X-O Manowar #9 Covers

 

X-O Manowar #9 Cover A by Rahzzah

Rahzzah has contributed some hauntingly beautiful Cover A's for this second story arc, and each looks ripped directly from that issue's pages. Here we see Troy Whitaker in control of the world, drunk with the power of the nanite storm that he wields, while Aric lays defeated before him. Can there be any hope for Aric and Shanhara? 

I'm especially drawn to the nanite swarm, or the Hive Mind, or the Singularity (whatever you want to call it) in this cover. The pixels remind me of how Whitaker used the singularity to entrap and control Shanhara. But notice the shape they form above and behind Whitaker. It hints at a theme, and a key plot point you'll discover in X-O Manowar #9.

X-O Manowar #9 Cover B by Michael Cho

Michael Cho's cover is beautiful in its simplicity. He certainly has a gift for depth and proportion. The colors also form stark contrasts. Aric's hand looks as if it is reaching out beyond the cover. "Careful, Aric! I don't want your laser sword to burn me!"

And what about those shards of Shanhara behind and above Aric's thigh? Does it suggest that the armor is breaking down? Or is Shanhara reforming?

This is an exceptionally strong portrait. Valiant already used it for their X-O Manowar #5 Cover B. If you loved it then, but couldn't locate a copy, you've got another chance to pick up this beauty.

X-O Manowar #9 Pre-Order Cover by Tyler Kirkham & Arif Prianto

Valiant used this beautiful image by Tyler Kirkham and Arif Prianto as an advertisement in an earlier issue. When I saw it, I thought, "It's so good. I wonder why Valiant didn't use it as a cover?" Well, now they have! 

I love how it shows Aric in his gleaming new Whitaker-upgraded suit, with a closeup profile of his face seemingly formed by the rising smoke--or by clouds--in the background. The glowing moon in the sky also brightens this scene. But nothing shows more brilliance that Aric's sword, which sends flames searing through the titles.

With New York City seemingly in flames, I can't help thinking back to the story of Aric fighting the warlord Yakiov in X-O Manowar #4. Well, we know how that battle went! But can Aric and Shanhara defeat Troy Whitaker and the Singularity in X-O Manowar #9? 

You can learn the answers to all your questions, and see how this groundbreaking series ends, when you pick up your favorite cover--or all three--at your local comic shop this coming Wednesday.

Dragon Dave