David Vandervliet Comic Reviews

A year or so ago, when Valiant announced their new universe and their first handful of series, Archer & Armstrong was the cipher to me. I didn't know what to expect from it, but it has really impressed me. Keeping me coming back month after month. It gives the other Valiant books (all of which are great) and the entire comics industry a new playing level in order to keep up with it.

BLOODSHOT #5A $3.99 comic, 32 pgs Rated T+ Written by Duane Swiercynski Art by Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi Cover by Arturo Lozzi Variant Cover by Manuel Garcia

As a whole, the Prisoners of Time is engaging, as each Doctor finds himself trapped and alone by the shadowy figure in black. It is speculating, but it would seem that this story should be leading to all 11 Doctors (or more even?) to meet, but will they? If they do, can any story live up to expectations? Especially given that they will have very little time to work together in the story's final chapter(s)?

Eternal Warrior #1 is another feather in Valiant's cap. Valiant Comics has spent the last 16 months building a universe that is fully fleshed out. They didn't do that by rushing stories, and Eternal Warrior # 1 is no different. This first issue is paced to draw the reader into Gilad's world, and keep them engaged, while not overloading them on extraneous information or visuals. Valiant has perfectly paced the expansion of their shared universe, not overwhelming comic fans, but building a world that feels real, and consistent, but with a wide range of stories and genres to appeal to any reader.

The Flash #14- on sale November 27 a $2.99 comic, 32 pgs Rated T From DC Comics Written by Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato Art by Francis Manapul Cover by Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato

If you have read any of my previous reviews on the various Valiant Universe comics you should know by know that I feel their overall quality has been excellent. Harbinger #0 continues an almost year-long run of amazing storytelling. If by now you still haven't been reading Valiant, I am just going to assume you are not interested in great comics.

Look, I said it about Harbinger. I said it about Bloodshot. I said about Shadowman, and X-O Manowar, and I said it about Archer & Armstrong. If you aren't reading Valiant, you are missing out on some of the best comics being made.

Harbinger #14 is a perfect conclusion to the Harbinger Wars. It ends of the story arc it also makes you want to come back for more. Like all the amazing comics coming from Valiant these days, Next month, and the next issue is just too far away.

Unlike many crossovers, this story is very approachable for new readers. You won't get lost if you're not reading all the titles involved.You don't need intimate knowledge of the complete continuity of every character featured. They have done a great job and making this event a great jumping on point for new readers. So if you have been putting off trying out Valiant, this event gives you a perfect chance to get in on some of the best comics out today. The Harbinger Wars continues in the Harbinger and Bloodshot monthly titles.

In the end, it is clear that for the most part, there are few happy endings, especially for those on the front lines. Where do the Renegades, Generation Zero and Bloodshot go from here? How will Toyo Harada and Project Rising Spirit regroup? The story may be over, but as the Bleeding Monk points out "no war truly ever ends."

James Armus' story doesn't get weighed down by trying to tell too much back story or exposition. Instead he focuses on giving us a great picture of who Eric (Quantum) and Woody are as characters, and a taste of how they got there. We are left wanting to know more, but we are not clueless about what is going on. Then he sets their world in motion, setting over a chain events that will bring them back together, and change their lives forever. Tom Fowler has an expressive and dynamic style which help set the book's humorous tone. It reminded me a lot of Keith Giffen: comic, but not cartoony. His work is nicely paired by colorist Jordie Bellaire. It's the coloring that, for me, links this book's style to the Valiant Universe. It nicely complements the art of the other series', connecting them all with a bold, but not flashy palette, grounded in the real world.

Once again Valiant knocks it out of the park. They continue to engage readers with strong characters and engrossing stories. If you haven't yet picked up a Valiant comic, this is the time to do so. This summer, the Valiant line will break out with even more great characters getting their own titles, and will be leading up to something huge. You want to be able to say that you were there at the beginning, don't you?

Shadowman # 1 - On Sale November 7A $3.99 Comic, 32 pagesRated T+Written by Justin Jordan & Patrick ZircherArt & Cover byPatrick Zircher"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by Patrick ZircherVariant Cover by Dave Johnson Variant Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz

Shadowman appeals to a wide range of readers. If you like books like Animal Man, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Walking Dead, you'll find a book you'll enjoy here. It's superheroes. It's fantasy. Its horror. The thing is, none of the genres is watered down by the others. It is a perfect blend of spandex, blood and magic. I rarely give books a 5 star rating. For me that perfect score is something to aspire to. This book is as close to it as any book I have read in years.

Some may find the book's tone a little light. This story is more Buffy the Vampire Slayer than American Horror Story. But it's juxtaposition of humor to the horror in that makes this such a enjoyable read. Shadowman#11 is just a fun comic. Treat yourself to it.