Far into a post-apocalyptic future, Los Angeles has descended into chaos. Even the remaining heroes of the Valiant Universe can’t stand against the G.A.T.E. super-tech that dominates the wastelands. As Bloodshot and Magic emerge with a small group of survivors in tow, an unexpected ally from the past shows up, seeking help, forcing Bloodshot to either turn his back on his friend…or his family!

There’s a different feel about this arc than the last two, and I have to say I’m really enjoying the new direction. The Analogue Man is very much a post apocalyptic tale set in a future that many of us could live to see; thirty years, while a life time in many ways, isn’t really that long.

Written by the prolifically brilliant Jeff Lemire, a man who is becoming one of my favourite comic book writers very quickly, and all you need to do is look at Old Man Logan and the past two issues in this series to find out why. The Analogue Man has a very  Unforgiven like feel about it (and if you haven’t seen the western starring Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman, it’s a great flick) with a technologically antiquated Bloodshot being drawn back, albeit reluctantly, into a life he thought he’d left behind.

With water being an extremely valuable resource, the last issue focused on Bloodshot making the dangerous trip to refill his settlements supply, where he eventually ran into one of Valiant‘s other stalwart characters: Ninjak. This issue delves a little into the events following up to that meeting from Ninjak‘s perspective, and I have to say, any Ninjak is always a treat for me, and I’m loving this older version of the technological ninja.

Bloodshot Reborn #11  has some absolutely stunning artwork to go along with Lemire‘s talent, too; the landscapes are as brutal as they are beautiful, but Lewis Larosa‘s artwork shines when you get to see the faces of the characters within the story. Brian Reber‘s colouring is also incredible here, and gives the story an added wow factor. This is a creative team that I hope stays together on this book  beyond the arc they’re currently publishing.

Whether you read The Analogue Man in single issue form or trade paperback, with two issues in, this has the potential to be an absolute blinder of a story. This is well worth the price of admission.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Lewis Larosa Colours: Brian Reber
Story : 8.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.