A powerful new drug is unleashed on Japan and has set the underworld ablaze! There’s only one force strong enough to stop the B-S… and he’s not looking for an invitation to start kicking butt! Valiant Beyond: Bloodshot #1 is a new origin, new starting point, in a new Valiant Universe, but feels rather familiar…

Written by Mauro Mantella, Valiant Beyond: Bloodshot #1 is the first release in Alien Books’ new Valiant Universe. It’s a fresh start with a new take on the character perfect for new readers and long time fans should enjoy it too. The basics are there but there’s some differences like Bloodshot being Marvel’s Blade. Yes, Valiant Beyond: Bloodshot #1 kicks things off with Bloodshot taking on Vampires in a comic where you can hear the techno music pumping as the Vampires gets dusted.

But honestly, it kind of works. The comic has the basics of a nanite fueled super soldier killing individuals, saying cool shit, and performing all sorts of over the top action. It’s basic Bloodshot but without the military weapon focus, currently. And, Mantella delivers a world that’s at least something new for a Bloodshot comic. Vampires apparently co-exist with humans generally living in the Arctic and doing some jobs here and there. There’s talk of a Vampire Nation, again something Blade recently dealt with. Really, put Blade into the comic and it wouldn’t be that different. So, if you’re good with that, then you’ll enjoy this. But, the comic isn’t original in its ideas or execution.

The art by Fernando Heinz Furukawa is good. With art assists by Juan Pablo Massa, color by Brushu Studios and Rocio Zucchi, and lettering by Ezequiel Inverni, the comic has a style that works really well. Bloodshot’s design is great, the vampires are interesting, the location is very detailed, and the action flows nicely. Add in colors that pop, some solid lettering work that nails the voice, and interesting page layouts and you have a comic that looks really good. There’s actually some really solid specific panels and a few pages that stand out, overall, it looks great that captures the new take on the character quite well.

Valiant Beyond: Bloodshot #1 is a new start for the rather classic character. The setting and concept is a little different but the basics are there. In short, if you dig action, it nails it but it’s nothing original. But, it’s action and a concept that’s rather familiar and unoriginal. Still, it’s a starting point and there’s more to come for the rest of the Valiant Universe.

Script: Mauro Mantella Art: Fernando Heinz Furukawa Art Assists: Juan Pablo Massa
Color: Brushu Studios & Rocio Zucchi (aka DEWNOIR) Letters: Ezequiel Inverni
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Pass

Alien Books provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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