Their world became his war!

Across every frontline, and through every trench, Aric of Dacia continues his hostile journey through a brutal alien planet the only way he knows how: with war. But the man once known as X-O Manowar is not alone. With a dedicated band of soldiers sworn to his side, Aric will prove his worth on the battlefield… and find himself in a position that no one saw coming!

Do you ever have those moments where somebody says something or thinks of something, and your immediate reaction is “why the hell didn’t somebody think of that before?” I read a description of this series as Space Conan, and immediately wished I’d thought of it because as a two-word descriptor it’s spot on.

Look, if you’re rushed for time I’ll save you the effort of reading the rest of this review because it’ll be more of the following said in multiple different ways with a bit more explanation: I loved this comic. It’s one of, if not the best comic I’ve read in quite some time. Matt Kindt‘s dialogue and pacing is fantastic, and the art is simply wonderful.

Anyway.

The comic credits Tomas Giorello with David Mack and Zu Orzu as the artists, so while I think it’s fair to assume that Giorello did the lion’s share of the work, I didn’t want to marginalize and ignore the other artists as I don’t know what they handled in regards to the finished product. And what a finished product. For my money (and yes, I’m happily buying this series) this is easily the best-looking comic on the racks right now. The art team, joined by colorist Diego Rodriguez, produce work that could, and should, stand proudly in a gallery. I’ve been trying to work out why I love the art so much, and I think it’s because it feels very natural, and harkens back to when comics were coloured without the use of digital technology (though I’m sure there were digital techniques used), whilst simultaneously throwing a very science fictiony bent on the imagery. This hi-tech primitiveness blends incredibly well with Kindt’s story as he brings the first arc to a close.

I’m not ashamed to admit how much I’m enjoying this series, so much so that my only complaint is that I don’t want to wait to next issue.

This isn’t an objective review in any way shape or form, and I know that. I also don’t care. X-O Manowar is one of Valiant’s best series, and the comic reminds me why I love comics in the first place.

Story: Matt Kindt Artists: Tomas Giorello with David Mack and Zu Orzu
Colourist: Diego Rodriguez Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Story: 9.75 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review, but I’ll be picking up my own copy on Wednesday.