Tag Archives: book of death: legends of the geomancer

Review: Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #4

bodlog4Anni, the first Geomancer, has lived countless centuries and shepherded the Earth and her people through upheaval and disaster. Now, generations upon generations later, she finally begins the twilight of her life. The secrets of the Geomancer will not die with Anni, and the Earth must not be left without her warrior…

Book Of Death comes to a close this week, and it has honestly been one of the most entertaining events that I’ve read in a long time, Although it was billed as a good bye to Valiant‘s characters, it has been easily readable and enjoyable for new readers alike (aside from a single one shot where I wasn’t familiar enough with the characters, I was able to follow along quite easily with only minor knowledge of the characters), but one of the more interesting spin offs from the main story has been Legends Of The Geomancer.

This is, honestly, an interesting review to write. I was able to read this series because Valiant had provided review copies to Graphic Policy, but due to the retailer incentive nature of the series I know that not everybody will get the same opportunity. You see in order to qualify to order this series then your Local Comic Shop needed to reach a certain preorder level on the main Book Of Death series, and there were some retailers (like my own) who simply didn’t have the interest level or order numbers required to even qualify to bring this book in, so there are people who will never have the ability to read this series.

Finding this print only series on the racks won’t be easy, as according to Valiant, it won’t be collected into a trade paperback – whether that will change in the coming months or not I have no idea..

That being said, this has been a fantastic addition to the main series. The glimpse offered of the Valiant Universe of a time before The Eternal Warrior walked the earth protecting the geomancers has been fascinating and extremely enjoyable. Written by Fred Van Lente, this series has featured some terrific dialogue and characterization, and the final issue to the Legends Of The Geomancer is no exception; I really enjoyed the relationship of the three brothers here, and how their interaction . Juan Jose Ryp and Jordie Bellaire have delivered some stunning artwork from tart to finish on this series, with Jordie Bellaire‘s colours really bring the detail and smoothness to Juan Jose Ryp‘s artwork. This series has been a wonderful glimpse into the chronologically earliest days of the publishers timeline, and a story that has been superbly enjoyable.

If there is a chance for you to  read Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer, then take it. It’s well worth it.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Juan Jose Ryp Colourist: Jordie Bellaire
Story: 8.25 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy (if you can find it)

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review

Preview: Book of Death: Legends of the Geomancer #4

BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #4 (of 4)

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by JUAN JOSE RYP (AUG151766)
BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #4 (of 4)*
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by JUAN JOSE RYP (AUG151766)

Anni’s final trial lays everything on the line…and the violent transformation it creates will determine the shape of the Valiant Universe forever!
Anni, the first Geomancer, has lived countless centuries and shepherded the Earth and her people through upheaval and disaster. Now, generations upon generations later, she finally begins the twilight of her life. The secrets of the Geomancer will not die with Anni, and the Earth must not be left without her warrior…

INCENTIVE | 24 pgs. | T+ | On Sale OCTOBER 28

Anni’s final trial lays everything on the line…and the violent transformation it creates will determine the shape of the Valiant Universe forever!

Anni, the first Geomancer, has lived countless centuries and shepherded the Earth and her people through upheaval and disaster. Now, generations upon generations later, she finally begins the twilight of her life. The secrets of the Geomancer will not die with Anni, and the Earth must not be left without her warrior…

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Review: Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #3

BOD-GEOMANCER_003_COVER_RYPBuried deep in a time long forgotten, the hero called Anni becomes history’s first observer—and warrior—for the Earth. But what happens when the Earth just wants humanity dead?

It is unlikely to come as any surprise if you’ve been reading any of the reviews I’ve written previously about this series, or the main Book Of Death miniseries, to find that I’m a bit of a fan of the event as a whole package. Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer has focused on the origin of the very first geomancer, during a time before the Eternal Warrior walked the earth.

Aside from giving us the genesis of the geomancers, Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer is also a fantastic story in it’s own right. Written by Fred Van Lente, the man behind the reintroduction of the geomancers in the current Valiant universe, this series features some great interactions between characters and there is another highlight in the opening pages of this comic. Juan Jose Ryp continues to provide some solidly great artwork here, as does colourist Jordie Bellaire. This is a wonderful glimpse into the chronological earliest days of the publishers timeline.

Much like verifying the truth behind any ancient story that has passed into legend, finding this print only series on the racks won’t be easy.

