Valiant has announced that two of its best-selling titles of the season have sold out at the distributor level and will return with the Savage #1 Fourth Printing and the Divinity III: Komandar Bloodshot #1 Second Printing on February 15th! This winter, don’t miss your chance to jump into two critically acclaimed comics!
He’s put down protests, led the purge of political undesirables, and executed dozens of traitors to the Soviet super-state. His name is KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT…and his existence is a hushed whisper among the terrified populace of the 21st century’s global Soviet Union. But just who is this unrelenting enforcer of state superiority… and what is the shocking truth about his power, his allegiances, and his true identity?
The opening chapter of Divinity III blew me away last week in every way with the seamless introduction into the Stalinverse – which is Valiant‘s version of the alternate universe because of time travel (think Flashpoint or Age Of Apocalypse). As part of the main Divinity III story we’re also getting a few tie-in comics, much like we did with Valiant‘s other event type miniseries, Book Of Death and 4001 A.D., each of which had four tie-ins of varying quality.
Divinity III: Komadar Bloodshot #1 is the first of these tie-ins, written by Jeff Lemire who also handles scripting duties on the regular Bloodshot Reborn/USA title, with art by the phenomenally talented Clayton Crain; whenever you see Crain’s name on a book you should expect the comic to look incredible, and the artist doesn’t disappoint here. Crain’s style of detailed line work and digital painting wouldn’t look out of place on a gallery wall, so getting to see twenty odd pages of it is simply wonderful.
Beyond the art, however, and we find that story itself is about Bloodshot being sent to deal with – or rather eradicate – a group of rebels in North America. If you’ve read any Bloodshot comics then you’ll be aware of his fearsome reputation of being an unstoppable killing machine; which is essentially exactly what is on display here. Komandar Bloodshot #1 is an enjoyable read that may not be as essential to fans as the 4001 A.D. tie-in, but if you’re looking for an old school story of Bloodshot following orders and kicking ass then you’ve found what you’re looking for here.
But, let’s be honest, this comic is not required reading for your enjoyment of Divinity III. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your money, though, and will give you a deeper understanding of the character in this universe.
Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Clayton Crain
Story: 8.75 Art: 10 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided a FREE copy for review. I’m also purchasing a copy upon release.
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Brett
Top Pick: Love is Love (IDW Publishing) – A response to the tragic Pulse shooting, this anthology brings together hundreds of creators all to benefit Equality Florida and the victims of the tragedy. This is a chance to be entertained and touched by a comic and for your dollars to benefit a good cause. More of this, please!
G.I. Joe #1 (IDW Publishing) – It feels like forever since we had a regular G.I. Joe comic series and this new one spinning out of Revolution gives the Joes an interesting new world to play in that feels like it’s the logical progression from all of those Transformers/G.I. Joe comics of the past. I’m excited to see where it all goes and what the Joes look like in this new world.
Soviet Daughter (Microcosm Publishing) – Any other week this would be at the top of my list. This graphic novel follows two stories. Lola who lived through the Bolshevik revolution, civil war, Stalinist purges, and the Holocaust. She taught herself to read and worked as a secretary for the NKVD (which became the KGB) and as a lieutenant for the Red Army. Alos her great-granddaughter Julie who’s coming of age in an immigrant family in Chicago and her political awakening in the midst of the radical politics of the turn of the millennium. Sounds amazing.
Supergirl: Being Super #1 (DC Comics) – A new limited series from Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones that looks like a fantastic coming-of-age story perfect for fans of the tv series… really anybody.
Tomboy #9 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – Are you reading this series? If not, you’re missing out. It’s a vigilante superhero-ish/horror series starring a teenage girl possessed and out for revenge against the people who killed her friend… and she sees ghosts.
Shay
Top Pick: Love is Love (IDW Publishing) – A tribute to those affected by the Orlando shooting brings the comic book community together with proceeds going to a good cause. Buy it, read it, give it to friends. Love trumps hate!
