X-O Manowar #5 Spotlight: Lettering

 

X-O Manowar #5 Cover B by Michael Cho

In X-O Manowar #5, letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou shares Aric's thoughts on his relationship with Shanhara. As the 5th Century Visigoth's sentient armor is traditionally blue and yellow, Hassan edges the thought-boxes with yellow. 

I like how Aric breathes out Shanhara's name as a metamorphosing bubble, perhaps as his dying breath?

If you're like me, you still haven't made up your mind about Troy Whitaker. But whether or not the billionaire inventor-playboy can be trusted, I think you'll agree that his attempt to hack--and improve--a digital alien techno-consciousness (if that's a word) could have unexpected consequences.

Hassan's use of red for the word "Wrong" reminds us that Troy's recent tinkering has added a little red to Shanhara's appearance.

It's a small thing, but I like this gently rounded black & white box. It seems retro, and reminds me a little of the original 1990s X-O Manowar series I love so much.

Of course, Hassan does an excellent job portraying sound effects,

regardless of the intensity or volume.

 

 

While I like his showy sound effects, I love the way Hassan portrays Aric's difficulty breathing, as Shanhara has ceased to communicate. It makes him appear more vulnerable and relatable.

Later in the story, the sound effects go more primitive. Don't worry: Hassan has not lost his chops. There's a method to his mad...sound effects/lettering style here. But you'll have to read X-O Manowar #5 to learn what that is.

Great job on X-O Manowar #5, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou! Thanks for reminding us just how integral the letterer's role is to the comics we love.

Dragon Dave