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The Analog Man Goes Gunning for Ninjak in Bloodshot Reborn #11, Coming in February!

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

The Aanalog Man is coming…and you’ve never seen Bloodshot like this before! This February, the eye-popping comics event of the New Year thunders on as two master creators launch Valiant’s unstoppable hero headlong into a barren and brutalized future far removed from the world he once knew…

Valiant has released a first look inside BLOODSHOT REBORN #11 – the second earth-scorching chapter of “The Analog Man” from New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire and blockbuster artist Lewis LaRosa! Presented in the deluxe, ad-free Valiant Prestige format with laminate card-stock covers, heavyweight end sheets, and exclusive, never-before-seen backmatter, the biggest storyline of 2016 doubles down this February as Bloodshot bulldozes his way through the ravaged remains of the Valiant Universe!

Far into a post-apocalyptic future, Los Angeles has descended into chaos…and even the remaining heroes of the Valiant Universe can’t stand against the G.A.T.E. super-tech that now dominates the wastelands. As Bloodshot and his longtime love Magic emerge from their desert refuge with a small group of survivors in tow, an unexpected acquaintance from the past returns, seeking help and forcing Bloodshot to either turn his back on his friends…or his family! But is the master assassin once called Ninjak truly a friend… or a foe lying in wait?

Featuring covers by Ryan Sook, Clayton Henry, Jeffrey Veregge, Tula Lotay, and Brian Level, Bloodshot Reborn #11 must be seen to be believed!

BLOODSHOT REBORN #11 (“THE ANALOG MAN” – PART 2)
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by LEWIS LAROSA
Cover A by RYAN SOOK (DEC151648)
Cover B by CLAYTON HENRY (DEC151649)
Cover C by JEFFREY VEREGGE (DEC151650)
Variant Cover by TULA LOTAY (DEC151651)
Variant Cover by BRIAN LEVEL (DEC151652)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PRESTIGE | On sale FEBRUARY 24th (FOC 2/1/16)

Preview: Ninjak #10

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

NINJAK #10 (NEW ARC! “OPERATION: DEADSIDE” – PART 1)

Written by MATT KINDT
Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE with JUAN JOSE RYP
Cover A by DOUG BRAITHWAITE (OCT151734)
Cover B by TOM MULLER (OCT151735)
Cover C by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT151736)
Character Design Variant by TREVOR HAIRSINE (OCT151737)
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (OCT151738)
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+ | On sale DECEMBER 9th

ALL-NEW JUMPING-ON POINT! A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE EVENT! “OPERATION: DEADSIDE” STARTS HERE!

In December of 2015, a covert military intelligence unit sent a team of 20 agents and one special operative into a parallel dimension. Only one came back.

The purpose of their mission was classified. Now, out of options, MI-6 has recruited their most elite operative – codename: NINJAK – to follow the doomed mission’s sole witness back into the dimension called Deadside…and bring her missing teammates home.

What will they find there? And who will be waiting for them? Jump on board here as New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY) and superstar artist Doug Braithwaite (ARMOR HUNTERS) reunite for a terrifying journey into an unknown plane of existence…and bring NINJAK head-to-head with SHADOWMAN in the all-new, four-part epic “OPERATION: DEADSIDE”!

Plus: an all-new chapter of “THE LOST FILES” begins, featuring explosive artwork by Juan José Ryp (Clone)!

Review: X-O Manowar: Commander Trill #0

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Alex K Cossa

From Aric of Dacia’s escape with the X-O Manowar armor to the destruction of his own home world, pain and consequence have haunted the life of the alien general called Commander Trill. Now, on the eve of the most devastating assault yet, find out why with an essential, standalone zero issue detailing the battle-scarred life and origin of the Vine’s mightiest military leader…and an all-new prelude to X-O Manowar’s most terrifying clash of the year!

Valiant ave billed this as an all new jumping on point, and it is, but is it worth reading?

Well that ultimately depends on how familiar you are with the publisher’s comics.

It’s always interesting to get some background on a villain prior to a massive battle, and getting to explore their motivations, so being able to see the reasons behind Commander Trill‘s hatred for Aric of Dacia is an interesting opportunity for one such as myself how is only relatively new to Valiant‘s rich history. I’ve had some small exposure to the character of Commander Trill in the past with only the barest hint as to what drives the alien, so this was a welcome insight into the history of a character who’s poised to become a much bigger threat in the future.

Written by Robert Venditti, with art by Francis Portella the one shot X-O Manowar: Commander Trill #0 is basically an extended biography of the alien general. That’s not a bad thing, however, as this is a really enjoyable comic with some fantastic art work.

But, and let’s be totally honest here, if you’re not already reading X-O Manowar then you’ll probably skip over this, and I can’t really blame you for doing that, but you’re missing out on one of the best series on the racks right now, and this one shot will provide some interesting (if not entirely required) back story to a character that’s set to become a major threat to Aric of Dacia in the future.

