written by GREG PAK

Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE & CLAYTON CRAIN

Cover by J.G. JONES (AUG131483)

Valiant 8-Bit Level Two Variant by DONOVAN SANTIAGO (AUG131484)

Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (AUG131485)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

1st Impressions: ETERNAL WARRIOR # 1

ETERNAL WARRIOR # 1
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Trevor Hairsine & Brian Reber
Valiant Comics

FLIPPING THROUGH:
                We open with Gilad preparing to fight against the legions of warriors that fight for the dark god Nergal. Gilad’s daughter, Xaran  and, his son,  Mitu. Against her father’s wishes, Xaran ends up fighting. Honestly, anything else would be a spoiler. So, yeah.

ART:

                Trevor Hairsine gives some of the most energetic pencils and inks in his career in this first issue. There is a great amount of detail, both on the characters and backgrounds.  Hairsine does not shy away from body types and sizes either, as we see women, children and men in this first issue; all with great porportions.

                The rough pencils and inks works for the story and the character, the Eternal Warrior. The fighting is brutal, ugly and grim; which Hairsine has no problem reflecting in his work.  Reber presents to us with harsher colors that are gritty. It helps enhance the battles and overall mood of the story. Reber makes sure to give great tones to add a more Earth-y tone to them.  And it complements Hairsine’s work really well.
                There were a couple of panels where I felt that the colors were a little muted but, overall, it was a great showing from Hairsine & Reber.

WRITING:

                Pak has always been a writer that seems to really bring out personal interest into battles and characters by giving strong ties to the main character and his supporting cast. And he uses that formula, in a slightly different way, with this opening issue. Pak gives us a very personal framework to use to re-introduce you to Gilad by giving him other family members; his children, Mitu and Xaran. Both of them seem to add a different dynamic to Gilad that we hadn’t really seen much of save for his recent appearance in X-O Manowar.
                Xaran is already an interesting new member to Gilad’s long mythos. Pak makes this issue run smoothly through its story. Providing a vital point in Gilad’s life as to why he became the way he is now. The story runs at a fantastic pace. The characterizations feel real. Plus, the use of Nergal was great; adding a major rogue to Gilad’s gallery. The interesting turns of this issue felt natural with a chiffhanger ending that will make you wanting more.  A fantastic job by Pak.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

                While the colors were a little too light at some points, overall, this book was solid from start to finish. Great, gripping art. Wonderful story that is relatable yet fantastic at the same time. Good use of the main character and creating his supporting cast. Excellent pacing and a great finish that leaves you wanting more.

RATING:

                Eternal Warrior #1 gets a 9 out of 10. A great job with the book.  

Comic News: Valiant Hits Fan Expo Canada

Visit VALIANT This Week at FAN EXPO CANADA!

This weekend, Valiant Entertainment is heading north for Fan Expo Canada!

 

From Thursday, August 22nd to Sunday, August 25th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, visit Valiant at Booth #738 for a week jam-packed with special guests and exclusive giveaways!

 

Stop by for signings and appearances all weekend long by some of the Valiant's greatest talents, including Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord (X-O Manowar) and Harvey Award-nominated writer Jim Zub (Shadowman)! And shop a complete selection of Valiant comics, trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and merchandise – including t-shirts, prints, mugs and more! 

 

New to the Valiant Universe? Be sure to pick up your FREE Eternal Warrior #1/Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14 Sketchbook! Get the inside track on the the Summer of Valiant's next two blockbuster releases with this convention giveaway – featuring exclusive artwork by Trevor Hairsineand Emanuela Lupacchino!
 

 

 

For more information, visit FanExpoCanada.com and ValiantUniverse.com.

 

We'll see you in Toronto!

Preview: ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 Rages On

Destiny or Death! ETERNAL WARRIOR #1 Rages On!

 

Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Eternal Warrior #1 – Valiant's next ongoing series from New York Times best-selling writer Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and superstar artist Trevor Hairsine (Ultimate Nightmare)! On September 11th, two all-star creators come together to forge a brand new legend of the Valiant Universe!

 

After centuries on the battlefield, Gilad Anni-Padda has abdicated his duties as the Earth's immortal Fist and Steel for a simple life of seclusion. Living quietly among the wilderness, the undying Eternal Warrior has sworn not to raise his sword again – until his own daughter, long thought dead, brings an ancient war raging back to his doorstep…and, with it, a deadly legacy far bigger than a single warrior.

 

Beware the Sword of the Wild when Valiant's immortal guardian ventures into a battle beyond myth, beyond legend, and beyond time on September 11th in Eternal Warrior #1! 

 

Comic shop subscribers take note: contact your local retailer today to reserve your limited Eternal Warrior #1 Pullbox Exclusive Variant by series artist Trevor Hairsine, available only to pre-order/pullbox customers!

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

 

ETERNAL WARRIOR #1

Written by GREG PAK

Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE

Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JUL131306)

Pullbox Exclusive Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (JUL131307)

Variant Cover by DAVE BULLOCK (JUL131308)

Variant Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JUL131309)

$3.99/T+/32 pgs.

ON SALE 9/11/13 (FOC – 8/19/13)