Bloodshot. X-O Manowar. Ninjak. Shadowman. Eternal Warrior. These individuals have been challenged throughout the years but never like this. One claims to have the power to conquer death with life. Can they stop Dr. Silk from achieving his plans? The better question is “would they want to?”
RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #1 by Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad, Fred Van Lente, AJ Ampadu, Guillermo Fajardo, Julio Azamor, Lautaro Ftuli, Ludwig Olimba and Ezequiel Inverni (Valiant Comics/Alien Books) kicks off a new phase of th e long standing comic universe.
Let’s see how their massive event launches a new era.
RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #1 by Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad, Fred Van Lente, AJ Ampadu, Guillermo Fajardo, Julio Azamor, Lautaro Ftuli, Ludwig Olimba and Ezequiel Inverni (Valiant Comics/Alien Books)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The concept is a very engaging one. Dealing with the notion of immortality puts Dr. Silk in a polarizing position. It also challenges the heroes on a different level. The sub-plot with Chris and his experience makes a run to steal the show. Seeing events play out on a human level (so to speak) throws a new perspective in play. How Silk is winning over the public with his claims proves to spiral more conflict than he might be bargained for.
Long time Valiant fans will be very excited to see the return of a classic character. How said character’s resurrection will play long term is anyone’s guess but adds to the event feel. Short term, it adds a wildcard into the mix of Silk vs. Ivar (Timewalker). The rest of the event does give time for the key Valiant heroes to get into position. Readers will enjoy the interaction as tensions slowly begin to wear away. The close offers a good landing spot for where things lead next as there is much left to work out along the way.
Fajardo and Azamor split art duties for this initial chapter. There is a fair amount of panels that feature the heroes in their natural state of fighting conflict. The initial start with Giann, Tara and Savage sets a solid pace for the rest of the heroes to follow along with.
The resurrection of a certain Harbinger comes across with a near full page image. It leads into bringing Silk’s vision to the masses. Azamor’s art provides a contrast in style. It helps to break up the timelines, giving Chris’s story time to grow. The closing act brings the heroes together long enough to start building on how to handle events. X-O’s lead into the next chapter concludes a very steady issue on its way to announce Valiant is back.
FINAL POINT: 8.1
Valiant’s event of 2024 lays a solid foundation behind a strong ethical theme. The writing shows off both sides of Silk’s actions, bringing both readers and leaders on board. The art captures much of the heroic moments that come with a crossover of this magnitude. If there was ever a time to start or jump back into Valiant, the time is now!
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