Scoring this is a bit of a conundrum; if you’re already reading X-O Manowar, then you can add another half point to the overall score and switch my recommendation to a read for this comic. If you’re not already reading the series, then I’d highly encourage you to start, but probably not here; so pass, for now, on this comic. Instead look for either issue #39 (the start of Exodus) or issue #43 (the start of the next arc). You don’t necessarily need to read the first trade (I haven’t) to get an idea of the characters origin as Valiant do a bang up job of catching you up on that with their recap pages.

Story: Robert Venditti Art: Francis Portella
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: It’s complicated.

Valiant provided Graphic Policy a FREE copy for review.

Preview: X-O Manowar: Commander Trill #0

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

X-O MANOWAR: COMMANDER TRILL #0

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover A by PHIL JIMENEZ (OCT151749)
Cover B by CARY NORD (OCT151750)
Wraparound Gatefold Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE (OCT151751)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale DECEMBER 2nd (FOC—11/9/15)

ALL-NEW JUMPING-ON POINT! THE ORIGIN OF X-O MANOWAR’S UNRELENTING ARCH-ENEMY…TOLD FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

From Aric of Dacia’s escape with the X-O Manowar armor to the destruction of his own home world, pain and consequence have haunted the life of the alien general called Commander Trill. Now, on the eve of the most devastating assault yet, find out why with an essential, standalone zero issue detailing the battle-scarred life and origin of the Vine’s mightiest military leader…and an all-new prelude to X-O Manowar’s most terrifying clash of the year!

Be here as Robert Venditti (BOOK OF DEATH) and rising star Francis Portela (IVAR, TIMEWALKER) chronicle the beginning of Trill’s shattered destiny with an all-new one-shot introduction to the many worlds – and many foes – of Valiant’s most formidable hero!

Bloodshot Reborn #10 Gets a Prestige Format Release

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

Valiant has announced that all issues of “The Analog Man” – the all-new, four-part bombshell beginning in January’s Bloodshot Reborn #10 by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Lewis LaRosa – will debut in the publisher’s deluxe VALIANT PRESTIGE format!

A special, ad-free presentation featuring laminate card-stock covers and custom-designed heavyweight end sheets for the standard $3.99 cover price, VALIANT PRESTIGE is a high-end treatment reserved for Valiant’s most high-profile new releases. Bloodshot Reborn #10 rushes into stores everywhere on January 27th to mark the beginning of a pivotal new jumping-on point that must be seen to be believed…

Many years from now, Los Angeles has become a post-apocalyptic wasteland and the once unstoppable killing machine known as BLOODSHOT has become THE ANALOG MAN. Hopelessly outdated, Bloodshot’s taken on a new role as the protector of a small town, eking out a subsistence existence with the great love of his life – Magic – and protecting a group of stragglers who’ve weathered the storm. But when a gang of marauders arrives, the settlement’s survival is threatened, and Bloodshot is forced to bring justice to the distorted and disjointed badlands of the Valiant Universe!

Featuring covers from a concussive line-up of some of comics’ biggest talents – including Lewis LaRosa, Ryan Sook, Dave Johnson, Jeffrey Veregge, Tula Lotay, David Lafuente and Jeff Lemire!

BLOODSHOT REBORN #10 (NEW ARC! “THE ANALOG MAN” – PART 1)
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by LEWIS LAROSA
Cover A by LEWIS LAROSA (NOV151688)
Cover B by RYAN SOOK (NOV151689)
Cover C by DAVE JOHNSON (NOV151690)
Cover D by JEFFREY VEREGGE (NOV151691)
Variant Cover by TULA LOTAY (NOV151692)
Variant Cover by DAVID LAFUENTE (NOV151693)
B&W Sketch Variant by LEWIS LAROSA (NOV151694)
Valiant Linewide Variant by JEFF LEMIRE (NOV151695)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale JANUARY 27th (FOC – 1/4/15)

Review: Ivar, Timewalker #11

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Alex K Cossa

Who dares survive the Space-Loop?!

Ivar, Timewalker has been one of the more entertaining comics published by Valiant for me over the past few months, and I’m always excited to get a chance to read the series that focuses on time travel as much as it does the fun.

We get an interesting look at the multiverse this issue, expanding upon the time travelling mechanic that’s been explored in the past two issues (and probably before those, but since I’ve only read two previous issues, I don’t want to assume that’s the case – as reasonable as that may be). Pere Perez delivers some outstanding layouts this issue as he illustrates the double page spreads of the multiverse, he’s able to convey quickly and simply just how vast the space time continuum is within instants of a person glimpsing the page. That he’s also packed the page with details that can leave you staring at the page for a long time is superb.

