Bloodshot #0 (2013) Retro Review

 

 

Writer: Matt Kindt

Art: Crisscross

Colors: Moose Baumann

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artist: Dave Bullock

Price: $3.99

Release Date: August 21, 2013

 

Bloodshot is the ultimate killing machine. But what's his history? Let's leap into Bloodshot #0 and find out!

 

Story

Scientists created Bloodshot. They infused him with the memories of dying soldiers. There was just one problem. Anyone who stood in his way died.

 

The military hired Rees to give Bloodshot a conscience. Through Rees, we learn the scale of the Bloodshot project and some of its history. Although Bloodshot #0 begins in 1992--when Bloodshot comics first hit the stands--it shows how Bloodshot evolved into the person he was in 2013, when the new era of Valiant Comics began.

 

Bloodshot Action figure from the Valiant Store

 

 

Art

Crisscross delivers bracing action and realistic portrayals in Bloodshot #0. Characters inhabit compelling landscapes and buildings. We see office clutter, Bloodshot leaping from a helicopter, and the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan. Layouts give good panel flow, and composition builds smaller panels into something more.

 

Moose Baumann's vibrant colors enhance nanite-infested laboratories and battlefields. We inhabit military operations and quiet assassinations. Perhaps the violence and carnage convey too much realism, but by its nature, Bloodshot is a violent book.

 

Dave Sharpe's sound effects help us hear gunfire, crashing helicopters, and missiles racing toward their targets. White dialogue balloons contain readable black uppercase text. Sharpe conveys Kindt's narrative-driven story as hand-written entries on a lined, yellow legal pad. These narrative boxes are usually smaller than a postage stamp. One narrative box contained six sentences. Do you know all the fine print that no one ever reads because it's too tiresome? You'll spend your precious "relaxation time" reading it in Bloodshot #0!

 

Final Thoughts

A researcher tries to program a living weapon with a conscience in Bloodshot #0. Does he succeed? Read later issues and find out!

 

Rating 8/10

Book Of Shadows #4 Review

 

Cover C by Travis Escarfullery

Book Of Shadows #4 Review

Writer: Cullen Bunn

Artist: Vicente Cifuentes

Colorist: Nick Filardi

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artists: Rafael Albuquerque, Vicente Cifuentes, Travis Escarfullery and Kelley Jones with José Villarrubia

Publisher: Valiant Entertainment

Price: 3.99

Release Date: February 22, 2023

 

Deadside spirits possess Shadowman and Punk Mambo. More attack Gilad Anni-Padda—the Eternal Warrior—and Dr. Mirage. Can Persephone—newly birthed from a sentient Deadside—defeat Exarch Fane and the Book Of Shadows? Let’s crack open Book Of Shadows #4 and find out!

 

Concept drawing of Persephone

 

Story

This issue opens with Persephone fleeing Exarch Fane’s supernatural forces. Shadowman and Punk Mambo pursue her, reduced to flesh-eating zombies. Words—thoughts—accompany her flight: thoughts revolve around fear. Readers may find the opening narration confusing, but it's Shadowman talking, not Persephone. That becomes clear when his shadow loa casts the unwanted spirits away. Now Persephone isn’t alone anymore. Shadowman stands with her. That's a good thing, as Exarch Fane sees her inexperience as a weakness he'd willingly exploit.

 

While Book Of Shadows #4 continues Shadowman’s story, it’s also a team book. I can't analyze individual hero performances without giving away essential plot details. Some characters inevitably come off better than others. As the Book of Shadows made Exarch Fane its thrall, it's hard to rate his performance. Bunn wound the stakes so high and packed this four-issue series with so many characters that it's hard to assess the outcome. While I have no significant qualms with the story, I wish everything hadn't passed in a breathless rush.

 

Cover art by Maria Llovet

 

Art

Vicente Cifuentes conjures smoke and ground fog with penciling, stippling, and crosshatching, creating a mood and atmosphere that rivals a Ridley Scott film. Skeletal spirits swim through rivers of hellfire. “Keep your eyes closed, Marion! Don’t look!” Direction lines accompany every sweep of Shadowman’s scythe and the spirits of the dead burst from bodies like tendrils of darkness. “We’re dead, dude.” Sadly, a few character portrayals suffer, but a large cast gives an artist less time to master everyone’s likeness. Still, characters are expressive and treated consistently.

 

Light streams across zombie-filled streets. Demons burst from Shadowman’s chest in a maelstrom of magenta and lavender. Punk Mambo’s pink hair brightens every panel in which she appears. An orange glow from nearby fires tinges the sky with yellow and green. Eternal Warrior’s green cape reflects radiance from the swarming white-hot skeletal spirits. Every page pops with vibrant color that elevates but never overwhelms, thanks to Nick Filardi.

 

Cover art by Kyle Hotz

 

 

Sound effects. Colored letters in white dialogue balloons. Shaky text. Bold lettering for volume and inflection. Veteran letterer Dave Sharpe uses every tool in his tool chest to communicate emotion, possession, and the rising stakes without unduly shrinking words or adopting a stylized font. After all, it is his black narrative boxes with white lettering that helps us realize we are reading Shadowman’s thoughts and not Persephone’s as this issue begins.