Batgirl #6 (DC Comics) – Batgirl might not be making it home after all thanks to an attack on her plane home courtesy of Poison Ivy.
Harley’s Little Black Book #5 (DC Comics) – Harley Quin vs Superman and an alien run style Fight Club-esque battle royale. Shut up and take my money!
Justice League vs Suicide Squad #2 (DC Comics) – A continuation of the good guys versus the “good guys” storyline. I’ve got popcorn and can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Hulk #1 (Marvel) – Jennifer Waters, tries going back to a normal life after the Civil War, whatever that means when you’ve got a Hulk waiting to break free inside of you.
Brik #6 (Oni Press) – The story of a boy, living in a Russian Mob run city in Yonkers, and him Golem closes out its story arc and it’s so good, you’re going to be hoping that the end of this arc isn’t the end of this story!
Joe
Top Pick: Love is Love (IDW Publishing) – I have been so excited for this book since it was announced. It’s a beautiful anthology project by some of the most talented people in the medium, and the proceeds go to the families of the Orlando Pulse victims. Sometimes our medium makes me sad, but moments like this, it makes me happy.
AD: After Death #2 (Image) – The second part of the three part half comic half pride by Snyder and Lemire. If this issue is nearly as good as the first issue, I’ll be satisfied. I do hope we get more answers to what curing death means, but this series is worth the art and writing alone.
Seven To Eternity #4 (Image) – Like Kost Remender books, this series has kept me on my toes. What I thought would be a slow burn quickly turned everything on its head in the last issue. Can’t wait to see what happens next.Rocket Raccoon #1 (Marvel) – Its finally here! Another Rosenberg comic and another one in the Marvel universe. After his work on CW II: Kingpin, and 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank, the sky is the limit for this writer. What a fun character to write about in Rocket. I am very excited for this.
Rocket Raccoon #1 (Marvel) – It’s finally here! Another Matthew Rosenberg comic and another one in the Marvel universe. After his work on Civil War II: Kingpin, and 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank, the sky is the limit for this writer. What a fun character to write about in Rocket. I am very excited for this.
Hulk #1 (Marvel) – I love the Dekal covers, and I cannot wait to see Jen Walters state of mind after the Civil War II Banner, Rhodes, and her in a coma situation. She seems like she is going to be extra angry, which means extra hulky. A raging lawyer with uncontrollable outbursts? Yup!
Alex
Top Pick: Divinity III: Komander Bloodshot #1 (Valiant) – The first issue of Divinity III blew me away. I’m all in for this series now, and I can’t wait for this.
All-Star Batman #5 (DC Comics) – After last week’s dismal Batman #13, it’s going to be lovely to get my hands on a comic by one of my favourite Batman writers.
AD: After Death Book Two (Image) – The first book caught me completely off guard with it’s mix of prose-like narrative and whimsically illustrated comic pages. It’s no surprise that the story has already had the screen rights snapped up.
Savage #2 (Valiant) – Tarzan meets dinosaurs. That’s literally why I’m pumped for this.
DIVINITY III: KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE with MATT KINDT
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN with JUAN JOSE RYP
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (OCT161955)
Cover B by RYAN BODENHEIM (OCT161956)
Cover C by GREG SMALLWOOD (OCT161957)
Character Design Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT161958)
Variant Cover by KANO (OCT161959)
$3.99 US | 40 pgs. | T+ | ONE-SHOT | On sale DECEMBER 28 (FOC – 12/5/16)
Out of the pages of DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE…New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (Death of X) and comics superstar Clayton Crain (4001 A.D.) present the first of four essential specials chronicling the history of the Stalinverse’s worldwide superhuman regime!
He’s put down protests, led the purge of political undesirables, and executed dozens of traitors to the Soviet super-state. His name is KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT…and his existence is a hushed whisper among the terrified populace of the 21st century’s global Soviet Union. But just who is this unrelenting enforcer of state superiority… and what is the shocking truth about his power, his allegiances, and his true identity?
