The Harbinger #5 Review

 

The Harbinger #5 Cover B by Isaac Goodhart

Much of The Harbinger #5 finds Peter Stanchek scrambling to clean up The Renegade's mess. Remember how Peter and his gang traveled around the country during Valiant Entertainment's first Harbinger series, trying to raise psiot-powered resistance to Toyo Harada's goal of world domination? Now the man who shares his brain--The Renegade--has been traveling around Chicago's Psiot City, activating any latent psiot he meets.

The centerpiece battle of The Harbinger #5 concerns Peter's battle with one particular psiot. You may find the panel below particularly interesting, with this giant monster ravaging an art museum. Note how artist Robbi Rodriguez has cast the bystanders in silhouette, and given the statue a 3D photographic look.

The new psiots' transformations are comparable to how people changed into Inhumans after the Terrigen bomb exploded in the Marvel Universe. This kaiju-like monster in The Harbinger #5 reminds me how the Valiant character Animalia manifested her power in Harbinger Wars, Generation Zero, and other series.

 

Check out the way Peter finds a nonviolent means of pacifying the raging monster in the smooth panel sequence below. The citizens of Psiot City, influenced by The Renegade, are not all rage-fueled villains. Most are good people, suddenly imbued with overwhelming power. 

Much like Peter himself.

Young Ago seemed like a shout-first-think-later type in The Harbinger #2. I like how he seems to have matured into an effective partner for Peter.

Their friend, the latent psiot Cici, wans to support Peter, and talk him through his dilemma. She also wins the award for more hair color changes by one character in a Valiant series. I get the sense that some time has passed since the last issue, judging by how her bangs have grown.

At the Knowhere Games & Comics signing for The Harbinger #1, writer Collin Kelly told me that Valiant Entertainment had not yet contracted with them beyond the first four issues. Perhaps this explains why artist writer Robbi Rodriguez's artwork sometimes looks less sharp and detailed than in previous issues.

Still, it's great to see Faith back in action. And fair warning: she's not exactly the happy, easy-going Faith we're used to.

Lastly, Peter may have destroyed The Warning's headquarters in The Harbinger #3, but that doesn't mean all its members have fled Psiot City. In The Harbinger #5, we learn more about one character's past, as well as his future plans.

According to my informal poll, nine out of ten psiots enjoyed reading The Harbinger #5. As for this non-psiot reviewer, I appreciate the continuity of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing ongoing monthly story, rather than having to wait months between story arcs. While a part of me yearns for a return to the standardized, almost photorealistic look of earlier Harbinger titles, I love Robbi Rodriguez's distinctive Manga-style art, Rico Renzi's wild coloring, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou innovative lettering.

 

The Harbinger #5 continues to weave Peter's past into his present, while invigorating the franchise with fun new characters. Events force him to constantly evaluate who he is, and how his actions impact others. While tackling difficult moral issues in a mature fashion, Peter and his friends don't sink into a morass of self-pity or self-loathing. Nor do our heroes get so lost that they start to resemble villains. 

Keep Peter Stanchek's new adventures coming, Valiant Entertainment, and I'll keep reading The Harbinger!

Dragon Dave

Three Exciting New Titles As The Year Of Valiant Rocks On

 

THE YEAR OF VALIANT CONTINUES WITH THREE NEW TITLES: 

X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED, 

BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED 

& BOOK OF SHADOWS

 

 

THE YEAR OF VALIANT, a year-long campaign focused on putting fans first with each and every comic, continues to explore deeper into the iconic Valiant shared universe with three brand-new titles: BOOK OF SHADOWS, BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED, and X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED.

 

Promo Art by Riccardo Latina & Nick Filardi

 

SHADOWMAN. PUNK MAMBO. ETERNAL WARRIOR. DOCTOR MIRAGE. And [CLASSIFIED]. The supernatural protectors of the Valiant Universe unite for the very first time to stand against a terrifying ancient threat. No one is safe as Exarch Fane has his cold hands on the Book of Shadows. From the master of horror CULLEN BUNN and rising star artist RICCARDO LATINA, BOOK OF SHADOWS is a supernatural event that forms a brand-new team in the Valiant Universe... but will they be enough to stop Exarch Fane's wrath? The all-new team arrives this July.

