I don’t envy the position that Divinity II is in. The sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed series, it’s currently vying for you attention amidst another sequel event from Marvel, DC’s Rebirth, and Valiant‘s very own summer event 4001 A.D. (which also has a tie in comic released this week). Matt Kindt, who also wrote the first series, doesn’t seem to be aware of any of this, however, because Divinity II is absolutely smashing it.
When the Russian cosmonaut Abram Adams returned to Earth with the powers of a god after fifty years in space in the first Divinity, we were treated to a tale about a man who just wanted to be left alone to exist in peace; that hasn’t been the case with the second cosmonaut – Myshka has been the antithesis of Abram Adams with her desire to bring the now defunct Soviet Union back to power and play a much more active role in the world.
My brief summary above doesn’t do any justice to the first couple of issues, and it won’t do any justice to the comic, either. Despite the fantastical nature of Abram and Myshka’s situation, their motivations are more relateable than you’d expect.
Divinity II #3 is a spectacular comic. Not only has Matt Kindt delivered an issue that is better than the last, he is more than effective in his explanations of just how impactful the two godlike beings can be with their powers in the past, leading to some really jaw dropping moments every page or two. If you’d expect the art to lag behind the writing, think again because Trevor Hairsine, Ryan Winn and David Baron have kept pace with some gorgeous artwork. While it would obviously help if you’ve read the first or second issue (or even the first Divinity), this is a comic that stands alone as a phenomenal piece of art. The way that the some of the pages have been constructed, and how the colouring works with the layouts go beyond any hyperbolic phrases I can come up with to describe them… I’ve already claimed that this miniseries was one of the best of the year after two issues, and the third issue has just proven why.
If you’re not reading Divinity II, I genuinely feel sorry for you. You’re missing out on the best comic of the year.
Story: Matt Kindt Penciller: Trevor Hairsine Inker: Ryan Winn Colourist: David Baron Story: 9.5 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.
Just a month after the arrival of long-lost cosmonaut Mishka, the former Soviet Union has made an impossible push to become the world’s preeminent superpower. But how? Ninjak has a theory, but it will require going undercover across enemy lines…and maybe some help from Mishka’s old comrade, Abram Adams – the god-like being known as Divinity! But can the motives of a deity among men ever truly be known…and will the return of Divinity’s former teammate rekindle his old allegiances?
I can’t understate how much I am enjoying this comic. Divinity II is the rare case in which an unasked for sequel to the first miniseries is stronger than the original.
A bold claim? Perhaps, but having read the second issue twice already it’s one I am comfortable making. Whether that’ll be the case is something we’ll find out in a couple of months when issue four hits the racks. I can’t wait.
I’m getting ahead of myself, but you can probably guess how this review will go. Minor spoilers may follow.
Divinity II #2 is really not your typical superhero comic, and were it not for the fact that this story is connected to the overall tapestry of the Valiant Universe, it’s entirely plausible that this could have been produced as a standalone series – although the use of some of the established characters is enjoyable, and yet there’s a previously unseen character’s appearance that could have wider implications in other books in the publisher’s line once Divinity II is over.
Series writer Matt Kindt reminds us just how powerful Abram Adams, the godlike character introduced in the original Divinity, iswith a scene that had me shaking my head in awe at how effective it was. I’m not going to say anything specific about it, because part of the impact is going in without any fore-knowledge of the scene in question, other than this isn’t the only scene that will have you marveling at the comic as you read it.
In a summer where both DC and Marvel are putting out some heavy hitting event stories Valiant are on pace to deliver the best of them all with Divinity II. To say that I am absolutely loving this series would be a bit of an understatement; even only two issues in there has been so much to enjoy. Divinity II is reminding me why I love comics all over again, and I can’t get enough of it.
Story: Matt Kindt Art: Trevor Hairsine Inker: Ryan Winn Colourist: David Baron Story: 9.25 Art: 9.25 Overall: 9.25 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review, but I read the copy I purchased.