I really can’t understate just how impressed I am with Fred Van Lente‘s writing with this series. Time travel always has the potential to devolve into a mess of confusion and nonsensical moments as writers get lost within their own butterfly effects. That doesn’t happen here. Instead, we’re treated to a story that is both easy to follow and complex in what is going on at the same time. That I’ve only come on board since issue #9, I’m sure I’m missing subtleties to the story that longer term readers will be picking up on and enjoying, but that’s okay – that I’m not picking up on them doesn’t lessen my enjoyment in anyway shape or form.

This is the third issue of Ivar, Timewalker that I’ve read, but the series has been strong across those issues. I’ve become a pretty big fan of Valiant over the past few months, which I’m sure you’ve noticed if you’ve read any of the reviews from Valiant I’ve written lately, and the past two issues of this series have been some of the most enjoyably fun comics that I have read in a long time.

Ivar, Timewalker #11 is a great read. It may not be as new reader friendly as other issues, but that just means that if you want to hop on board this series then you’ve got issue #9 and #10 to enjoy as well.

And that’s an awesome thing.

Story: Fred Van Lente Art: Pere Perez Colours: Andrew Dalhouse
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

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.

Alex

Top Pick: X-O Manowar #42 (Valiant) – The comic brings the conclusion to a four part story arc that has the potential to be world changing within Valiant’s Universe. I can’t wait to get this in my hands.

All-New Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – I really enjoyed the first issue’s introduction to Laura Kinney as Wolverine, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story carries on.

Ivar, Timewalker #11 (Valiant) – It’s a comic by Valiant, so I’m already excited for it, but Ivar has been one of the most entertaining comics each month. Well worth adding to your pull list.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (Marvel) – The comic has an intelligent Tyrannosaurus Rex. That sold me on the comic right there, but on top of that there looks to be a lot of soul here that I’m excited for.

Ash

Top Pick: Silk #1 (Marvel) – As a Silk fan from the moment we met her in the bunker, Silk #1 has got to be my top pick for this week. Featuring everyone’s favourite feline, The Black Cat, this first issue promises to be packed with turmoil as we see Silk taking a turn for the sinister. The artwork is bursting with colour that really strikes, and Silk is looking seriously stunning.

But will she go too far on her new found path? Only one way to find out…

Carnage #2 (Marvel) – Carnage brings chaos, destruction and devastation with him wherever he goes (this issue promises to be no different) so it is really little wonder that the FBI are tracking down this serial Killer with sonic technology, supported by former astronaut John Jameson and a newly reformed Eddie Brock. With a faultless (?) plan to trap Carnage in an abandoned mine, what could possibly go wrong?

Brett

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 (DC Comics) – The comic has been hyped for quite a while and lets face it, Frank Miller’s previous two volumes are classics and important works (even if you dislike them). The third volume of Miller’s Batman tale hits shelves this week and he’s got the help of Brian Azzarello for writing. I love Azzarello’s work, so his inclusion only makes this more anticipated. Add on top of that, art by Klaus Janson and Andy Kubert.

Archie #4 (Archie Comics) – Archie has been killing it this year, and especially in recent months with their relaunch of their Archie line of comics. This one finally reveals the “Lipstick Incident,” and I know Mark Waid and Annie Wu will knock it out of the park.

Captain Canuck #5/Captain Canuck: Unholy War (Chapter House Publishing) – Are you reading Captain Canuck? Well, you should. The series is a superhero comic in its purest form without the dark and gritty negativity so many others have. This week also has a double dose with a brand new issue, plus a collection of a limited series from 2004 reprinted as a trade. This week is a double dose of Captain Canuck awesomeness!

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (Marvel) – The comic looks and sounds beyond cute and awesome. It’s one of the most intriguing new series from Marvel.

Ringside #1 (Image Comics) – I loved wrestling growing up in the 80s. While it’s been a long time since I was a regular viewer, this new series by Joe Keatinge and Nick Barber sounds awesome with interconnected stories exploring the relationship between art and industry from the view of the wrestlers.

Elana

All-New Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – This is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. Marvel’s most exciting post Secret Wars title so far. Check these reviews out to see why.

Art Ops #2 (Vertigo) – If you see Mike Allred’s art on this comic and it speaks to you (and it’s trademark Allred pop-art enthusiasm certainly speaks to me) then it’s certainly worth picking up issue #2 to see where it goes.

Black Magic #2 (Image Comics) – A “witch noir” from one of the top creative teams in comics. I gave the first issue a 9 out of 10 score in my review. This is a brand new series from creators I trust to write fascinating female protagonists in interesting worlds with beautiful art.

The Fade Out #11 (Image Comics) – The best noir comic. Fascinating female characters. Beautiful, era evocative art.