The reason for that, is that Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer is a retailer exclusive series; in order to qualify to order this series then your Local Comic Shop needed to reach a certain preorder level on the main Book Of Death series, and there will be some retailers (like my own) who simply didn’t have the interest level or order numbers required to even qualify to bring this book in. If not for the free review copy Valiant sent to Graphic Policy, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to read this series.

If you do get a chance to read Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer, then take it. It’s well worth it.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Juan Jose Ryp Colourist: Jordie Bellaire
Story: 8.25 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy (if you can find it)

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review

Preview: Book of Death: Legends of the Geomancer #3 (of 4)

BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #3 (of 4)

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP (JUN151596)
INCENTIVE | 24 pgs. | T+ | On sale SEPTEMBER 23

Before BOOK OF DEATH…the coming of humanity’s first Geomancer continues!

Buried deep in a time long forgotten, the hero called Anni becomes history’s fi rst observer—and warrior—for the Earth. But what happens when the Earth just wants humanity dead? Fred Van Lente (IVAR, TIMEWALKER) and Juan José Ryp (NINJAK) finally tell the violent, untold story of the world’s first Geomancer!

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Preview: Book of Death: Legends of the Geomancer #3 (of 4)

BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #3 (of 4)

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP (JUN151596)

Before BOOK OF DEATH…the coming of humanity’s first Geomancer continues!

Buried deep in a time long forgotten, the hero called Anni becomes history’s first observer – and warrior – for the Earth. But what happens when the Earth just wants humanity dead? Fred Van Lente (IVAR, TIMEWALKER) and Juan José Ryp (NINJAK) finally tell the violent, untold story of the world’s first Geomancer!

INCENTIVE | 24 pgs. | T+ | On sale SEPTEMBER 23 (FOC – 8/31/15)

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Review: Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #2 (of 4)

bodlog2Last month I gushed over Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #1, and the absolutely beautiful artwork that you could find within the comic. Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #2 is just as stunning to look at, and continues to tell the story of the genesis of the first ever Geomancer.

Writer Fred Van Lente delivers another excellent chapter in a story that would be worth reading regardless of the artwork, and you don’t need any prior knowledge of the Valiant Universe in order to enjoy this miniseries, which is shaping up into a fantastic four issue story.

As good as the story is, however, where Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #2 really shines is in the artwork.

Juan Jose Ryp’s pencils and inks continue to impress, and he is able to convey a chaotic fight scene without loosing, or confusing, the reader. Combine this with Jordie Bellaire’s colours and you have a match made in  comic book heaven that really comes together toward the end of the comic. As brilliant as the pencils and inks are, when Jordie Bellaire gets to work adding the colour the pages are just gorgeous.

I said this last month, but it bears repeating; even if you’re only slightly familiar with Valiant and their heroes, don’t be afraid to read this comic. The story set in the Stone Age has none of  Valiant’s big name characters in it (of course we’re only on the second issue), so if you’ve no idea who those characers are then it doesn’t matter. You don’t need to know anything about them to enjoy this comic. This miniseries continues to impress, and if I’m totally honest, I think I prefer it to the Book Of Death, if only because of the art style.

This is a great miniseries. It’s a true shame that it won’t be read by as many people as it should be.

You see in order to be able to read this comic, then your Local Comic Shop must satisfy a certain numerical order on Valiant’s main event series Book Of Death, and many retailers (like my own) simply don’t have the readership required to even qualify to order this book in, and that’s a shame. It’s a shame that so many people won’t have the chance to read this print only comic that, apparently, won’t appear in trade format. Were it not for the free review copy Valiant sent to Graphic Policy, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to read this series.

If you do get a chance to read Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #2, then take it.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Juan Jose Ryp Colourist: Jordie Bellaire
Story: 8.25 Art: 9.75 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy (if you can find it)

Valiant Entertainment provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review

Preview: Book of Death: Legends of the Geomancer #2 (of 4)

BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #2 (of 4)

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP (JUN151596)
INCENTIVE | 24 pages | T+ | ON SALE AUGUST 19

Watch a legend be born before your eyes as the saga of the Earth’s first Geomancer continues!

New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and breakout artist Juan José Ryp (Clone) reveal the hidden story of the Valiant Universe’s beginnings as Earth’s protector enters a world of war, ruin and fire at the far end of pre-history!

