RESURGENCE: BLOODSHOT (VALIANT COMICS/ALIEN BOOKS)

With Dr. Silk promising paradise, the Valiant Universe has been torn in half. Some are buying into a life without death. Others are resisting the temptation of the Faustian deal. Each hero has something to gain or lose. One with a vested interest is BLOODSHOT.

The enigmatic killing machine wants to save his family. There is another party more concerned with saving a world gone mad. Something has to give.

RESURGENCE: BLOODSHOT by Fred Van Lente, Rodrigo Rocha, Leo Lujan, Brushu Studio, Ludwig Olimba and Ezequiel Inverni puts the deadly soldier across a foe that knows him all too well: RAI!

Let’s not wait any longer & see who wins this showdown!

RESURGENCE: BLOODSHOT by Fred Van Lente, Rodrigo Rocha, Leo Lujan, Brushu Studio, Ludwig Olimba and Ezequiel Inverni (valiant comics/ Alien Books - cover: Fernando Baldo)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

For longtime Valiant readers, there will be much to enjoy with this throwdown. If you are new to Valiant, they always lead off with a great “new readers” page. Instantly, you’re caught up to speed just enough to join the story. For this issue, the back story for Bloodshot is longer. There is a purpose for this. Once the fight gets started, there’s more of a connection to feel what he’s fighting for.

The conflict becomes very violent in a hurry. Knowing both heroes, this delivers on may fronts. Van Lente pens a strategic match in between the broken bones. Literally. Both characters utilize their abilities to their max. Only then do readers start seeing the personalities come out. Bloodshot comes off very brash to the reserved Rai. It’s a reflection of both strengths. As the combat marches on, it eventually hits a breaking point. One plays for keeps and executes a unique move for victory The fallout plays into a solid conclusion for now but not forever.

The art never shies away from the brutality of the fight. It only delays the inevitable with the opening pages. Taking readers into a longer look at Bloodshot’s drive cements why he does as he does. It doesn’t take long to shift gears into the main event.

The fight begins with an artist switch-up. Lujan spares no expense on presenting a vicious showdown. It is one not for the weak of stomach. The panels reflect the desperation for each fighter’s cause. It eventually leads to some unique spots. Seeing Bloodshot react in most scenes covers a wide ground base. It leads to a near half page conclusion image. Events may be over for now but the art deems there will be more to come.

FINAL POINT: 7.8

The billing of “Soldier vs Samurai” lives up to the marquee in this Resurgence spin-off. Van Lente pens a brutal throwdown centered on noble causes. The art holds nothing back as two unstoppable forces unleash Hell on the other. This is a fight that will have readers wanting one more round.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on RESURGENCE: BLOODSHOT. Thanks for reading!

RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #2 (Valiant Comics/Alien Books)

Live forever? That is the question plaging the Valiant Universe. Dr. Silk is promising immortality. Flamingo has been brought back from the dead. The concept is polarizing. Some heroes disagree. Others might be leaning into the thought. Sides are being drawn as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #2 by Fred Van Lente, AJ Ampadu, Guillermo Fajardo, Julio Azamor, Lautaro Ftuli, Ludwig Olimba and Ezequiel Inverni (Valiant Comics/Alien Books) continues the multi character event!

Let’s see where events stand now!

RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #2 by Fred Van Lente, AJ Ampadu, Guillermo Fajardo, Julio Azamor, Lautaro Ftuli, Ludwig Olimba and Ezequiel Inverni (Valiant Comics/Alien Books)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The writing leans into Silk’s division of the heroes. Seeing the formation of sides leads to some unique pairings. Faith and Flamingo crossing paths is a prime example. The confrontation becomes less than cordial. Events go from bad to worse as Silk’s “supporters” unite. The action picks up as a spy is tries gaining intel. What follows next continues the path of putting personal choices ahead of the overall good. The result leads to more fun match-ups of classic characters with the backdrop of a world broken. Readers are left with a closing image setting the stage for a bigger conflict to finally unfold.

The art delivers a big debut for a classic pair of “hereos”. The near full page shot of Quantum and Woody welcomes them into the conflict in their own way. Seeing the formation of Silk’s Supporters tips off some great action panels. Faith’s struggle to fight the onslaught conveys the dramatic impact of Silk’s promises. This builds towards a greater lead-in to the overall situation. Closing the book is a defiant splash page that sets the tone for the big fight forthcoming.

The side story with Azamor art reflects the human aspect of Silk’s deeds. Its’ imagery is very grounded as the violence starts escalating. Events lead to a fever pitch as a turn in events mirrors the dark side of the beliefs that Silk has been selling. It offers a great counterpoint to the heroes’ flawed conflict.

FINAL POINT: 8

Valiant’s big crossover event continues with more fan favorite characters jumping in the fray. Solid writing and art move things along with tension mounting on every page. Readers will much to say about the matches paired off within these pages.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on RESURGENCE OF THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #2. Thanks for reading!