Kaptara #5 (Image Comics) – The funniest and most outlandish fantasy series on the shelves. It’s actually Chip Zdarsky’s best work if you ask me. That’s saying something since I think he’s currently working on 100 different titles, all of which are of some renown.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (Marvel) – One of Marvel’s most anticipated debut issues. A black girl genius and her dinosaur. I know this is going to be a hit and I know you’ll be buying it for all the kids in your life and for yourself.

Paul

Top Pick: Guardians of the Galaxy #2 (Marvel) – Kitty “Star-Lord” Pryde and her Guardians, who now include The Thing, have come to Spartax..but is Emperor Peter happy to see them? The first issue of this relaunch was fun and brought me right back to the Guardians we left before Secret Wars (though now The Thing is a member…which is fantastic!…see what I did there?) and I am looking forward to more space fun with this crew and to see if Quill has let power go to his head.

All-New Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – This title was a pleasant surprise for me. I was worried we’d get a typical hack and slash Wolverine book, but issue 1 definitely set Laura up as her own heroine and now she’s facing a problem that looks exactly like her…and she needs to know how and why this is happening; and I will be right there with you.

Review: X-O Manowar #42

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Alex K Cossa

“EXODUS”…excised!

As the current four part arc, Exodus, reaches its conclusion, Robert Venditti delivers an epic conclusion rife with tension.

Aric Of Dacia finds himself caught between the two sides of a rapidly escalating conflict, desperately trying to reach a truce between the Vine and G.A.T.E. as each side seeks to use the X-O Manowar armour to turn the tide of battle. What’s interesting here is that you can easily empathize with both sides Aric has to make a choice this issue, and that’s what the story arc has been building toward; do his loyalties lie with humanity, or with the vow he made to protect the Vine?

It’s an interesting position to put a character in, especially the time displaced Visigoth wearing the X-O Manowar armour, the choice that Aric is forced into making leads to some absolutely stunning comic book story telling and artwork.

With Exodus Robert Venditti brings this potential world ending conflict to a fantastic conclusion. The issue is a fast paced, emotionally tense confrontation that has in which Robert Venditti ihighlights just how reliant both G.A.T.E. and the Vine have become on the time displaced Visigoth. Venditti is joined again this issue by artist Rafa Sandoval, who delivers some superb layouts and page construction here; his artwork is absolutely splendid, indeed I feel like I’m running out of superlatives when talking about his pencils. Complimenting Sandoval‘s pencils are inker Jordi Tarragona and colourist Ulises Arreola; both are on top form with this issue, and as a team the artists have delivered a comic book that just stunning.

When it comes to a character as powerful as X-O Manowar the potential for him to be used as a game changing weapon every time a writer needs a deus ex machina moment for their story arc is always there, and sometimes it works so well. This story is a great example of the heroes within the Valiant universe expecting X-O Manowar to fulfill that role, but when both sides are waiting for his reinforcement? What choice does Aric Of Dacia make?

Confession time: a few months ago, I honestly felt that X-O Manowar was an idiotic concept, admittedly it was one that I really knew next to nothing about until I started reviewing Valiant‘s comics, but it never really resonated with me until I started reading Exodus. I can now see just how wrong I was only six months ago by judging a character based on a preconceived notion because in the right hands, he’s a rich character that is rife with great story telling opportunities.

Robert Venditti is most definitely the right hands.

Writer: Robert Venditti Pencils: Rafa Sandoval
Inks: Jordi Tarragona Colours: Ulises Arreola
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Valiant Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Preview: Ivar, Timewalker #11

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

IVAR, TIMEWALKER #11

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by PERE PÉREZ
Cover A by RAÚL ALLÉN (SEP151678)
Cover B by CAROLINA BENSLER (SEP151679)
Variant Cover by TOM FOWLER (SEP151680)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale NOVEMBER 25

Who dares survive the Space-Loop?!

Trapped as the planet Earth whips through history at lightning speed, Ivar and Neela must confront their feelings for one another – and Neela finds herself about to make a fateful decision that may save history forever – but cost her own life! New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and Harvey Award-nominated artist Pere Pérez (UNITY) bring you one step closer to “ENDING HISTORY”!

Preview: X-O Manowar #42

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Graphic Policy Team

X-O MANOWAR #42

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by RAFA SANDOVAL
Cover A by RAFA SANDOVAL (SEP151670)
Cover B by STEVE LIEBER (SEP151671)
Variant Cover by AL BARRIONUEVO (SEP151672)
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On sale NOVEMBER 25

“EXODUS”…excised!

As the Vine make a desperate, final stand against G.A.T.E. for a rightful home, only Aric of Dacia can bring peace. But X-O Manowar’s fed up with being manipulated… and makes a decision that will change Earth forever. New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (BOOK OF DEATH) and red-hot artist Rafa Sandoval (X-Men: Legacy) bring you the heartbreaking finale of “EXODUS”!

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