At last…Bacchus’ diabolical plan stands revealed: get Archer and Armstrong drunk! Too bad one is an immortal with a liver of steel and the other is a bit of a lightweight.That can only mean one thing: Mary-Maria to the rescue! But can she and Armstrong put aside their differences in time to hold Archer’s hair back? Or is he about to ruin the expensive interior of Armstrong’s bottomless satchel?!
No matter how much I’m enjoying this series, that title will always be a mouthful, and because I don’t want to type out A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #3 anymore, I’ll be referring to the title asA&A #3from here on out.
That being said, this is a fantastic comic.
It’s no secret that I am a fan of interesting paneling and layouts when it comes to comics, and within the pages of A&A #3 there are some very interesting examples of both, often on the same pages – there’s a brilliantly disturbing sequence where Archer is feeling a little worse for wear that’s fantastically laid out on the page.
A&A #3 is one of the most entertaining comics you’ll read this month, but there’s more to this issue (indeed, this series), than the surface would show you. Watching Armstrong‘s emotional attachment to his booze is something that will actually make sense about half way through the issue. Despite the fun here, there’s a deeper message to be gleaned from the comic’s pages, and one that I may be interpreting entirely wrong – I may also be seeing something that isn’t there, but at the end of the day, what you take from a comic is entirely down to you, and for me A&A has been a brilliant story that reminds me not that anything can be important to somebody no matter what others may think of that item.
Story: Rafer Roberts Pencils: David Lafuente Inks: Ryan Winn Colours: Brian Reber Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Despite becoming a large fan of Valiant‘s comics over the past year, I only read the first Divinity this week. It was good, and I can understand why it received the praise it did, because it really was a very enjoyable comic. It was a four issue story that felt complete in many ways, and it’s one you owe it to yourself to read.
But did it need a sequel?
Well, not really. That being said I’m excited that there is a sequel, because despite being (technically) a superhero comic, the first series felt like so much more.
Divinity II #1 shows just as much promise.
If you’re curious what the sequel is about, the preview text below should wet your appetite a little.
At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union – determined to win the Space Race at any cost – green lit a dangerously advanced mission. They sent three cosmonauts farther into space than anyone has gone before or since. Handpicked orphans with no connections to Earth, trained as devout Communists, and restricted from having families, they became lost in the stars and encountered something unknown… Something that changed them.
Now, Miska, the female co-pilot of the group, has also returned to Earth…but, unlike Abram Adams she had no secret family. Unlike Abram, she still believes in the Communist ideal. And, unlike Abram, she intends to play a very real role in the return of Soviet glory.
Earth is about to meet a new god. And she’s a Communist. How long can it be before the nations of Earth bend before DIVINITY?
Continuing the aesthetic feel from Divinity, Dvinity II is a visual treat. The way colour is used to bring the cosmological aspects of the story is both subtle and immediately noticeable, and David Baron deserves more credit than he will inevitably get.
Matt Kindt, one of the more consistently solid writers out there, is again on form here. He is able to tell the story of the Russian cosmonaut Mishka in a way that sets up the remaining three issues while still allowing her backstory to be believable. As I was reading this, I never once though that there were any contrivances taken just to move the plot along; Mishka‘s actions all make complete and utter sense based on the established parameters of her character.
Divinity II starts stronger than the previous series did, and I can’t wait to see how this story plays out over the next three issues.
Story: Matt Kindt Penciler: Trevor Hairsine
Inker: Ryan Winn Colourist: David Baron
Story: 9 Art: 9.25 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review, but I read the copy I purchased.
After following Armstrong into the depths of his infinite satchel in a search for booze, Archer and his partner, history’s most inebriated immortal, have found themselves prisoners of…uh…what’s this villain’s name again? Armstrong may not be able to remember what their captor, Bacchus, is all about, but he sure is upset by the memories tied to a rare bottle of wine. What secret is about to come roaring out of the past to haunt him? And is Archer doomed to the repeat Armstrong’s tragic mistakes?
An immortal drunkard and a clean cut assassin trained to kill the Anti-Christ (who just happens to be said immortal drunkard) have become great friends, and when one (take a guess which) decides to enter his magical bag to get a bottle of whiskey… well while it may not be the best time for the Archer or Armstrong, it makes for a great comic.
