Beyond time, space, and reality, there lies the Unknown…and now it’s coming here! When soldiers from a mysterious foreign realm arrive on Earth, it’s up to the armored Visigoth known as X-O Manowar – newly returned to the planet and now the leader of his own elite G.A.T.E. unit – to deal with the intrusion. But are these otherworldly emissaries truly the threat they appear to be, or does a larger danger loom over the Valiant Universe still?

I’ve been fortunate to read a lot of X-O Manowar over the last year, and not once have I felt that I’ve gotten to know Colonel Jamie Capshaw as well as I have from this issue. By using her essentially as the point of view character for the issue, Matt Kindt further explores the impact and influence of X-O Manowar on the world around him.

In terms of establishing a new arc, Kindtkicks things off with a steadily paced issue that is as good a jumping on point for new readers as any other that you’ll find. Through Capshaw’s narration we get a good grasp on who Aric is (and how she sees him) which is more than enough to enjoy the comic in your hands. For those of you who have been reading X-O Manowar across all 75 issues since the 2012 relaunch then you’ll notice how the character has grown – his experiences are literally scarred into his body, but there’s also a weight to his presence and movements that backs up all he’s gone through. Juan Jose Ryp‘s hyper detailed style suits this story (and specifically a wide-eyed officer), and X-O himself.

Kindt sets a lot up in this issue, none of which I’ll reveal here in detail as it’ll be much more fun for you to see why Capshaw is more than just a suit. For my money (and I will be buying this issue) this arc is shaping up to be one of the most exciting things we’ve seen Kindt do with the series this year.

Story: Matt Kindt Art: Juan Jose Ryp
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse Letters: Dave Sharpe
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review