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Valiant Entertainment in October 2015

BOOK OF DEATH #4 (of 4)

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by ROBERT GILL and DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover A by CARY NORD
Cover B by MICO SUAYAN
Cover C by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
Valiant Icons Variant by PERE PEREZ
Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA

An evil Geomancer has torn the world asunder… The dark puppet master pulling the strings has been unmasked… And the Valiant Universe as we know it is being torn apart… The end is here!

Now, not even the combined might of the Valiant’s best and brightest can avert the coming apocalypse – not without a sacrifice, that is. Who will pay the ultimate price to avoid the Armageddon promised in the pages of the Book of the Geomancer? And how will it irrevocably change the course of Valiant Universe?

All the answers are here in the climactic final chapter by longtime Valiant scribe Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR) and all-star artists Robert Gill (ETERNAL WARRIOR) and Doug Braithwaite (UNITY)! So let it be written… So let it be done!

$3.99 US | 40 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 28

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BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF X-O MANOWAR #1

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover A by CARY NORD
Cover B by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
Variant Cover by RYAN LEE
Variant Cover by DIEGO BERNARD

The Book of the Geomancer foretells of a deadly future for the Valiant Universe…but what if the future holds hope for one powerful hero?

After hundreds of years in exile on an alien planet, Aric of Dacia has returned to an unfamiliar Earth, only to find a planet that doesn’t remember…or want him. Will Aric of Dacia finally find happiness in the aftermath of the apocalypse?

Plus: the ultimate fate of the X-O Manowar armor revealed in this can’t-miss chapter of the summer’s biggest event from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (BOOK OF DEATH) and Harvey Award nominee Clayton Henry (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG)!

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 21

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BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #4 (of 4)*

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art & Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP

Anni’s final trial lays everything on the line…and the violent transformation it creates will determine the shape of the Valiant Universe forever!

Anni, the first Geomancer, has lived countless centuries and shepherded the Earth and her people through upheaval and disaster. Now, generations upon generations later, she finally begins the twilight of her life. The secrets of the Geomancer will not die with Anni, and the Earth must not be left without her warrior…

INCENTIVE | 24 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 28

ATTENTION FANS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER:
• SPECIAL ALL-NEW LIMITED SERIES!
• QUANTITIES WILL BE LIMITED!
• NOT FOR SALE DIGITALLY!
• WON’T BE COLLECTED FOR THE TRADE!
• ASK YOUR LOCAL RETAILER HOW TO ORDER!

*ATTENTION RETAILERS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER:
PLEASE SEE THE DIAMOND DAILY OR VALIANT RETAILER EMAIL TO FIND OUT HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THIS LIMITED RATIO INCENTIVE. QUANTITIES WILL BE BASED ON ORDERS OF BOOK OF DEATH #4 (of 4).

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BLOODSHOT REBORN #7

Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by BUTCH GUICE
Cover A by MICO SUAYAN
Cover B by GLENN FABRY
Cover C by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
Variant Cover by KANO

“THE HUNT” is on!

As responsible as Ray Garrison feels for the violence unleashed by his old nanites, he finds himself with another more familiar and painful responsibility – the life of a woman he loves. How will Ray keep Magic safe, avoid the federal manhunt that’s closing in on him, and stop his impostor before they kill again?!

Be here as the next pulse-pounding story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (All-New Hawkeye) and comics legend Butch Guice (The Winter Soldier) brings us one step closer to identifying the mysterious killer trying to claim all of Bloodshot’s power!

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 7

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NINJAK #8

Written by MATT KINDT
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and BUTCH GUICE
Cover A by MICO SUAYAN
Cover B by DAVE JOHNSON
Character Design Variant by MATT KINDT
Variant Cover by JASON LATOUR

“THE SHADOW WARS” – PART 3! Ninjak face-to-face with the terrifying threat of…FITZY!

Ninjak goes toe-to-toe with the brains of the Shadow Seven operation: the deadly and very intelligent Fitzy. But as Colin King discovers he has much more in common with this group of thieves and murderers than he’d like, will he be able to hold onto his honor…and his sanity?

Meanwhile, MI-6 makes their boldest move yet as Stephen Segovia (Convergence) joins Matt Kindt (RAI) and Butch Guice (Captain America) for the next bloodstained chapter of “THE SHADOW WARS”!

$3.99 US | 40 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 14

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IMPERIUM #9

Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by CAFU
Cover A by KANO
Cover B by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Variant Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP

ALL-NEW ARC! JUMP ON BOARD HERE! “THE VINE IMPERATIVE” – PART 1!