Valiant’s first reality-shattering event explodes outward as Jeff Lemire & Clayton Crain lead KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT from DIVINITY III…and into a gut-wrenching tale of power, sacrifice, and authority that will take Valiant’s blood-stained icon to his most punishing depths yet!
Valiant has unveiled the first appearance of The Red Legend – the first of four major new characters that will be introduced in Divinity III: Stalinverse #1 (of 4) by writer Matt Kindt, artist Trevor Hairsine, inker Ryan Winn, and colorist David Baron – on sale December 21st! Featuring covers by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic, Tom Muller, Jeffrey Veregge, Greg Smallwood, and Adam Gorham!
Then, following her introduction and first appearance in Divinity III: Stalinverse #1 (of 4), The Red Legend’s origin will be revealed in full with a brand-new tale by Kindt and artist Juan Jose Ryp as a newly added bonus feature in the Divinity III: Komandar Bloodshot #1 one-shot special by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Clayton Crain – on sale just one week later on December 28th!
But who is the Red Legend? She is a woman of immense power, birthed into the universe by unknown cosmic forces. No one on the planet knows where she came from…only that she was discovered deep in the heart of Russia, floating among the burning logs of an abandoned lumber mill. Raised under the muzzles of Russia’s brutal authoritarian forces, the Red Legend only knew a life of pain and strife as shed labored day in and day out at one of the world’s most unforgiving labor camps. She harbored a burning power inside her throughout these years however, as her true potential became ever more apparent. By the time she became a woman, The Red Legend was recruited by Myshka—the god-like champion of Communism—and embraced her destiny as one of the Stalinverse’ greatest protectors.
The other three members of the Red Brigade to be revealed in the coming weeks and months!
At the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were racing to the stars. But, while America was aiming for the moon, Russia had its eyes on the cosmos. In secret, they launched a three-man mission into the far reaches of space. In the depths, they discovered something Unknown. Something that…changed them. Imbued with god-like powers, the long-lost cosmonauts returned home…only to discover that their old ideology, communism, lost the war to western capitalism in the decades since their journey first began. But now they have the power to change it all…
Earth has a new god. The world you know is gone. Welcome to the Stalinverse, comrade.
This December, the world you know is gone… Welcome to the Stalinverse, comrade!
Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Divinity III: Komandar Bloodshot #1 – the first of four essential, one-shot specials chronicling the history behind the brave new world that has reordered the Valiant Universe as we know it in the pages of Divinity III: Stalinverse! On December 28th, find out how Valiant’s blood-stained icon marched to the forefront of the global Soviet war machine as New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire and superstar artist Clayton Crain re-assign the KGB’s deadliest covert operative from Mother Russia to the mountains of Colorado to eliminate a freedom-fighting terror cell charged with spreading the infection of American patriotism!
He’s put down protests, led the purge of political undesirables, and executed dozens of traitors to the Soviet super-state. His name is Komandar Bloodshot…and his existence is a hushed whisper among the terrified populace of the 21st century’s global Soviet Union. But just who is this unrelenting enforcer of state superiority… and what is the shocking truth about his power, his allegiances, and his true identity?
Featuring covers by Clayton Crain, Ryan Bodenheim, Greg Smallwood, Trevor Hairsine, and Kano!
DIVINITY III: KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (OCT161955)
Cover B by RYAN BODENHEIM (OCT161956)
Cover C by GREG SMALLWOOD (OCT161957)
Character Design Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT161958)
Variant Cover by KANO (OCT161959)
$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+ | ONE-SHOT | On sale DECEMBER 28th (FOC – 12/5/16)
This winter, the Valiant Universe you once knew is no more… Only the Stalinverse remains!
