Unity #1 – Review

by Matt Kindt (Writer), Doug Brathwaite (Artist), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: What do you do when there’s a Visigoth in a space armor terrorizing Eastern Europe? Assemble a team of meta-humans, of course!

The Review: Mixing a thing I really like with something I am wary of isn’t something I am rather fond of. I am really appreciative when it comes to the Valiant universe, with titles like X-O Manowar and Eternal Warrior being particularly good, yet now Matt Kindt has rejoined the fray of this universe still in construction. While I certainly do like his Mind MGMT along with a lot of his indie work, his super-hero work has been really a mixed bag. With that respect, giving him a title as important as this one seems a bit of a gamble. However, does Kindt actually succeed in showing the Valiant universe while still telling a good story?

It is to my entire satisfaction to report that Matt Kindt do manage to bring out the strength of this blooming comic universe while still telling a worthy story. Even better, this comic actually do serve as a very good introduction to those characters, with everyone being properly presented with their quirks along with their concepts rather well.

The danger represented by Aric of Darcia and his space armor, the longevity of the Eternal Warrior, Toyo Harada and his schemes, Ninjak and his stealthy and cynical approach, everyone here gets enough dialogue and panel time to shine. Not only this, but the way super powers and meta humans are handled in this universe is also put on the spotlight in a way that isn’t extravagant or forced, pushing the difference with the other capes company to the forefront of the issue in the main action scene.

Harbinger Wars #1 – Review

By: Joshua Dysart, Duane Swierczynski (Writers), Clayton Henry, Clayton Crain, Mico Suayan (Artists), Brian Reber (Colorist)

The Story: Project Rising Spirit is coping with the losses that resulted with Bloodshot removal of several of their psiot children, while Peter Stanchek is being prepared for his role in the upcoming conflict concerning those psiot children.

The Review: There are many types of event comics. There are those that grow naturally from a story, yet are much too big to just encompass their respective titles and there are those that are just big concepts that encompass the larger universe and that cannot be tattered to a single book to be told effectively. This may seem like a simplistic way to view the juggernauts that are event comics, but it is effective nonetheless. Valiant comics very first event, that is also a huge crossover, symbolizing the unification of their still building universe, is a little bit of both. Harbinger Wars grows from the storylines found in both Bloodshot and Harbinger, yet also entails a concept that is too large to be just told in any of these titles respectively.

Legion of Super Heroes #38 – Review

By: Jim Shooter (Writer), Francis Manapul (Pencils)

I’m a big fan of Jim Shooter’s work – especially his Valiant stuff. When I heard he was coming back to comics to work on Legion of Super Heroes, I immediately ordered the title. The problem is I know nothing about the Legion! Upon reading his debut issue (#37), I was completely confused by the story and its characters. I just couldn’t follow it! Those familiar with the book seemed to love Shooter’s story, so I decided to continue buying the book. Besides, Francis Manapul’s art is utterly gorgeous.

Issue #38’s story is much easier to follow for newbies like me. I still don’t know much about the characters or why Lightning Lad ‘s so stressed out, but the action that takes place on Triton’s pretty cool (nicely done, Mr. Manapul), and the wanna-be new members that apply for the team are hilarious. But where is all this going?

It’s got to be leading somewhere, but from what I’ve seen so far the plot is giving me no indication on what’s gonna happen next. It’s almost like Shooter’s making this up as he goes along. The only thing I can surmise is Lightning Lad’s inevitable breakdown. I can always count on Manapul’s art to be good, but if I’m still confused by the end of next issue, I’m probably going to drop this book. (Grade: C)

-J. Montes