“NOW: When Magic’s estranged family of sadistic cultists come to take her back home, Ray Garrison is forced to succumb to the rage within and protect his family against those who would do them harm. But as Magic’s bizarre relatives reveal their true intentions – including those of the demented leader called “Daddy” – the man once known as Bloodshot will quickly discover that the path to revenge is one filled with dire and deadly consequences…

THEN: Years from today – in a world gone wrong where Bloodshot long ago went M.I.A. – can Magic and Jessie navigate the agents of Omen that now pursue them across the heartland? And just when their darkest hour arrives, a familiar face is about to appear with a helping hand…and a message from beyond the grave!”

Were it not for Ninja-K #1, released on the same day, I’d have no hesitation in telling you that Bloodshot Salvation #3 is the comic I’m most excited to read this week. But alas this came in a close second to Valiant’s other offering this week, which is a nice problem for Valiant, and their fans, to have.

That being said, let’s move on to the review proper, eh?

Written by Jeff Lemire, the man who has been steering Bloodshot through several series and minis, the comic once again divides the story between Now and Soon with Lewis LaRosa and Mico Suayan dividing art duties between the present and future stories.

Trying to pick a favourite art team between the two is nigh on impossible – this is without a doubt the best looking comic book I have read this week. The art is jaw dropping, and perhaps some of the most immersive yet seen in the series; over the last two issues I have praised Bloodshot Salvation‘s art, and for good reason – it’s really good. Valiant have two phenomenal artists on board, with each lending a different flavour to the respective story that’s being told.

With the near future tale focusing on Magic and Jesse running from a mysterious villain who looks like an inverse Bloodshot named Rampage with the help of the Bloodshot Squad from Bloodshot Island and Bloodshot USA – a group of older versions of Bloodshot from the last 60 odd years. This section of the comic has a very Terminator feel to it as Magic, Jesse and the squad attempt to escape from Rampage in a tense game of cat and mouse that juxtaposes the present story as Bloodshot goes to teach Magic’s abusive father figure a lesson that only an indestructible killing machine can.

Between Lemire’s writing and the phenomenal art, Bloodshot Salvation #3 is a nigh on perfect comic. If you’re tired of the typical formulaic spandex superheroes, then this is the nanite fueled adrenaline shot you’ve been waiting for.

Story: Jeff Lemire Artists: Lewis LaRosa & Mico Suayan
Colourists: Diego Rodriguez & Brian Reber
Story: 9 Art: 10 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review, but I’ll be purchasing this anyway.