 

Promo Art by Jon-Davis Hunt

 

When living weapons break out of a top-secret facility, the nanite-infused supersoldier BLOODSHOT must journey across the United States to stop these twisted and lethal creations from unleashing more bloodshed and devastation on the neglected small towns and forgotten corners of the country. Will Bloodshot need to kill all of them... or can some of them be redeemed just like he was? 

From Ringo Award-nominated writer DENIZ CAMP and acclaimed artist JON DAVIS-HUNT comes BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED, the popular character's first mature readers story that truly lives up to its name. The mayhem begins this September.

 

Promo Art by Liam Sharp

 

Aric of Dacia is X-O MANOWAR, a relentless and brave warrior torn from the past who wields the most powerful sentient armor in the universe. When X-O's latest battle brings him into uncharted cosmic territory, he encounters a powerful enemy that will rip open old wounds and force Aric into treacherous, uncertain waters. Fan-favorite co-writers BECKY CLOONAN and MICHAEL W. CONRAD are joined by blockbuster artist LIAM SHARP to present X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED, a gripping sci-fi epic that embraces the beloved character's history while challenging him in a whole new way. X-O’s next battle begins this November.

These three new titles come on the heels of THE YEAR OF VALIANT featuring 'Deadside War' within the pages of SHADOWMAN, FAITH soaring in THE HARBINGER, a new rebellion brewing in the cosmos in ARMORCLADS, and the eagerly-anticipated return of the adventurous duo in ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER.

Contact your local comic shop about pre-ordering BOOK OF SHADOWS, BLOODSHOT UNLEASHED, and X-O MANOWAR UNCONQUERED. Additional information about each title will be revealed in the coming months. Stay Valiant, everyone.

The Harbinger #5 Covers

 

The Harbinger #5 Cover A by Robbi Rodriguez

Robbi Rodriguez's monstrous cover A for The Harbinger #5 features a character long time Valiant readers have met before. I won't tell you who it is, and spoil the surprise. However, if you haven't read Joshua Dysart's Harbinger run, as well as Valiant Entertainment's initial Bloodshot run, now might be a good time to revisit those awesome series. 

Oh, and while you're at it, add the first Harbinger Wars crossover event to your reading list. You'll be glad you did.

The Harbinger #5 Cover B by Isaac Goodhart

As promised, this issue brings back a very special character to Valiant's Harbinger universe. Here's a clue: she's featured on Isaac Goodhart's The Harbinger #5 Cover B. So while after you've read (or re-read) Bloodshot, Harbinger, and Harbinger Wars, you might want to add the first four-issue Faith miniseries, the next 12 issue Faith series, and all the other great Faith stories Valiant Entertainment has published since then.

In case you're not familiar with Isaac's work, he's worked on Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace, Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale, and Victor and Nora: A Gotham Love Story over at DC. According to the Image website, he got his start in comics by winning the Top Cow talent hunt in 2013, and after working on Artifacts #3, contributed regularly to the series Postal. You can check out more of his work on Twitter.

Lastly, if you're a Pre-Order fan, and you enjoyed Damion Scott's four-issue connecting covers for The Harbinger #1-4, it looks like another connecting cover series is coming your way, courtesy of the great Ibrahim Moustafa. Ibrahim needs no introduction to Pre-Order fans, after contributing his awesome Ninjak #1 Pre-Order Cover! His new cover for The Harbinger #5 should please Harbinger fans, and fit nicely alongside his Ninjak cover, given this one's predominant background cover.

The Harbinger #5 Pre-Order Cover by Ibrahim Moustafa

I love how Ibrahim's Pre-Order Cover shows The Harbinger, Young Ago, and Cici hovering above Psiot City. After reading my review copy of The Harbinger #5, I think I know who that figure is in the background. If you re-read all those series I suggested earlier, you may share my suspicions too. 