It should be no secret to any who have read my reviews (regardless of where they were posted) that I’ve become a pretty big fan of Valiant‘s comics over the past year or so, and if you’re wondering why then just take a look at what they’ve put out this week. I honestly feel that pound for pound they are the best publisher around, and the two comics that the publisher has on the racks this week are a perfect example of this. With the release of the phenomenal Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #6 you’d be forgiven if you expected that A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #2 would be the weaker of the two comics – it’s not.
While Valiant‘s other release this week was a fantastic action comic, the second issue of A&A… is equally as brilliant. Indeed, the brutality in Wrath… juxtaposes the warmth and humour in this comic so well that could almost be intentional, and personally I think it s, but then I may be over thinking things.
A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #2 retains the sense of fun from the last issue, and it’s like getting your favourite cold beverage after a week in the desert. With all the deeply dark and grim comics released these days, this is a lovely change of pace – not that I don’t enjoy those comics, but sometimes I’d rather a hot chocolate instead of a cup of tea.
And today, this was exactly what I needed.
Story: Rafer Roberts Pencils: David Lafuente Inks: Ryan Winn Colours: Brian Reber Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review. Previously post on Graphic Policy.
There’s a lot of A’s in that title, eh? The first issue wasn’t quite what I expected, but then I don’t know what I was expecting if I’m being honest because despite my love of all things Valiant, I’ve really had no exposure to Archer or Armstrong before aside from a few pages here and there.
With this being the first full comic featuring the two of them I’ve ever read, I decided to read the preview text that Valiant had sent over (you can find the full preview here, including the images I didn’t bother to look at), which you can find below, before delving into the comic.
Meet Armstrong: Since the ancient city of Ur, this immortal adventurer has spent the last 7,000 years drinking and carousing his way through history alongside some of the greatest merrymakers the world has ever known.
Meet Archer: A sheltered teenage martial arts master and expert marksman that was raised for a single purpose – to kill the devil incarnate. Little did he know that this undying evil was actually Armstrong (he’s actually a pretty good guy…once you get to know him) and, since hitting the road together, the two have become great friends and even better partners.
Now: Archer is about to set off on his most dangerous mission yet – a quest into the mystic reaches of Armstrong’s bottomless satchel to liberate his friend and comrade from the clutches of the mad god Bacchus! (Okay, so, Armstrong went into the satchel himself to get a bottle of whiskey that he kinda misplaced and got stuck. It’s like the Amazon warehouse of arcane treasures in there…and he doesn’t exactly have a maid service.)
Now if you read the above link you’ll notice there’s an extra paragraph that I didn’t include because I didn’t read it before I read the comic, and since I wanted us all to start with more or less the same idea as to just who these characters are I left it out of the above quotation.
Well, now that we’re three hundred odd words in, you’re probably wondering if you should bother reading the rest of the review, eh? If I’m about to lose you because I’ve rambled too much, then go buy A&A: The Advetures Of Archer And Armstrong #1. The release date is March 16th, so make a point to treat yourself. That’s the nutshell review.
Still with me?
You probably want a bit more information regarding why I think you should spend your hard earned cash, eh? Not a problem.
A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #1 has something that’s missing all too often in the less-than-optimistic world of modern comic books: a sense of fun. Despite the potential rocky ground that could come from handling a character who has a reputation as an immortal alcoholic, Rafer Roberts writes an underlying sense of sadness and despair about Armstrong that hints that maybe not everything is as rosy as it seems with the immortal, but despite that, this is an incredibly fun comic. The issue is chock full of subtle (and not so subtle) contrasts; not only the difference between the two leads, but Archer himself with his more sheltered outlook on life and his martial proficiency (the guy won’t even curse! It’s actually kind of amusing to see Roberts use some pretty interesting language – it also makes me realize just how accustomed I have become to cursing).
