Bullies for Outer Space
Written by: Robert Venditti
Art by: Joe Bennett & Roberto De La Torre
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 29, 2016
Review by: Branden Murray
As I ease my way back into Valiant Comics and their line up I will freely admit this was the title I looked most forward to reading. X-O Manowar was a book I followed for a while before trimming back the old pull list a little bit due to life. Not to mention the assault a child puts on the wallet. Well, this new jumping on point (yes, it is a really good one) provided a perfect opportunity and no more excuses to get back into the swing of things. So, let’s check-in on my buddy, my old pal, Aric of Dacia and the newest challengers to his homeland in Western Nebraska. That's in the U.S.A, you know.
Since this is a new jumping on point, we get a few pages of recap in the beginning of the issue. This establishes where Aric (X-O Manowar) and his suit of armor currently stand in this world. We’re also treated to some information about who are the X-O’s past and current threats in this area. The paneling detail and art on these pages is incredible and makes the flashback nature of the scenes really stand out.
When the recap ends there is no more hand holding and we're thrown right into the middle of conflict. There are some giant outer space visitors suddenly arriving called the Torrment. Their arrival introduces a "shit hits the fan" type scenario and our badass in the battle suit, X-O Manowar, tries to figure out exactly how to clean this mess up. Let's not forget there is also another group of aliens hanging around from previous dilemmas (the Vine) doing anything but remaining calm in this hectic situation. Finally, the U.S. military representatives hanging around are readying for battle all while citizens everywhere scramble for their lives. People tend to do such things under the circumstances. Things do not appear to be going well and the beginning of the book has such a purposely crazy feel it's like I'm in the action myself.
After some failed communication with our strange new visitors leads to death and destruction, shit goes from hitting the fan to now flooding the backyard and piling up in the streets. The Vine decide now is the best time to stop screaming like a bunch of newborns who missed a feeding and high tail it out of town. Typical house guests make a mess of things then leave.
This act of spinelessness by the Vine (I don't blame them!) leaves only X-O and the government left to battle this new threat. Will the few tricks they have up their collective sleeves keep the Torrment at bay? Or does an all out assault against these hundred foot tall alien gods simply annoy them to the point no 80’s training montage could save the day? Well you’ll have to wait until this Wednesday and find out at your local comic shop because this is where my summary ends.
X-O Manowar #47 is a rich sci-fi story by Robert Venditti. This issue does a perfect job of establishing the past, present, and future conflict that new and old readers alike have to be interested in coming back for #48 next month. The Torrment are a huge threat for our hero to tackle and I'm interested in seeing how it will be handled going forward.
The art team of Joe Bennett and Roberto De La Torre do a great job with scale and establishing the size of the threats and ships used throughout the issue. The detail in every scene is impeccable and the colors are bright and vibrant. This is not something you could possibly fall asleep to while reading.
Bits and Pieces:
The Face of Gods story has kicked off in the pages of X-O Manowar in break neck fashion and deserves your attention. Robert Venditti gives us a menacing threat and this issue is a really good jumping on point for new readers, but that doesn't mean long time readers won't be thrilled as well. Joe Bennett and Roberto De La Torre do a great job making everything look great and in the end, this is just a really good sci-fi comic.
8.2/10
No comments:
Post a Comment