Toyo Harada’s war to save humanity by taking over the world roars on against the only enemy this planet cannot contain…a sinister network of undercover alien spies!

A deadly chess game between Harada and the alien visitors called the Vine has been unfolding for decades. The Vine once even created the living weapon called LV-99 to assassinate their enemy, but failed. Today, as Harada executes his agenda upon Earth—and with LV-99 on his side this time—the Vine’s cold war finally turns infernally hot.

Jump on board the series that Bloody Disgusting calls “the height of sophisticated comic book stories” here with a powerful new story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart (HARBINGER WARS) and red-hot artist CAFU (UNITY)!

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 7

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RAI #11

Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Interlocking Covers A & B by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover C by RYAN SOOK
Variant Cover by PAUL MAYBURY

Acclaimed writer Matt Kindt and superstar artist Clayton Crain bring “THE ORPHAN” to a brutal boiling point!

Now that Rai’s allies back on New Japan have reunited, they must figure out a plan to retrieve their friend and topple Father’s rule once and for all. Meanwhile, Rai has his work cut out for him on Earth as his past sins come back to haunt him. Luckily for our hero, justice is Eternal…

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 21

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X-O MANOWAR #41

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover A by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover B by DIEGO BERNARD
Variant Cover by JEFTE PALO

It’s X-O Manowar vs. G.A.T.E. as “EXODUS” continues to rip the Valiant Universe apart!

With a conspiracy tearing the Vine and humanity’s tenuous relationship apart, Aric of Dacia takes matters into his own hands to bring peace – but at a dire cost. But when you don’t know whom to trust, you must trust yourself.

X-O Manowar makes the decision to save two worlds in “EXODUS” – Part 3 from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (Green Lantern) and red-hot sensation Rafa Sandoval (Ultimate Hawkeye)!

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 14

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UNITY #23

Written by JAMES ASMUS
Art by DIEGO BERNARD
Cover A by BILQUIS EVELY
Cover B by JED DOUGHERTY
Variant Cover by SCOT EATON

The Armor Hunters never leave a man behind!

Deep under the mountains of the American Southwest, Quartz, of the Armor Hunters who attacked Earth, is kept secure in government custody. Escape is impossible from the inside. But can the combined might of the U.S. armed forces, X-O Manowar, and Unity stop a jailbreak from the outside…when that attack is an all-out suicide strike by Unity’s giant killer robot GIN-GR?!

The galaxy’s deadliest squad of killers will have their revenge as multiple Harvey Award nominee James Asmus (QUANTUM AND WOODY) and red-hot rising star Diego Bernard (X-O MANOWAR) take charge of Valiant’s elite super-team for an action-packed two-part story arc!

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 14

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IVAR, TIMEWALKER #10

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PEREZ
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN
Cover B by CAROLINA BONITA SOLER
Variant Cover by KEVIN WADA

Have you ever wondered what would happen if dinosaurs ruled the Roman Empire? Well, you’re gonna find out!

Ivar & Neela continue their pursuit of the Prometheans through time only to discover some, well, HUGE changes their machinations have made to history! Meanwhile, who is THE RACTUS?! And what does he have in store for Neela?

All this and again…did we mention dinosaurs? DINOSAURS! New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and Harvey Award-nominated artist Pere Perez (UNITY) bring you “ENDING HISTORY” – Part 2!

$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 21

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UNITY VOL. 1: TO KILL A KING TPB (NEW PRINTING)

Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE

An all-new printing of the sold-out volume introducing Valiant’s elite all-star super-team from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY, Mind MGMT) and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite (BOOK OF DEATH, IMPERIUM)!

The world’s most dangerous man, Toyo Harada, has been struck by the one thing he never thought possible – fear. Halfway across the globe, a new power threatens to topple modern civilization and, to preempt the cataclysm that is to come, Harada will unite the most unforgiving team the world has ever known – UNITY. Their mission: defeat the threat responsible for the destruction of MI-6, the decimation of an alien world, and the occupation of Eastern Europe… Unseat the warrior king armed with the universe’s most powerful weapon… Kill X-O Manowar!

Start reading here to discover the greatest heroes of the Valiant Universe with the multiple Harvey Award nominated first arc of the chart-topping series that IGN calls “amazing…a big superhero book done right.”

Collecting UNITY #1-4.