I'm most intrigued by those glowing eyes in the sky. Do they represent The Renegade, or someone else? Or could they represent Psiot City itself, perhaps in the form of a shared consciousness, after its citizens opened their minds to Peter Stanchek in the last issue? 

In any case, Ibrahim's cover has an appealing spacey look. It reminds me of scenes from some of my favorite movies, including the 2008 "Journey to the Center of the Earth", "Avatar", and "The Empire Strikes Back". Those films may be a little obscure, but if you haven't seen them yet, you might want to seek them out. That is, after you reread Bloodshot, Harbinger, Harbinger Wars, and all the series of Faith that I suggested. 

Then, after all that reading (and viewing), get down to your local comic store this coming Wednesday, February 23, so you can feast your glowing eyes on all three great covers for The Harbinger #5!

Dragon Dave

The Harbinger #5 Preview Pages

 

The Harbinger #5 Cover A by Robbi Rodriguez

The good folks at Valiant Entertainment have been kind enough to share the inside front cover and six pages of The Harbinger #5 with us. Fresh on the revelation that Peter Stanchek and The Renegade are--in a sense--one and the same, this new story arc promises fresh revelations and a very special (and dear to us) guest star. Hold onto your Harbinger and Valiant hats, everyone: the next explosive chapter of The Harbinger is gonna light up your life! 

Inside Front Cover

Preview Page 1

Preview Page 2

Preview Page 3

Preview Pages 4 & 5

Preview Page 4

Preview Pages 5

Preview Page 6

 

Fun stuff, right? Can't wait to see the rest of the story?

Have no fear: Peter Stanchek, the Renegade, and The Harbinger #5 will explode your local comic shop this coming Wednesday, February 23rd!

Dragon Dave

Shadowman #6 Review: A Visit to Arclight Hospital

 

Shadowman #6 Pre-Order Cover by Pedro Andreo & Andrew Dalhouse

From the moment I arrived at Arclight Hospital, I knew I'd have a horribly good time.

I'd already filled out most of the forms in the Shadowman #6 admission packet. Grave letterer Clayton Cowles helped me slash through the rest of the paperwork.

Underwriter Cullen Bunn filled the entire ward with a terrific ambiance. This kept me grimly determined to see the procedure through.

 

The alarmingly artistic Pedro Andreo made me anxious to take up residence in my gently distressed private room.

No pre-operative procedures proved necessary. Nor did I have to wait around, filled with trepidation, while I awaited my scheduled surgery. When I felt ready, I made my way to the room where others fear to tread.

I found the doctor and his frightfully friendly staff waiting for me.

 

They listened to the concerns that most distressed and agitated me.

Covid-19 safety restrictions naturally make family and friends cower at the thought of visiting hospitals these days.

Arclight Hospital doesn't enforce scary policies like mask-wearing and social distancing. Even colorist Jordie Bellaire's dreadfully direct friend, Punk Mambo, felt no unease, as the staff doesn't fear second-hand smoke.

After my procedure, nurses visited my room often. They always demanded I rate my pain on a scale of one to ten, with one being mildly disturbing, and ten being electrifying agony. 

 

When I answered two or higher, the staff leapt into action to relieve my pain.

They were always quick to offer a joke or fun anecdote to relieve my unease. In fact, they kept me in stitches the entire time.

I look forward to returning to Arclight Hospital, as my first visit proved such a frightfully beneficial experience.

To schedule an appointment at Arclight Hospital, stop by your local comic book store, and ask for a Shadowman #6 admission packet. Believe me: you'll be terribly glad you did.

Dragon Dave

Shadowman #6 Preview Pages

 

Shadowman #6 Cover B by Adam Gorham

Shadowman #6 finds our hero Jack Boniface in Missouri, well over a day's drive from his usual haunts of New Orleans. He searches an abandoned hospital, closed due to rumors and accusations of the gravest kind. In a darkened ward, he finds a student of Dr. Victor Frankenstein's methods, a butcher who cobbles together bodies for spirits of the Deadside to inhabit. 

