December 28, 2022

Ken M

Entertainment, Valiant Entertainment, Pop Culture, Comics

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #4 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

December 28, 2022

Ken M

Entertainment, Valiant Entertainment, Pop Culture, Comics

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast.

For this entry, we’re checking out the latest chapter in Valiant Entertainment’s MATURE READERS vision of one of their franchise characters: Bloodshot. BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #4 by DENIZ CAMP, ERIC ZAWADZKI (filling in for Jon Davis-Hunt for this issue), JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU gives readers much to process as this latest story pushes Raymond Garrison to the brink. The challenges presented thus far have been a burst of creative energy that has given new life to Bloodshot. After reading this series, there’s no turning back. THIS is the definite take on the character.

Note: This title is a Mature Readers one and some of the imagery shown in the issue and blog post is intense. That said, If you’re good to continue, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening here, shall we?

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #4
Creative: DENIZ CAMP, ERIC ZAWADZKI, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover B by NICOLE RIFKIN
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

As with the majority of Valiant comics, there is a great “new readers” page to catch anyone up to speed of what is unfolding in a series. This current run has been focusing on Bloodshot cleaning up the government’s mess of loose “Spent Shells”. These “Shells” are walking weapons that the powers that be deemed too dangerous fr the public. Now running free throughout the US, Bloodshot is the only one capable of stopping them. The past three issues have consisted of “One and Done” missions which works within the boundaries set up with this new mission.

For this issue, readers see a disturbing scene of officers tied up with barbed wire. Bloodshot has arrived on the scene and is immediately shot through the chest! The shooter is a “Spent Shell” named Verlane. As he’s passing out from the wound, Bloodshot is transported into a flashback time with his “wife, daughter and dog”. What should be a happy night playing video games with the family turns into a devastating explosion with Hobbes standing in the center. The setting of the explosion will look very familiar to readers of issue #1 of this series. When Bloodshot awakes from the Hobbes moment, he’s in pursuit of Verlane who’s staked out and defending himself from what he perceives as a monster hunting him. Just as Bloodshot is about to approach Verlane, he realizes he’s walked into another trap.

Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they bare witness to Bloodshot fight two enemies at the same time…but in different times Regardless when, the action never stops as it heads into its final act. Once there, the ending may thrown some off but it is a satisfying one for where this mission was heading. No disappointment here. It’s done in a way that’s all Bloodshot.

Bloodshot can be a challenge to write. An unstoppable killing machine needs to be tested each time out and pushed to their limits. Camp has proven time in and time out that this can be successfully done. This issue is no exception. Shifting between both time periods can be difficult but how Camp sets these jumps to unfold works to great success. Verlane’s ending was a great swerve to what readers have witnessed thus far with this book. The ending may thrown some for a second read, but it works as a great change of pace to what we’ve seen thus far with this book.

Zawadzki takes the art reigns for this month and doesn’t switch anything away too far of from what has made this book such a hit. The big action scenes are sprinkled throughout, but where this issue really shines is the emotional toll being portrayed. Readers can feel the anguish of the Hobbes storyline fallout and how it all ties into Verlane’s portion. The final image leaves a great lasting visual until next time.

FINAL POINT: No one captures the voice of Bloodshot like Deniz Camp. Bloodshot Unleashed #4 brings forth excellent storytelling and art as Valiant’s anti-hero continues his fantastic run with no restrictions of how far the creative team wants to push the limits in his new status quo. Do not pass up picking up this book and series when at the local comic shop this week.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Bloodshot Unleashed #4. Thanks for reading.

November 23, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #3 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

November 23, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book blog to the ODPH podcast! For this entry, we’re taking another look at one of the best versions of a franchise character from Valiant Entertainment. BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #3 by DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU continues its captivating tale and portrayal of the high profile character. Note: This title is a Mature Readers one and some of the imagery shown in the issue and blog post is intense. That said, If you’re good to continue, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening here, shall we?

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #3 - On Sale November 23rd
Creative: DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE, HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover C by JUAN JOSE RYP
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Opening page is the Valiant staple for new readers with a quick once-over of what’s going on. This run of Bloodshot has focused on his mission of taking care of rogue super agents that the government even thought were too dangerous. Two issues in and THIS has been a great depiction of what Bloodshot should be. He is broken, flawed and ruthlessly committed to getting the job done. It’s made for a must-read each time out.

The story kicks off with a mother in labor. What she births is anything but a child, much to the delight of those assisting her. The story then progresses to a serum in an older rural church. Two attendees will stand out to Valiant readers. One is Bloodshot. The Other is the franchise face of Valiant himself: X-O Manowar! Both are undercover hearing what the pastor is saying…with a snake slithering around his shoulders. There are some flashback scenes where the pair of heroes are discussing the enemy they’re both in conflict with. An alien race that the government has known about since 1979 and was using in warfare attacks. Now loose to the public, X-O and Bloodshot must stop it from spreading.

The pair have different ideas of how to handle the threat and form a reluctant pact to get the job done. With hearing what the pastor has to say, they follow the congregation to an unknown location. From there, readers see how the heroes are set up and in over their heads. How do they survive this situation? Can they survive each other long enough? Readers will have their answers with plenty of action and violence mixed in with an outcome some won’t see coming.

