Brian Thomer Comic Reviews

Valiant, Swierczynski and the rest of the team have developed a perfect first issue. The inside front cover provides a breakdown of Bloodshot's nanites and the abilities they grant him, so readers don't have to spend issues figuring out just what Bloodshot can do. Not only is Bloodshot a compelling concept in itself, but the story here is a fast moving one with a start and finish. A rarity in today's comics. And while there is a complete story, Swierczynski fills it with enough hints of the future to have readers wanting more. Garcia's action is intense and graphic and there's plenty of it. Lozzi's depiction of Ray's (aka Bloodshot's) life is an excellent touch.

Valiant, Swierczynski and the rest of the team have developed a perfect first issue. The inside front cover provides a breakdown of Bloodshot's nanites and the abilities they grant him, so readers don't have to spend issues figuring out just what Bloodshot can do. Not only is Bloodshot a compelling concept in itself, but the story here is a fast moving one with a start and finish. A rarity in today's comics. And while there is a complete story, Swierczynski fills it with enough hints of the future to have readers wanting more. Garcia's action is intense and graphic and there's plenty of it. Lozzi's depiction of Ray's (aka Bloodshot's) life is an excellent touch.

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Grissom's scripts continue to improve as the offbeat dialogue becomes more fluid within the story. Even in issues where the plot does not move forward a great deal, there is still plenty within the pages, whether it's comedic asides or character background. Sloan proves he can handle action as well as the more subtle scenes with this issue.

Harbinger is a tale of redemption as Peter has committed the ultimate invasion upon another human being. Dusart does a tremendous job of portraying Stanchek as a good person driven to desperation and the art is executed masterfully by Evans and Hannin. Valiant Comics is off to a great start with their second ongoing title.

Harbinger is a tale of redemption as Peter has committed the ultimate invasion upon another human being. Dusart does a tremendous job of portraying Stanchek as a good person driven to desperation and the art is executed masterfully by Evans and Hannin. Valiant Comics is off to a great start with their second ongoing title.

While Venditti tells an engaging story, it takes to the very end of the series' second issue to get to the point fans have been waiting for. The payoff for the audiences' patience appears to be just over the horizon. Do not fret if you missed the first issue, Venditti gives the reader all one needs to enjoy the story, aided by a recap in the front of the issue. Nord is best known for his work on Marvel's Silver Surfer and his award winning run on Dark Horse's Conan, so he is the perfect choice for this mesh of barbaric action and science fiction.

Grissom and Sloan continue to pack a lot into each issue, sometimes at the expense of clarity, but, as this roller coaster ticks its way to the top of the track, there is potential for a significant pay off once all parties converge on Deadhorse, Alaska. One thing is clear from the density of the story and art and that is Grissom and Sloan have put considerable time and effort into developing this tale and that is always to be commended. Check out the slideshow to see a sample.