The art here is also very solid, which is honestly something that doesn’t surprise me given the talent that’s responsible for the comic. A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #1 is a very good comic that’s absolutely New Reader friendly (and I’m saying that from the perspective of a new reader to these characters). I may not be as familiar with Archer or Armstrong as I am with the immortal’s brothers, Ivar (Time Walker) and the Eternal Warrior, but if the rest of the series is as good as this issue then I’m along for the ride all the way.
Story: Rafer Roberts Pencils: David Lafuente Inks: Ryan Winn Colours: Brian Reber Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Valiant continues to tease us with awesome comics we can expect from them in 2016. Today the publisher released a new teaser image from Kano for A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong. The series comes to shelves next year from Rafer Roberts, David Lafuente, Ryan Winn, and Brian Reber.
With some art courtesy of Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic, Valiant has teased Divinity II, the sequel to their hit miniseries. Matt Kindt, Trevor Hairsine, Ryan Winn, and David Baron are involved and it’ll hit shelves in 2016.
As Ninjak goes head-to-head with Fakir of the Shadow Seven, devastating secrets of his past stand revealed that will change his life forever! Plus: Roku makes her move… and an atom bomb goes missing. Yeah, that’s right, an atom bomb is MISSING. The world’s gone to hell…and only Ninjak can save it…that is if he lives long enough!
The ninth issue of the ongoing monthly Ninjak series concludes both The Shadow Wars, and also the back up strip, The Lost Files, that has been as enjoyable, if not more so, than the main arc – for me at least.
The last couple of issues of Ninjak have been good, but not quite as good as some of the other Valiant published comics I’ve read recently, and the same can honestly be said for this issue. Now, in all fairness, Ninjak has been better than most other comics I’ve read lately, and this issue surpasses them all. Matt Kindt has wrapped up both the main story line as well as the back up story line in this issue, and I don’t want to give too much away, but the ending of this comic was pretty great. Whether you hunt down the individual issues or wait for the inevitable trade paperback, this is a great Ninjak story that you’ll want to read a couple of times.
The art in both stories within this issue is solid, indeed the two art teams are tough to distinguish between which provides a nice consistency to the artwork as both tales head to their conclusion.
When it comes to the back up story, The Lost Files, in my last review I said that it “continues to be a highlight for me, and in many ways I’m enjoying seeing this unfold more than the main story. Perhaps because it reminds me of the training scenes Bruce Wayne received in Batman Begins. I’m enjoying finding out how Colin King became the ninja we know and love today.That The Lost Files is being told as a back up story is great; by not devoting two or three full issues to the origin of Ninjak, Valiant are able to use the arc to compliment the main story, feeding us the origin gradually, while at the same time providing a great back up strip to readers.” There is so much more I want to say about the back up, but I’m trying to avoid any spoilers, so last month’s words are still just as true this month.
Ninjak #9 is another solid comic from one of the best publishers around right now. If do want to start reading about Valiant‘s purple clad ninja, then this may not be the best comic to start with – it is the conclusion to two stories within the same comic, and while you can certainly pick issue #9 up and enjoy it, there’s going to be threads tied up and questions answered from earlier in the arc that you may not fully grasp; indeed, there are probably some loose ends tidied that I’m unaware of (I started reading Ninjak as The Shadow Wars commenced).
I don’t want to spoil anything about this comic, but there are some great… look, I really don’t want to spoil anything here, so I’m not saying anything about it. Whether you read the trade or the individual issues – and honestly I’d recommend the issues myself, as that way you get to read the comics as they were originally printed – this was one hell of a ride.
The Shadow Wars Writer: Matt Kindt Pencils: Clay Mann Inks: Seth Man with Bit & Ryan Winn The Lost Files Writer: Matt Kindt Artist: Juan Jose Ryp Ninjak #9 Overall
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.
DC comics is undergoing the biggest shift in it’s line ever, relaunching 52 comic books with brand new number 1 issues and updating the characters for modern times. It’s the prefect starting off point for new readers, but there’s numerous series and characters I could tell you anything about. This is a breakdown each week of that week’s releases as well as suggestions on previous arcs that’ll get you introduced to the characters.