Camp has really captured Bloodshot’s voice and made him such a complex character. Valiant allowing a Mature readers book for the character helps showcase how flawed and brutal he can be. It couldn’t be in better hands than Camp. Seeing the dynamic between the two heroes made for an enjoyable read. Another aspect of this book which always jumps out is how Bloodshot deals with the false memories implanted in his mind. Readers get to see how damaged he is from what’s been done to him, yet he still pushes forward when it’s time for the mission. The resolution to what happens here wasn’t a huge swerve persay but seeing how the choice was made to finalize the ending jumped off the page. It was excellent pacing to keep things moving while letting the story grow. It’s epilogue played well to close the issue out with tying it back to the overall character of Bloodshot.

Davis-Hunt drawing monsters was a great reminder of his work on Shadowman with Cullen Bunn. The elements in play for the story brought some intense scenes for this book. Seeing how the pastor was fully entranced into the message of the alien was a difficult read for the right reasons. The body language given off showed how utterly committed the congregation had become and what steps the heroes were needing to go to free them. The action and violence played factors here. There are quite a few scenes where Bloodshot goes over and above what simpler heroes would to complete the task. The scenes with X-O were great complements to the seriousness of the story’s nature as well.

Final Point: The brutal adventures of one of Valiant Entertainment’s most high profile characters continues its ferocious and intense run without a missing a beat. Even with the addition of another superhero heavyweight in tow, Camp, Davis-Hunt and the team carve out their corner of Valiant with another can’t miss issue. Make sure to add this book to your collection on new comic book day!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Bloodshot Unleashed #3. Thanks for reading.

October 26, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #2 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT)

October 26, 2022

Ken M

Comics, Entertainment, Pop Culture, Valiant Entertainment

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the complementary comic book blog to the ODPH Podcast! For this entry, we’re reloaded on the latest tale of Valiant Entertainment’s wildly popular anti-hero. BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #2 by DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU continues the explosive Mature readers debut story that fans have been buzzing about. THIS is the version Valiant fans want on screen for the Vin Diesel sequel for the 2020 movie! Note: This take on Bloodshot isn’t meant for younger readers so discretion is advised. If you’re good to go, so am I, so let’s discuss the latest adventure shall we?

**BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED #2** - On Sale October 26th
Creative DENIZ CAMP, JON DAVIS-HUNT, JORDIE BELLAIRE and HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
**Cover C by** ALEX GARNER
Credit: Valiant Entertainment

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARING ***

Two things before we get started: 1. LOOK at that cover by Alex Garner! 2. Nobody does a recap page like Valiant. Every issue is a “welcome to new readers” which I wish more companies utilized.

This issue picks up with Bloodshot’s latest assignment: eliminate the loose Walking Weapons who are terrorizing the United States. Who’s more qualified than the walking force of Nature himself? Readers don’t wait as the action pops off on the first page. Bloodshot is battling one of the escapee weapons. However, the BIG difference form last issue is the young boy crying “Daddy!” Before readers can grasp what is unfolding, the story shifts to a earlier time. Bloodshot and his “son” are on their way to Hope, Michigan. While undercover, Bloodshot is questioning residents of the town who are visibly sick. The reason: Radiation Poisoning. The cause: an escapee weapon.

With some further digging, it’s revealed that the Lombard motors factory is the site of the poison leak. Bloodshot makes his way to the factory. While there, readers get some clarity on who the young boy is hanging around Bloodshot. It’s solid reveal and makes perfect sense. There’s little time to celebrate that discovery as the latest weapon makes their presence felt. How does Bloodshot handle this threat? Will this be just another day at the office or is there more going on that he’s not ready for. Readers shouldn’t expect a sophomore slump here as all the overtones of the previous issue carry on stronger here.

Camp doesn’t pull any punches with the themes in this issue. Bloodshot is still a broken character trying to put things together. The story with his “son” was a great change-of-pace complement to the overall mission going on. Camp’s Bloodshot is extremely flawed from his past and seeing how he deals with it in his own unapologetic manner is one of the book’s stronger elements. Being a Mature Readers book, there’s nothing holding the creativity back. Take a look at how Bloodshot and his “Boy” have their interactions throughout this book. Camp excels at bringing this toughness to the forefront. The action is paced well to balance out the story. It’s a high quality with all these elements going on that we haven’t even dived into this issue’s antagonist. There’s a lot of win with this comic.

Davis-Hunt raises the bar up for the art with the visuals featured here. the effects of the radiation are horrific and gives an added feeling of uncomfortable lows to the event unfolding. Another strong visual moment was Bloodshot addressing his “son” at the Motor Factory. The range of emotional features shown pops off the page. It is overshadowed by the intense action sequences when the battle finally happens here. The battle panels in the factory do NOT disappoint. There’s no quiet moments here. The brutality shines thru. When “Unleashed” is in the title, it should be reflected in the product. It definitely is here.

Final Point: The “Unleashed” in the title doesn’t just mean the well known character of Bloodshot. “Unleashed” means Camp, Davis-Hunt and the team take the anti-hero into some captivating directions in correlation to his mysterious past. The mission he’s on here never softens the blow it hits readers with from the opening page to close. THIS is the Bloodshot we’ve all been waiting for. Don’t miss tis book at the LLCS this week!

Hit me up on Twitter and let me know what you thought of Bloodshot Unleashed #2. Thanks for reading!