Harbinger Wars #2 – Review

By: Joshua Dysart, Duane Swierczynski (Writers), Clayton Henry (Artist), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: The kids from Generation Zero prepare for their final stand against whosoever would wish to bring them back in, as Bloodshot prepare to fight against Toyo Harada.

The Review: Before we even get down to it and review this little issue, I strongly urge people to actually go ahead and read the recap page, even if they think they got a pretty strong handle on things. Just look at it and see how many characters we’ve got in this event comic, as close to everyone here actually gets a scene, with close being the keyword here.

WCBR’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best of the past week: East of West #2 – Love the way this series has started!  It is now 2-for-2 as Pick of the Week for me.  And for those a little confused about the events, there was even a commenter on my review that probably has sorted out a lot of the issues.  The comic just feels big and ambitious and bold.  It might collapse under it’s own weight in several issues, but I kinda doubt it.

Most anticipated this week: Again, light week…

1). Fashion Beast #9 – We’re entering the final phases of this story.  We know that Alan Moore knows how to close a story, so I’m expecting big things from this comic.  It’s too bad that not many people are talking about this.  It’s really great stuff.

2). Ten Grand #1 – I’m only kinda looking forward to this issue; that tells you what a light week it is for my pull list.  Although a team-up of J. Michael Straczynski and Ben Templesmith sounds like a juicy #1 issue, I can’t put much faith in this series having a good ending (due to JMS’s reputation) or shipping with any regularity (due to Templesmith’s reputation).  Maybe just buy the first issue and then use your imagination to fill in the ending?

3). All New X-Men #11 – I’m quite enjoying Bendis’ romp though the X-universe.  I’m glad as hell that I don’t have to review it because I don’t know that I’d have much to say, but it is a lot of fun to read, and Bendis usually is paired with good artistic talent.

4). Age of Ultron #7 – I’m not sure why I’m enjoying this “event” since the art has been pretty crappy, but it is fun nonetheless.  The idea of Wolverine and Sue Storm going on an assassination mission is just too cool.

5). Mister X: Eviction #1 – I know nothing about this series except that it is crime-related and the art looks super-cool.  Sometimes that is enough?

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Hugo’s Top Picks

Pick of the week: East of West #2 – Lots of very good stuff this week that could have been called Hickman’s week, with four titles coming from the writer. While there had been some very strong contender for my pick, it has to go to East of West with its clever world-building, its mysteries and its astounding art. While we discover a lot of things in each issue, we are also introduced to new questions as well, which makes this a very satisfying read and one that makes me want to continue doing so.

Most anticipated this week: 1) Superior Spider-Man #9 – This issue is supposed to make us hate Dan Slott even more. With a presentation like this, I do have to admit that I am curious to just what will happen in this issue to make the haters even more furious. Still, this has been a rather strong and unpredictable series, so to see Slott promising to go somewhere that might not please a lot of fans takes some guts. Just for that, I am really looking forward to this issue.

2) Hawkeye #10 – This series has been a complete joy to read so far thanks to the aloof, yet energetic vibe coming from the characters and the plot. Who knew Clint Barton could be much more interesting when he was not doing Avenger’s or any superheroic business? Matt Fraction did apparently, as his take on the bowman combined with the art of David Aja made this title a must-read each and every week.

3) Harbinger Wars #2 – With the second issue of Valiant’s big crossover event coming out this week, I do hope the story will advance in a meaningful way, as opposed to the first issue that set up the plot and the characters. With a confrontation between Bloodshot and Toyo Harada being proposed to us, I do hope we’ll get action that livens up to the promises made.

4) Dial H #12 – Weird, offbeat, yet delightfully original, this title has been a blessing in DC comics selection of titles. With such a strange concept being given the chance to shine and with two main characters so much more interesting than some others, I’d be a fool not to say I am looking forward to another issue of China Mieville unique take on this Silver Age concept.

5) Winter Soldier #18 – With the news of this title cancellation, I was definitely bummed to know that I would soon never see Jason Latour and Nic Klein’s take on this character that had been rejuvenated by Ed Brubaker. Still, with two issues left, including this one, I shall enjoy the experimental and excellent art of Nic Klein as well as Jason Latour’s plot. Here’s hoping that they end all of this with a bang.