Happy Memorial Day

 

However you attack it, hack it, Ninjak-it,

Slice it, dice it, MI-6-it,

Explore it, do more with it, secret-agent-it

Have a valiant Memorial Day!

The Harbinger #8 Review: The Identity You Choose

 

The Harbinger #8 Pre-Order Cover by Caspar Wijngaard

The Harbinger #8 opens with a montage of images. It can be hard to parse them out. But basically, they signal that all our Psiot City Harbingers have their hands full.

In writer Joshua Dysart's Harbinger series, Peter reached into Kris Hathaway's mind, and made her love him. Her love gave him a moment of completeness and peace in his short, tormented life. But as that wasn't her authentic choice--to become his lover--it didn't last.

We must choose our roles in lives. Our identities.

Now, as the Harbinger and the Renegade face off one final time, each must test their own--their recently discovered--identities. Is that who they truly are?

 

As the first page montage suggests, there's more than the Harbinger's identity at stake in The Harbinger #8. Peter activated Cici's latent abilities in the previous issue. Ago has all-too-often used his power--as a living loudspeaker--to impose his views on others. Now each must test their own identities too.

Letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou helps this process along with his careful shaping, staging, and coloring of dialogue balloons. Colorist Rico Renzi reminds us of how dramatically a colorist can elevate comic art. If penciler and inker Robbi Rodriguez couldn't show us everything he was capable of in the previous issues of this second story arc, he's certainly in top form for this final installment.

Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly leaven big sweeping events with welcome injections of humor. 

While bringing back characters Peter Stanchek and Faith Herbert, The Harbinger series ushered in plenty of new ones. Some of these have incredible powers.

Sadly, some we never really got to know all that well. Perhaps characters like the Renegade's friend Thrall, and the members of the Warning, will return in future series.

Personally, I'm wondering if Faith and Blam will return for their own series. They seem to have formed an odd hero/villain relationship.

Most people love Faith for her soft, hug-able side. In The Harbinger, Faith demonstrates she can also be the badass superhero.

Ultimately, The Harbinger #8 leaves us loving all our heroes a little more. While we wait for future series involving Valiant's psiot community, it suggests what their individual futures might hold. 

 

 

The satisfying end to this series leaves us wondering if psiots will gain more acceptance from mainstream society. As for now...

Farewell Ago, Baxter, and Cici, and Faith. Farewell, Peter Stanchek.

 

Farewell, The Harbinger.

Come back soon.

Dragon Dave

The Harbinger #8 Covers

 

The Harbinger #8 Cover A by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ

Interior artist Robbi Rodriguez may have displeased some fans with his unconventional portrayal of Peter Stanchek's world in The Harbinger. But whatever you think of his Manga-style penciling and inking, you have to admire his productivity. Not only has Robbi drawn all eight issues for this uninterrupted monthly run, but he has also contributed a cover for every installment of the series. 

I wonder: can any other recent artist make a similar claim?

Additionally, Robbi's covers always portray events that actually occur in the issue. In his final one for The Harbinger, he portrays Peter's final fight with his ultimate nemesis the Renegade. In many ways, this has been the theme of this series, that the biggest enemy we will ever face is...

Ourselves.

The Harbinger #8 Cover B by ZU ORZU

Zu Orzu has created some impressive covers for Valiant, including his fan-voted "Best Of Year" X-O Manowar cover for Exchange Collectibles. For this final issue of The Harbinger, Zu contributes a beautiful portrait of Faith Herbert. This seems perfectly fitting, as she's been the big guest-star of the second story arc.

Additionally, she's probably the most famous Harbinger of them all. Her name has graced the title of more series than any other character. Plus, she's had two Young Adult novels written about her. Everyone loves Faith. (Even George Michael).

Can a Faith Herbert movie be in the cards?

The Harbinger #8 Pre-order Cover by CASPAR WIJNGAARD

Caspar Wijngaard helped launch Valiant's recent Ninjak #1 with his old-school Cover B. Now he helps round off The Harbinger with a Pre-Order Cover featuring Peter and his crew. They're all there--Faith, Baxter, Ago, and Cici. These are the Harbingers who have supported Peter personally, while also protecting the residents of Psiot City. They look good together, don't they?

The splash of purple in the background reminds me of the way Cici painted the Harbinger logo on Peter's new jacket. Another nice touch is that Peter and Cici both have glowing white eyes to suggest that they're calling on their psiot powers. Of the group, Peter is the longest-activated psiot, while Cici is just discovering what she can do. But it's a part of who they are now, like it or not.

I suppose that's the theme of this series, isn't it? That we should really, actually like ourselves. What a thought!

Dragon Dave

The Harbinger #8 Preview

 

The Harbinger #8 Cover A by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ

 

Who is Peter Stancheck? Find out as he faces off against THE RENEGADE one last time in the stunning and thoughtful series finale of THE HARBINGER.

Faith, Ago, and CiCi battle for the heart of Psiot City against the army of newly activated Psiots while Peter stares down his greatest fears and doubts. Only one Peter can remain when the dust settles -- but which one will it be? Find out in THE HARBINGER #8!

THE HARBINGER #8 is co-written by COLLIN KELLY and JACKSON LANZING (Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty, Batman Beyond: Neo Year), features art by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ (Spider-Gwen, Batgirl), colors by RICO RENZI (Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU (X-O MANOWAR, The Blue Flame), and covers by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ (Cover A), ZU ORZU (Cover B), and CASPAR WIJNGAARD (PreOrder Cover).

And now, six preview pages to enjoy from the good folks at Valiant HQ!

The Harbinger #8 Preview Page 1

The Harbinger #8 Preview Pages 2 & 3

The Harbinger #8 Preview Page 2

The Harbinger #8 Preview Page 3

The Harbinger #8 Preview Page 4

The Harbinger #8 Preview Page 5

The Harbinger #8 Preview Page 6

Details, details...

THE HARBINGER #8
Written by COLLIN KELLY, JACKSON LANZING
Art by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
Colors by RICO RENZI
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by ROBBI RODRIGUEZ
Cover B by ZU ORZU
Pre-order Cover by CASPAR WIJNGAARD

Psiot City is at war!

A version of Peter Stanchek stands on both sides of the battle. It’s Harbinger vs. Renegade in the grand finale of THE HARBINGER, and only one version of Peter can remain…

On sale MAY 25th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Free Comic Book Day Special 2022: A Treasure Trove of Valiant Goodness

 

I just thought I'd remind you that Valiant's Free Comic Book Day Special is still out there. And boy: is it substantial! In case you haven't got your hands on a copy, I thought I'd share a little of what's inside.

First up, there's a new short story featuring Bloodshot. Is it be part of a larger issue, or a standalone? Either way, it's totally new.

There's also a short Archer & Armstrong story. This one appears to take place directly after the new Archer & Armstrong #1. Not only will you find it entertaining, but it suggests the series' direction: a kind-of quasi-religious scavenger hunt. 

While he searches for clues to what's wrong with his friend, Archer also keep up a dialogue with Faith. Along with the dynamic duo's search for a way to restore Armstrong's absent appendage, I'm looking forward to seeing how Archer's relationship with Faith progresses.

Will Faith appear later on in this series? I guess we'll have to wait to find out.

There's also a preview of Ninjak's new look. I expect to see him battling lots more would-be superbaddies in his upcoming series.

Additionally, the FCBD Special includes the preview pages from Armorclads #1. So if you've been hiding under a rock somewhere for the last few months, you're in for a terrific surprise. 

Recently, Valiant released this terrific view of Armorclads #3 Cover A without the series logo and credits. So if you're looking for new wallpaper for your cellphone...

 

 

Valiant's Free Comic Book Day 2022 Special is a substantial read. Make sure you pick up your copy the next time you visit your local comic shop!

Dragon Dave

Armorclads #3 Review: The Rise of the Everyman

 

Armorclads #3 Pre-order Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON

In Armorclads #3, a Utility-class Ironclad really comes into his own. His name is Jac. Unlike Lela, he's not a miner, or in Alphan terminology, an Excavator. He's a mechanic, or a Utility-class Ironclad, and rarely leaves the perimeter of Outpost 12. 

Because of Peris' act of rebellion, the only home he had ever known--Outpost 12 on the planet Xeru--was abandoned. Soldiers force-marched Jac, along with other Ironclads stationed at Outpost 12, to Outpost 14. There he got caught up in a battle between their Alphan overlords and the mysterious Legionnaires. 

This battled destroyed Outpost 14. So that won't be his home either.

Now Lela wants Jac to leave the wrecked Outpost 14. She asks him to march for several days through difficult terrain to reach yet another outpost. Ultimately, she wants him to take part in a rescue effort, march on the city where Peris is being held, and help secure his release. Is she crazy, or what? 

After all, Jac's no fighter. He's not even an Excavator, used to leaving the periphery of his outpost, and facing the dangers that entails. He's just a mechanic: a Utility-class Ironclad.

Still, even an Everyman like Jac can use his skills to save the day.

One of their Alphan overlords, a man trained as a soldier, and shipped to Xeru to keep the genetically-engineered Ironclads in line, isn't afraid to point out how crazy Lela's scheme is. 

But Jac, and the rest of the Ironclads aren't willing to give up.

Meanwhile, a new territorial governor arrives on Xeru. While he's presumably been tasked with keeping the shipments of the Pure--necessary to the Alphan war effort--on schedule, the governor has his own agenda. One that touches on mythology underlying Alphan society.

While Armorclads evokes great science fiction franchises such as Starship Troopers and Avatar, and perhaps the video game Halo, issue #3 reminds me of Frank Herbert's classic novel Dune. There's talk of great families, and a breeding program the governor believes could lead to one gifted individual who could stop the interstellar war and unite the cosmos. 

Technically, I think Valiant has got the mix just right on this series. The writing, art, character design, worldbuilding are great. Likewise, there' a balanced mixture of drama and action. Dialogue and exciting events drive the plot forward. Midway through this developing story, Armorclads really satisfies.

Armorclads #3 will show all the Ironclads--even the Utility-class Everymans like Jac--stepping up to tackle world-changing events. 

