Valiant Entertainment was smart to get Tomas Giorello to draw this series, because for all intents and purposes this is a Conan the Slayer-type tale mixed with science fiction elements and a whole lot of war. The first issue was a hellish war story with Aric starring as the hero who does it all. Action packed, epic, and gorgeously drawn, it’s a series worthy of any fantasy, science fiction, and war story fan.
So what’s it about?
Read our preview to find out more.
Why does this book matter?
Well, writer Matt Kindt ain’t bad. This story is a good departure from the usual invincible X-O Manowar story as Aric is depowered with only a ring of the suit left to protect him. He’s going into this battle with suicidal tendencies, which makes this more about the man than the suit.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Giorello’s art will blow you away in this issue. There are goblin like villains Giorello renders in impeccable style that brings back memories of Orcs in The Lord of the Rings in all their glowing-eyed, ugly glory. What’s amazing is, even though there’s a fantasy angle to the art, there’s also a slice of science fiction, which makes the title feel all its own. Giorello also draws an epic double page spread to open this issue, with Aric poised to do great damage on a cliff as he speaks to the slice of suit left over. The art gives Aric a sense of gloom and tired impatience for war. Giorello nails that aspect of the art.
Aric is good at brooding.
Aric continues to be the impatient badass of the previous issue, which gives the story a fun high pace. He wants to get in, do battle damage, and get out. It’s a no-nonsense sort of tale with incredible action. Kindt sets up the action with a special team to go in on a suicide mission with each team member having a unique angle. It gives this mission their own, which ultimately may not be much, a sense of purpose. Throughout their battling Kindt gives Aric epic moments of heroism which his team members will assuredly appreciate. One could imagine this reluctant warrior becoming a reluctant king given the selfless acts of Aric in this issue. It all wraps up with much more battling to be done and most likely an Aric who will be even more impatient to get it all over with.
Taking one for the team.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Given the action this is a quick read. That’s partly because there isn’t a lot to it as Aric and his team have one mission and go through with it. The bigger picture is yet to be revealed beyond this mission, but it’s a good one nonetheless.
Is It Good?
An epic, no holds barred action fest that pits a reluctant, impatient hero against goblin like enemies. Worth a look for fantasy, science fiction, and war story fans.
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