Connect with us
Livewire Vol. 1: Fugitive Review

Comic Books

Livewire Vol. 1: Fugitive Review

Vita Ayala tells a compelling character arc of its eponymous hero.

Reading Marvel and DC for years, you get a feel for common superhero tropes. It’s always interesting to see some other publisher putting their own spin on a superhero-themed shared universe. My introduction to Valiant Comics was reading only a handful of their titles, most notably Secret Weapons by Eric Heisserer and Raúl Allén & Patricia Martín. Amongst the eponymous gang from that comic, its leader is Amanda McKee, also known as the technopath codenamed Livewire, who now has her own limited series.

Following what happened in the Valiant event Harbinger Wars II where Livewire declared war on the American government, causing deaths of both Psiots and humans, the technopath is now on the run as a fugitive with no one to turn to. Making a few enemies along the way, Amanda finds herself imprisoned and powerless while she tries to justify her past actions that had life-threatening consequences.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

When it comes to superhero comics, continuity can be loose to say the least, and if there’s a superhero you like such as Batman or Spider-Man, there are plenty of volumes to start with. With Valiant, there is an intricate timeline where you have to know certain things to understand where the characters are at a point in their lives. Even when I was reading Secret Weapons, it does feel one piece of the big puzzle, with Livewire being a key character for the publisher since 1993. If you have not read any recent comic featuring Livewire, jumping into her solo title may not be the most ideal start.

However, writer Vita Ayala is able to tell a solid standalone narrative about the very powerful Psiots, who may have ambitions as a hero who is fighting for her own kind, slowly realizing the error of her ways. Although the threats she faces throughout the four issues aren’t the most memorable, because of her incredible powers, Ayala finds a way to make the hero vulnerable and how that challenges her physically and emotionally. Given Livewire’s complicated backstory, Ayala cleverly uses flashbacks in contrast with the present action, where she is confronted by a former ally.

Although this is somewhat of a continuation to Secret Weapons, most of the likable protagonists only get bit parts. While it is pleasant to see them, it’s not quite as humorous. That said, the return of the artistic duo of Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín is truly welcoming. Resembling a combination of David Aja and Frank Quitely, the hyper-detailed art provides incredible layouts, mixing small and large panels onto the page, creating such inventive action sequences that show how visually impressive Livewire’s technopathic abilities are.

The Verdict

It’s not as witty as Secret Weapons, but as a standalone limited series, Vita Ayala tells a compelling character arc of its eponymous hero, greatly visualized by the artistic collaboration of Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín.

Livewire Vol. 1: Fugitive Review
Livewire Vol. 1: Fugitive
Is it good?
It’s not as witty as Secret Weapons, but as a standalone limited series, Vita Ayala tells a compelling character arc of its eponymous hero, greatly visualized by the artistic collaboration of Raúl Allén and Patricia Martín.
A dramatic showcase of a flawed hero, told through present action and flashbacks.
The impressive artistry that provides a unique spin on the superhero genre.
Pre-existing knowledge of the Valiant universe might be helpful.
More from the Secret Weapons themselves would’ve been nice.
8
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup