Armored has been an unexpectedly strong indie comic from Michael Schwartz, with issue #5 wrapping up the first arc to the series. It’s mix of fantasy, teen drama, and complex feelings of loss and belonging has been a joy to read, and one hopes the title will receive more attention from a larger audience in the months to come.
Plot wise, issue #5 finds the Armor now in Myles’s hands, Andy’s adoptive brother brought back from the dead and struggling with his identity, forcing a confrontation between the two. The looming threat intensifies as a mysterious force tries to exploit Myles’s insecurities and emotions. As Sir William’s time slips away, Andy teams up with Tamina, racing to free Myles from this influence and prevent the entire town from succumbing to a fate far worse than death. In doing so, Myles begins to overcome the lingering doubts about his adoptive family and resists the entity’s manipulations, setting the stage for future adventures in its concluding pages.
Clover Press
Written by Michael Schwartz and brought to life through the vibrant and expressive water-colored illustrations of Ismael Hernández, this issue, and the entire storyline it wraps up, exemplifies how artful storytelling, relatable characters, and a confident visual style can work together to produce something special. It’s a comic that embraces a younger readership without ever talking down to them, while still being engaging for older readers like me. It balances accessible themes and straightforward plotting with subtle complexity and expressive depth that even seasoned comic fans will appreciate.
In much the same vein as Jeff Smith’s Bone, the series uses an inviting, colorful aesthetic as an entry point, gently easing readers into a surprisingly rich and resonant tale brimming with heart and personality. It’s that deft interplay between a youthful surface and a more layered core that makes this book feel timeless and worth reader’s attention. Hopefully, we will see a graphic novel version of this first five issue arc in the near future, as I can see it being a hit in libraries.
Armored #5, and the entire first run it wraps up, is an excellent comic with a clear vision and purpose. Beneath its inviting surface lies a narrative rich with emotional depth. It’s a series that knows how to speak to younger audiences without losing the substance and nuance that keeps more experienced fans returning for more.
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