$9.99 US | 128 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 14
ISBN: 978-1-939346-88-9

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RAI VOL. 1: WELCOME TO NEW JAPAN TPB (NEW PRINTING)

Written by MATT KINDT
Art & Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN

An all-new printing of the sold-out volume that Comic Book Resources calls “an immersive experience…unlike anything else in comics.”

The year is 4001 A.D. Led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity.

From New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY, NINJAK) and superstar artist Clayton Crain (X-Force, Carnage), discover an astonishing new vision with the acclaimed first volume of the series named one of the Best Comics of 2014 by Wired and Vulture!

Collects RAI #1-4.

$9.99 US | 128 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 7
ISBN: 978-1-939346-41-4

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DEAD DROP TPB

Written by ALES KOT
Art by ADAM GORHAM
Cover by RAUL ALLEN

FOUR HEROES. FOUR STORIES. ONE TICKING CLOCK.

There is a secret black market in New York. It is hidden in plain sight – in our streets, trains, and restaurants. Those who know how to navigate it exchange secrets of extraordinary nature. But when the secret in circulation is a biological weapon derived from Vine technology, the gloves are off – and the most extraordinary agents are released to stop the disaster before it occurs. Otherwise, in less than thirty minutes, there will be no world to come back to. X-O Manowar, Archer, Neville Alcott, Detective Cejudo and Betamax are ready to save the world.

Red-hot writer Ales Kot (Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier) and rising star Adam Gorham (Zero) go in deep with an unlikely cast of superhuman operators for an undercover conspiracy action thriller in the darkest corners of the Valiant Universe!

Collecting DEAD DROP #1–4.

$9.99 US | 112 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 14
ISBN: 978-1-939346-85-8

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IVAR, TIMEWALKER VOL. 2: BREAKING HISTORY TPB

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover by RAUL ALLEN

A little confused by time travel? Don’t worry, these guys don’t really understand it either. So they’re BREAKING HISTORY!

With the universe on the brink of destruction, Ivar must turn to his closest relatives – Armstrong and Gilad Anni-Padda – to save Neela Sethi from the machinations of the Prometheans! The problem? These three guys couldn’t be further apart. Time doesn’t heal all wounds as the assault on Oblivi-1 begins!

Join New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and rising star Francis Portela (Green Lantern Corps) as they kick off the next volume of the series that io9 calls “impressively shocking!”

Collecting IVAR, TIMEWALKER #5–8.

$14.99 US | 112 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 7
ISBN: 978-1-939346-83-4

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ARCHER & ARMSTRONG: THE COMPLETE CLASSIC OMNIBUS HC

Written by MIKE BARON, BOB LAYTON, JIM SHOOTER and BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH
Art by MIKE VOSBURG and BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH
Cover by BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH

Following in the footsteps of the X-O MANOWAR CLASSIC OMNIBUS VOL. 1, it’s the complete, oversized omnibus collection of the series Ain’t It Cool News calls “the best buddy team book of all time”!

Obadiah Archer, left for dead as a boy by his corrupt evangelist parents, has spent the last decade honing his innate abilities in a monastery deep in the mountains of Ladakh before emerging now as the world’s greatest hand-to-hand fighter and marksman. His body a temple, his every movement in harmony and his mind perfectly serene… except for the overriding desire to avenge his own murder. Armstrong is a 10,000-year-old libertine who may be as strong as a battalion, but abandoned idealism millennia ago. Now he spends his days drinking, carousing and telling tales of outrageous adventures throughout history to anyone who will listen – that is, when he’s not on the run from an ancient cult whose bumbling agents have been hunting him for two thousand years. But Armstrong counts as the worst day of all his days the one when Archer turned up and decided that they were partners – a team chosen by fate to save the world!

Featuring work from iconic Valiant creators Barry Windsor-Smith (Conan, Weapon X), Jim Shooter (Secret Wars), Bob Layton (Iron Man), Mike Baron (Nexus), and more, the groundbreaking adventures of the original conspiracy-smashing duo are brought together in their entirety for the very first time right here in this massive, oversized volume.

Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG (1992) #0–26 and ETERNAL WARRIOR (1992) #25, CHAOS EFFECT: OMEGA along with ARCHER & ARMSTRONG: THE FORMATION OF THE SECT.

$99.99 US | 736 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 21
ISBN: 978-1-939346-87-2

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QUANTUM AND WOODY BY PRIEST & BRIGHT VOL. 3: AND SO… TPB

Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIEST
Art & Cover by M.D. BRIGHT

This is it, folks! From the legendary creative team of Christopher Priest (Black Panther, Deadpool) and M.D. Bright (Green Lantern, Iron Man), it’s the third volume of Quantum and Woody’s groundbreaking original series, collected in trade paperback for the very first time!

An old enemy returned. An old friend dead at his hands. Once forced to be partners by the life changing accident that gave them their powers or dissipate forever if they didn’t “klang” their control bands together every 24 hours, Quantum and Woody now have an even more important reason to work together: payback. Suited up and armed to the teeth, they’re taking the war onto international arms dealer Terrence Magnum’s home turf. They aim to make him pay for the murder of Taylor 88, and to prove they’re the last things anyone ever thought they could be… Heroes.

Collecting QUANTUM AND WOODY (1997) #14–21, and #32 along with rarely seen materials from QUANTUM AND WOODY: MAGNUM FORCE TP.

$19.99 US | 224 pgs. | T+ | On sale OCTOBER 28
ISBN: 978-1-939346-86-5

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Review: Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #1 (of 4)

lotgOut of the pages of Book Of Death, which is also released this week, the genesis of the very first Geomancer and the sacred pact that swore them to the service of the Earth can finally be told…but, with it too, the source of the divine mysteries that have haunted their line for centuries. Has their mission redeemed or corrupted the world that followed in their wake…and will the ultimate secrets of the Geomancers’ book doom us all in the end?

If you don’t know, the Geomancers are a long line of men and women dating back millenia who serve as the Earth’s protector. There is only one Geomancer operating at a time, protected in turn by the Eternal Warrior. This miniseries takes us back to the very first Geomancer, and the first issue is absolutely beautiful.

Fred Van Lente gives us a good story that would be worth reading regardless of the artwork, and as with the Book Of Death miniseries that Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #1 accompanies you don’t need any prior knowledge of the Valiant Universe, and as with the companion series, this first issue that has the potential to build into a fantastic four issue story.

Where this issue really shines, however, is in the artwork.

Rarely do I ever recommend a comic based primarily on the art, but with Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #1I am doing just that. Juan Jose Ryp’s pencils and inks are outstanding, and his ability to convey a silent conversation with facial detail is exemplary. Combine this with Jordie Bellaire’s colours and you have a match made in  comic book heaven.

That the story is also very good is a happy bonus.

If you’re only slightly familiar with Valiant and their heroes, don’t be afraid to read this comic. You don’t need an encylopedic knowledge of the publisher to be able to enjoy this comic, in fact if you’ve never read any Valiant before, then make this your first comic. This miniseries looks like it will be an excellent story set in the stone age that can be read alone, or as a companion to Book Of Death.

The first issue of this monthly series is out on the 15th of July. If you get a chance to read Book Of Death: Legends Of The Geomancer #1, then take it. This is a beautiful comic that deserves your attention.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Juan Jose Ryp Colourist: Jordie Bellaire
Story: 7.25 Art: 9.75 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review

Preview: Book of Death: Legends of the Geomancer #1

BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4)*

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE (MAY151594)

A special BOOK OF DEATH retailer incentive! The true history and lineage of the Geomancers – revealed here in an all-new series of never-before-seen stories from New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (IVAR, TIMEWALKER) and artist Juan Jose Ryp (Ghosted) that won’t be collected for the trade paperback!

Out of the pages of BOOK OF DEATH, the genesis of the very first Geomancer and the sacred pact that swore them to the service of the Earth can finally be told…but, with it too, the source of the divine mysteries that have haunted their line for centuries. Has their mission redeemed or corrupted the world that followed in their wake…and will the ultimate secrets of the Geomancers’ book doom us all in the end?

INCENTIVE | 24 pages | T+ | On sale JULY 15

ATTENTION FANS  BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4):
• SPECIAL ALL-NEW LIMITED SERIES!
• QUANTITIES WILL BE LIMITED!
• NOT AVAILABLE DIGITALLY!
• WON’T BE COLLECTED FOR THE TRADE!
• ASK YOUR LOCAL RETAILER HOW TO ORDER!

*ATTENTION RETAILERS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4):
PLEASE SEE THE DIAMOND DAILY OR VALIANT RETAILER EMAIL TO FIND OUT HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THIS LIMITED RATIO INCENTIVE. QUANTITIES WILL BE BASED ON ORDERS OF BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4).

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