Once again, Jack seeks to make peace with those seeking a new home in our world. But it seems nothing escapes the Deadside, which has taken on the form and consciousness of a beautiful woman. Even if these misguided spirits would listen to Jack's pleas, will she?

As powerful as he is, Shadowman cannot take on the Deadside alone. Thankfully for him--and us--he's got friends. Here's a few preview pages, ripped from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Pedro Andreo's hands, for you to devour.

Enjoy!

Fearful? Afraid of what comes next? Rejoice! Shadowman #6 goes on sale today!

Dragon Dave

Shadowman #6 Covers

 

Shadowman #6 Cover A by Jon Davis-Hunt

Shadowman #6 rocks with the second part of the Deadside War arc. Well, a war needs armies, and who better to rally to Shadowman's aid than his old friend Punk Mambo? I love the windblown look Jon Davis-Hunt gives this cover. The way Shadowman's scythe doesn't quite form up before him, but solidifies closer to Punk Mambo's burning pentagram, makes interesting commentary on the importance of teamwork.

Shadowman #6 Cover B by Adam Gorham

Shadowman #6 continues to rock the horror homage covers. Offhand, I'm not sure what classic horror movie Adam Gorham is riffing here*, but I love the symmetry of the cloud of spirits and the angularity of Shadowman. Could you get a more dead-on shot of Shadowman, equally poised from left to right?

Adam's portrayal makes the spirits seem fluid, whereas Shadowman looks forged from metal: perhaps copper, with the way he's weathering. 

Shadowman #6 Pre-Order Cover by Pedro Andreo

Pedro Andreo's cover rocks with the energy of Shadowman #6. It also hints at some of the guest stars you'll find in the issue. I don't want to give too much away, but the ring in the lower right corner is significant. Flowing lines of power unite all these people: friends and foes alike. The Deadside War may not have reached its climax, but as this cover promises, Shadowman #6 delivers revelations and battles galore. 

Congratulations to Jon Davis-Hunt, Adam Gorham, and Pedro Andreo on these covers of haunting beauty!

Dragon Dave

*It appears Adam is riffing on the original poster art for the 1985 horror film "Fright Night." The movie, which has gone on to become a cult classic, spawned a 1988 sequel, a remake in 2011, and a sequel to that in 2013. Now Tom Holland, director of the original "Fright Night", plans to make a followup to his 1985 classic that ignores the 1988 sequel. Very cool homage, Adam Gorham!

Rising Star Sweeney Boo

 

The Harbinger #1 Knowhere Cover by Sweeney Boo

 

Knowhere Games & Comics often commissions unique covers for his customers. This store cover, to celebrate the launch of Valiant's new Harbinger series is actually the second one created by artist Sweeney Boo. The first one, it seems, was rejected.

According to store owner Mathias Lewis, she first proposed a historical theme. Remember the beloved cinema classic "Gone With The Wind"? Apparently Sweeney cast psiot Peter Stanchek as Rhett Butler, with Cici standing in for Scarlett O'Hara. While he thought it outstandingly beautiful, Mathias reluctantly passed on her first proposal, as he thought Valiant might object.

But if Sweeney Boo had surprised him with her first beautiful--if not quite appropriate--proposal, she astounded him with her second. Apparently, she got back to him in less than a day with this beauty. Not only was it fully colored, but she also presented him with two other color schemes. Mathias was so knocked out that he told her, "I can't decide. I'll take them all!"

Incidentally, Mathias approached her a few weeks later to do another project, only to learn that she was booked up with commissions for the next few months. Will history follow his prediction that she will be one of the hottest talents in the comics industry? We can only wait and see...

Dragon Dave

To see all the available covers from Knowhere Games & Comics, click the link below.

Knowhere Games & Comics Online Shop