Welcome back for another edition of Parlay Points, the complementary blog to the ODPH Podcast! On this edition, we’re continuing the adventures of Aric from Dacia in X-O Manowar #6 by Valiant Entertainment. Last issue’s return set up the stage for a conflict our hero hasn’t encountered before: his alien armor Shanhara is not operating properly. How does this affect him & the rest of the Valiant Universe? Let’s find out, shall we?
X-O MANOWAR #6
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art by EMILIO LAISO
Inks by RAFFAELE FORTE
Colors by RUTH REDMOND
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by RAHZZAH
Cover B by CHRIS JOHNSON
Pre-order Cover by JEFF DEKAL
On sale SEPTEMBER 22nd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
After last issue’s cliffhanger , we see Aric has been sidelined trying to figure out what is the issue with Shanhara. After “having” a breakthrough, it seems as the armor has recovered. During some routine tasks, readers see that not everything is what it seems. This escalates after Aric confronts a threat he previously encountered. Shanhara is definitely not the same & is noticeably different in demeanor & actions. Once the mystery is figured out, it’s too late. There’s a very dramatic ending to this issue & a whole lot of questions raised for our hero moving forward.
X-O MANOWAR #6
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art by EMILIO LAISO
Inks by RAFFAELE FORTE
Colors by RUTH REDMOND
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by RAHZZAH
Cover B by CHRIS JOHNSON
Pre-order Cover by JEFF DEKAL
On sale SEPTEMBER 22nd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
X-O MANOWAR #6
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art by EMILIO LAISO
Inks by RAFFAELE FORTE
Colors by RUTH REDMOND
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by RAHZZAH
Cover B by CHRIS JOHNSON
Pre-order Cover by JEFF DEKAL
On sale SEPTEMBER 22nd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
Hopeless really gives Aric & Shanhara’s relationship a new spin this issue. Their bond is pushed very well. Aric is clearly lost without his armor in the beginning of this issue. Once reunited, Hopeless does a great job teasing things are not what they seem until we get to the climax point. The friction between these two carries this book. It helps sell the big ending & Aric coming to grips with things not being ok with his armor.
Laiso’s art balances out this issue with action & showing the symbiotic struggle Aric & Shanhara had. The moment when readers know Shanhara is not right hits hard & the fallout (literally) delivers an epic lose to the book. Great job all around on this book.
X-O MANOWAR #6
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art by EMILIO LAISO
Inks by RAFFAELE FORTE
Colors by RUTH REDMOND
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by RAHZZAH
Cover B by CHRIS JOHNSON
Pre-order Cover by JEFF DEKAL
On sale SEPTEMBER 22nd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
X-O MANOWAR #6
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art by EMILIO LAISO
Inks by RAFFAELE FORTE
Colors by RUTH REDMOND
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by RAHZZAH
Cover B by CHRIS JOHNSON
Pre-order Cover by JEFF DEKAL
On sale SEPTEMBER 22nd | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+
Credit: Valiant Entertainment/DMG Entertainment
Overall, the current saga of Aric of Dacia continues strong in the pages of this issue. There’s great character development along with examining the dynamic between Aric & his armor/partner. Make sure to grab a copy at your local comic shop!
Hit me up on Twitter & let me know what you think of X-O Manowar #6. As always, Thanks for reading!