ACTION COMICS #1 – Writer: Grant Morrison, Art: Rags Morales and Rick Bryant
The one and only Grant Morrison (ALL-STAR SUPERMAN) returns to Superman, joined by sensational artist Rags Morales (IDENTITY CRISIS), to bring you tales of The Man of Steel unlike any you’ve ever read! This extra-sized debut issue is the cornerstone of the entire DC Universe!
This is year 0 of the DC universe. It chronicles the first hero and the public’s reaction to him. I’ll admit I’m nervous about this one, as I didn’t dig Morrison’s work on Batman, but this is a pillar of the DC universe and it’s Superman. He’s an iconic character who hopefully won’t be updated too much.
ANIMAL MAN #1– Writer: Jeff Lemire, Art: Travel Foreman and Dan Green
Buddy Baker has gone from “super” man to family man – but is he strong enough to hold his family together when Maxine, his young daughter, starts to manifest her own dangerous powers? Find out in this dramatic new series from writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and artist Travel Foreman (The Immortal Iron Fist).
This is one of the series I know nothing about. Jeff Lemire can write, but as a whole that first issue better really draw me in. This is one of the series I put of there as a good chance to be cancelled. That description does nothing to introduce me to the character who is able to borrow the abilities of animals around him. It has potential, but who knows. Grant Morrison had a well respected run on the character.
BATGIRL #1 – Writer: Gail Simone, Art: Adrian Syaf and Vicente Cifuentes
Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl – and she’s going to have to face the city’s most horrifying new villains as well as the dark secrets from her past. You won’t want to miss this stunning debut issue from fan-favorite BIRDS OF PREY writer Gail Simone!
Barbara Gordon is back as Batgirl, which is odd since last we saw, Barbara was in a wheelchair. But in the hands of Gail Simone, I expect a solid series that puts the once former Batgirl right back into the uniform. I’d want it in the hands of no one else. The drastic change in the character brought a lot of news with it, and a lot of criticism, here’s hoping Simone puts all of that to rest.
Africa, a land of beauty – and of great horror. A land of creation and conflict. It is in desperate need of a defender, and from the ranks of Batman Incorporated comes a soldier to carry on the legacy of The Dark Knight in the most tumultuous region on Earth. Meet Batwing, the Batman of Africa!
There’s a lot of unknowns here and I’m pulling for the series to do well. Winick is going to be tip-toeing a line with the latest franchisee in Batman Inc., this one centered in Africa. It’ll either come off as completely missing the mark on African issues, being overly preachy or balance activism and story telling.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1 – Writer: Tony S. Daniel, Art: Tony S. Daniel and Ryan Winn
A killer called The Gotham Ripper is on the loose on Batman’s home turf – leading The Dark Knight on a deadly game of cat and mouse.
I’m not quite sure where in Batman’s life this is taking place. Is it in the beginning, where he’s a bit more inexperienced? Is this post Batman, Inc.? Batman is an iconic character like Superman, so a lot will be riding on this series.
GREEN ARROW #1 – Writer : J.T. Krul, Art: Dan Jurgens and George Perez
Green Arrow is on the hunt. Driven by inner demons, Ollie Queen travels the world and brings outlaws to justice…by breaking every law.
Now, armed with cutting-edge weaponry and illegally gained intel (courtesy of his team at QCore), Green Arrow is shooting first and asking questions later.
Green Arrow is the liberal ying to the Green Lantern’s conservative yang. Billionaire Ollie Queen is the bow wielding hero who is out to stop crime and hopefully espousing his liberal views.
Hank Hall is not happy. He’s not happy to have Dawn Granger as a new partner in his war on crime. He’s not happy that she’s dating the ghostly Super Hero, Deadman. He’s not happy to learn that someone is trying to plunge the United States into a new civil war! Now it’s up to Hawk and Dove to root out the forces behind this conflict and stop them before they turn the U.S. into a wasteland!
And who is the monster lurking in the shadows, watching Hawk and Dove from afar? Find out in this new series from Sterling Gates (FLASHPOINT: KID FLASH LOST) and artist Rob Liefeld (X-Force, Youngblood)!
Brightest Day set up a decent dynamic between Hawk and Dove with Dove’s interest in Deadman, and it looks like that’s carrying over. There series will hopefully have a good buddy aspect to it, my worry is the art by Liefeld, which I’m not a fan of.
With the growing presence of super beings around the world, the United Nations resolves to create a new group called Justice League International.
Batman, Booster Gold, Green Lantern Guy Gardner, August General in Iron, Fire, Ice, Vixen and Rocket Red are charged with promoting unity and trust – but can they reach that goal without killing each other first?
Not sure my thought about this series. With Justice League and Stormwatch, I’m not sure if another major team like this is needed. The roster seems interesting enough, but I’m not totally convinced. The concept of a UN backed team though has me interested though.
MEN OF WAR #1 – Writer: Ivan Brandon, Art: Tom Derenick
On the ground and on the front lines, a young, headstrong soldier known as Joe Rock assumes command of Easy Company – a team of ex-military men turned contractors. Will they survive the battle-scarred landscape carved by the DCU’s Super-Villains? Find out in this explosive new series from Ivan Brandon (Viking, DOC SAVAGE) and Tom Derenick (JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA)!
This is the updated Sgt. Rock taking the war comic and updating it to modern times. I’m pulling for this one to do well, mostly because I want to see a cool war comic on the shelves.
O.M.A.C. #1 – Writer: Dan Didio and Keith Giffen, Art: Keith Giffen and Scott Koblish
The all-seeing Brother Eye satellite has unleashed a new beast upon the DC Universe in this smashing new series! Kevin Kho has become an unwilling participant in a war between Checkmate and Brother Eye as he is transformed into the One Machine Army Corp known only as O.M.A.C.!
This is the series this week I’m most iffy about. Keith Giffen is likely what will save it, but it reminds me of the numerous Kirby ideas that DC is grasping on to.
STATIC SHOCK #1 – Writer: Scott McDaniel and John Rozum, Art: Scott McDaniel and Jonathan Glapion and LeBeau Underwood
The brilliant, slightly awkward high school student Virgil Hawkins transforms into the cocky electromagnetic hero Static!
A mysterious tragedy forces the Hawkins family to relocate from Dakota to New York City! Virgil embarks upon new adventures in a new high school and a new internship at S.T.A.R. Labs!
As Static, he dons a new uniform and establishes a new secret headquarters! But is he ready to take on the new villains who lurk in New York City’s underworld?
The most successful of Dwayne McDuffie’s Milestone comics, I’m cheering for the character and hope he does well. This is a young character that has a following and has a good chance of being a new generation character that goes the distance and builds into something bigger. I’m not holding my breath though.
STORMWATCH #1 – Writer: Paul Cornell, Art: Miguel Sepulveda
They are Stormwatch, a dangerous super human police force whose existence is kept secret from the world Directly following the ominous events of SUPERMAN #1, Adam One leads half the Stormwatch team to recover the [INFORMATION REDACTED] from deep in the Himalayas. Meanwhile, Jack Hawksmoor and the rest of the Stormwatch crew look to recruit two of the deadliest super humans on the planet: Midnighter and Apollo! And if they say no? Perhaps the Martian Manhunter can change their minds…
This series is going to be one of the bigger ones in the long run, putting together a secret group that’ll eventually lock horns with the Justice League. It’s been hinted that the next major event will come out of whatever happens in this book, which makes it that much more important.
SWAMP THING #1 – Writer: Scott Snyder, Art: Yanick Paquette
One of the world’s most iconic characters has returned to the heart of the DC Universe, and every step he takes will shake the foundations of the Earth!
Alec Holland has his life back…but the Green has plans for it. A monstrous evil is rising in the desert, and it’ll take a monster of another kind to defend life as we know it!
It’s clear Swamp Thing is going to be a big deal in the new DCU. Scott Snyder can do horror and hopefully the series keeps up a gothic horror feel to it. If Snyder keeps it up and brings his “A” game, there’s a good chance we’ll see a modern day classic run of the series, but it’s got Alan Moore’s classic run hovering over it for comparison.