Valiant has released a first look inside Divinity III: Stalinverse #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of Valiant’s all-new event-level epic from the seven-time Harvey Award-nominated creative team of writer Matt Kindt, artist Trevor Hairsine, inker Ryan Winn, and colorist David Baron!
On December 21st, the sold-out sci-fi saga that redefined the Valiant Universe begins a reality-shattering comics event that will collide the world’s most formidable heroes with a disturbing new vision… One where a worldwide Soviet empire now rules a world order… The Iron Curtain extends across continents, shattering governments and armies in its wake… And the communist global super-state rules not only with an iron fist, but with powers far beyond the comprehension of mortal men.
Earth has a new god. The world you know is gone. Welcome to the Stalinverse, comrade.
Then: the revolutionary upheaval continues on December 28th as New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire and comics superstar Clayton Crain present a blood-curdling examination of the Stalinverse’s ultimate state-sponsored assassin in Divinity III: Komandar Bloodshot #1 – the first of four essential specials revealing the super-powered Soviet regime behind the winter’s most incendiary comics event!
He’s put down protests, led the purge of political undesirables, and executed dozens of traitors to the Soviet super-state. His name is KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT…and his existence is a hushed whisper among the terrified populace of the 21st century’s global Soviet Union. But just who is this unrelenting enforcer of state superiority… and what is the shocking truth about his power, his allegiances, and his true identity?
Featuring an iron-clad line of covers from Clayton Crain, Ryan Bodenheim, Greg Smallwood, Trevor Hairsine, and Kano!
Plus: The Staliverse’s subversive spread continues in Divinity III: Aric, Son of the Revolution #1! On January 18th, join acclaimed writer Joe Harris and Valiant-exclusive superstar David Lafuente as they reveal what happens when Valiant’s leading legend – the unstoppable X-O Manowar – becomes the supreme fighting force of the CCCP in the next must-read one-shot!
From bustling urban centers to the collective farms of the countryside, men, women, and children alike all idolize the same hero of the global Soviet republic: ARIC, SON OF THE REVOLUTION! Returned to Earth from the stars with the ultimate nuclear deterrent – the indestructible X-O Manowar armor – the champion of socialism has singlehandedly consolidated the state’s military and political superiority at home and abroad. But when a surprise attack from the Deadside shines an untoward light on the modern-day Soviet Union’s darkest secret, will Aric pursue his mission…or justice for the quiet dead of an empire’s oppression?
Featuring covers by Clayton Crain, Diego Bernard, CAFU, Trevor Hairsine, and Kano! Don’t miss the next riveting moment of the winter’s most mind-shattering comics event when Joe Harris and David Lafuente present an empire-breaking tale of sins, secrets, and tragedy for the global hero of the worldwide communist state!
DIVINITY III: STALINVERSE #1 (of 4)
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Cover A by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC (OCT161948)
Cover B by TOM MULLER (OCT161949)
Variant Cover by JEFFREY VEREGGE (OCT161952)
Variant Cover by GREG SMALLWOOD (OCT161953)
Variant Cover by ADAM GORHAM (OCT161954)
Valiant Cat Cosplay Variant Also Available (OCT161951)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PRESTIGE | On Sale DECEMBER 21st (FOC – 11/28/16)
DIVINITY III: KOMANDAR BLOODSHOT #1
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN (OCT161955)
Cover B by RYAN BODENHEIM (OCT161956)
Cover C GREG SMALLWOOD (OCT161957)
Character Design Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT161958)
Variant Cover by KANO (OCT161959)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | ONE-SHOT | On sale DECEMBER 28th (FOC – 12/5/16)
DIVINITY III: ARIC, SON OF THE REVOLUTION #1
Written by JOE HARRIS
Art by DAVID LAFUENTE
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover B by DIEGO BERNARD
Cover C by CAFU
Character Design Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Variant Cover by KANO
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | ONE-SHOT | On sale JANUARY 18th (FOC – 12/26/16)