And yes, for fans of monster movies, powered-armor warfare, and in particular, the movie Starship Troopers (as well as Robert Heinlein's immortal novel), there will be giant bugs.

I don't usually rate comics. That said, I don't hesitate to give Valiant an A+ on Ironclads Armorclads #3. So march on down to your local comic shop and secure a copy. I mean...

"Come on, you apes, you wanna live forever?"

Dragon Dave

All the details...

ARMORCLADS #3
Created by JJ O'CONNOR
Written by JJ O'CONNOR AND BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Pencils by MANUEL GARCIA
Inks by RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ
Colors by REX LOKUS
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by BAGUS HUTOMO
Cover B by IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN
Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO
Pre-order Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON 

After getting their first taste of combat, the Ironclads realize their construction-class suits aren't suitable for battle. They'll need to add some upgrades before they head after their missing leader. Meanwhile, Peris comes face to face with the Alphan Governor and discovers there may be much more going on than mining Pure on the planet Xeru.

Walk a Mile in Valiant's Shoes

 

The Valiant Community will soon be able to take their passion to the streets with a new line of original sneakers inspired by the Valiant Universe! 

Valiant Entertainment is proud to announce a debut line of limited collectible sneakers pulled out of the Valiant Universe in a brand new partnership with BLANX, a lifestyle apparel brand focused on telling stories on sneakers. 

Valiant and BLANX teaming up for a line of sneakers featuring iconic and fan-favorite characters of the Valiant Universe means dedicated fans everywhere will be able to show off how they stay Valiant like never before. The first pair to kick off the line of shoes will be the mohawk-sporting voodoo priestess herself, PUNK MAMBO. Each collection will be limited, be sure to preorder so you don't miss your chance to own these highly-collectible sneakers. 

To celebrate the Valiant Community's overwhelming support, there will be an exclusive opportunity for holders of any of Valiant's metaverse collectibles to get early preorder access with a discount code as well. Be sure to join the community on Discord to learn how to preorder yours beginning on May 18th. 

It’s time to revolutionize your look. Stay tuned for more in this series of Valiant Universe sneakers in partnership with BLANX to get your favorite character or collect them all. Fans everywhere will be able to preorder their PUNK MAMBO sneakers beginning on June 1st, so don’t miss out and as always, stay Valiant!

Join the Valiant Community on Discord and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Armorclads #3 Covers

 

Armorclads #3 Cover A by BAGUS HUTOMO

With their leader Peris away, Lela has stepped into the breach. But can she inspire her people to reach the nearest outpost? 

It's a long, hard march: over fifty kilometers away.

Armorclads #3 Cover B by IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN

A new governor arrives on the planet Xeru. He has begun testing people. Peris, it seems, is his closest match. But what exactly is he looking for?

Armorclads #3 Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO

Lela may not be Red Sonja, but she's a warrior, and she looks good in Black, White & Red.

Armorclads #3 Pre-order Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON

Ironclad Jac likes to tinker with his suit. He'll get plenty of opportunities to explore its capabilities in this issue. But what happens when an Alphan soldier tries to take Jac's suit away from him? 

Learn the answers to all these questions--and more--this Wednesday, in Armorclads #3.

Dragon Dave

 

Details, details...

ARMORCLADS #3
Created by JJ O'CONNOR
Written by JJ O'CONNOR AND BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Pencils by MANUEL GARCIA
Inks by RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ
Colors by REX LOKUS
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by BAGUS HUTOMO
Cover B by IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN
Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO
Pre-order Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON

After getting their first taste of combat, the Ironclads realize their construction-class suits aren't suitable for battle. They'll need to add some upgrades before they head after their missing leader. Meanwhile, Peris comes face to face with the Alphan Governor and discovers there may be much more going on than mining Pure on the planet Xeru.

On sale May 18th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Armorclads #3 Preview Pages

 

Ready for the return of the Armorclads? Well here it is, peeps: bigger and better than ever. In Armorclads #3, we learn the fate of Peris, more about the planet Xeru, and the purpose of the Alphans' breeding program. Get ready for the rise of the Ironclads, 'cause after this issue, nobody's gonna be calling 'em grubs anymore!

Enjoy the inside front cover, and the first four pages of Armorclads #3, courtesy of the good folks at Valiant Entertainment.

 

 

Hungry for more? Then head down to your local comic shop Wednesday, May 18, 2022!

Dragon Dave

 

Details, details...

ARMORCLADS #3
Created by JJ O'CONNOR
Written by JJ O'CONNOR AND BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Pencils by MANUEL GARCIA
Inks by RAÜL FERNÁNDEZ
Colors by REX LOKUS
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by BAGUS HUTOMO
Cover B by IKHWAN WALLIYUDDIN
Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO
Pre-order Cover by JUNGGEUN YOON

After getting their first taste of combat, the Ironclads realize their construction-class suits aren't suitable for battle. They'll need to add some upgrades before they head after their missing leader. Meanwhile, Peris comes face to face with the Alphan Governor and discovers there may be much more going on than mining Pure on the planet Xeru.

On sale May 18th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+