 

The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage

  

Final Thoughts

Seeing Eternal Warrior's earlier battles with Exarch Fane—instead of hearing about them second-hand—would have strengthened his role. Readers could have empathized better with Persephone had Valiant given her more time to grow and mature. This series certainly could have benefitted from more standalone stories and a longer run. Yet this epic story with outstanding art has brought together more heroes—and given each a chance to shine—than any other series Valiant has produced post-pandemic. If Book Of Shadows #4 proves the last chapter of Cullen Bunn’s Shadowman saga, I’d say he ended on a high, wouldn’t you?

 

Rating: 9/10

P.S. I hope no one is confused by the additional art and store exclusive covers. I just thought it would be fun to share them with you again to celebrate the series' finale. For more covers for Book Of Shadows #4, see my review at Comic Book Dispatch

Book Of Shadows #3 Review

 

Book Of Shadows #3 Cover B by David Romero

 

Book Of Shadows #3 returns us to the realm of magic, monsters, and mass destruction. Exarch Fane and his hellhounds are blazing a trail of devastation upon the earth. Can Shadowman, Persephone, Punk Mambo, Doctor Mirage, and Gilad Anni-Padda (the Eternal Warrior) end the reign of terror?  

Books have power. This is especially true with the Book Of Shadows. Exarch Fane may hold this magical book, which manifests as a skeleton. But who controls whom?

 

LETTERING

While most of the lettering comes as easy-to-read upper-case lettering, the flowing script of the Book Of Shadows will prove more difficult. Thankfully, the font size is large, and won't strain your eyes as you parse what the skeleton (the ultimate audiobook) is telling Exarch Fane. Further on in the issue, you'll discover why Dave Sharpe made the Book Of Shadows lettering looks the way it does.

 

COLORING

Nick Filardi's graduated colors and tones imbue Book Of Shadows #3 with incredible realism. Our heroes, the villains, and the hellhounds leap off the page. Some pages take on the beauty of stain glass and light sources are always clear.

 

ART (PENCILING & INKING)

Vicente Cifuentes' characters are well proportioned and highly detailed. Heroes look heroic, and villains look suitably villainous. Backgrounds are nearly always filled in. Page composition pleases the eye. 

It's not hard to be drawn into this issue, if you'll excuse the pun.

 

STORY 

Earlier issues have set the stakes. The souls of those Exarch Fane kills are not passing on to the Deadside. Nor will all the souls on all the Earth satisfy the Book Of Shadows. The artifact imbues Exarch Fane with power, but the longer he uses it, the more it destroys. Ultimately, all worlds--the entire universe--could be sacrificed to feed its insatiable hunger.

At the heart of this series resides Persephone, a woman birthed from the Deadside. She wields enormous power. Yet she lacks memories, identity, and cannot call on all the difficult life-lessons of growing-up to aid her decision-making. Can Shadowman aid her in becoming a responsible force for good?

Cullen Bunn imbues this series with powerful artifacts. In addition to Fane's Book Of Shadows, Punk Mambo wields the Ring Of Soloman, and the Eternal Warrior now carries the Abyssal Sword. Bunn melds the ancient realm of magic with modern science in the way he describes the ring's power.

 

 

CONCLUSION

Book Of Shadows #3 follows the ongoing drama between Shadowman, Persephone, and Punk Mambo. In addition to Persephone's struggles for identity and growth, both Doctor Mirage and Gilad Anni-Padda reveal different aspects of their characters. The stakes prove so dire that even Shadowman lightens the mood with a little humor. 

This is a gorgeous book, crackling with action and drama. Full marks to Valiant Entertainment and the entire creative team for Book Of Shadows #3.

Dragon Dave 

BOOK OF SHADOWS #3
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by VICENTE CIFUENTES
Colors by NICK FILARDI
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Cover B by DAVID ROMERO
Cover C by TRAVIS ESCARFULLERY
Pre-order Cover by KELLEY JONES

Exarch Fane, an ancient, otherworldly warlord, is intent on sacrifi cing our world to satiate his hunger. Only a team of mystic heroes stands in his way. But while three heroes—SHADOWMAN, PUNK MAMBO, and PERSEPHONE—attempt to stop Fane from forging the Chain of Ruin, DOCTOR MIRAGE and the ETERNAL WARRIOR pass through the veil of death to discover the BOOK OF SHADOWS’ terrible secrets.

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

Preview: Book Of Shadows #3

 

Book Of Shadows #3 Cover A by Rafael Albuquerque

 

If you've been missing Shadowman, you're in luck. This month our dark hero returns. But if Rafael Albuquerque's cover is any indication, he may not be around for long.

Enjoy this free preview of Book Of Shadows #3, courtesy of the good folks at Valiant Entertainment.

Evil returns and the Dark Feast continues in BOOK OF SHADOWS #3!

  

The battle against EXARCH FANE and The Book of Shadows continues as Valiant's Dark Defenders are forced to split up. SHADOWMAN, PUNK MAMBO, and the terrifyingly powerful PERSEPHONE stay on Earth to handle FANE's hordes while DOCTOR MIRAGE and ETERNAL WARRIOR journey into The Veil to investigate the source of Fane's power!

 

  

Exarch Fane, an ancient, otherworldly warlord, is intent on sacrificing our world to satiate his hunger. Only a team of mystic heroes stands in his way. But while three heroes—SHADOWMAN, PUNK MAMBO, and PERSEPHONE—attempt to stop Fane from forging the Chain of Ruin, DOCTOR MIRAGE and the ETERNAL WARRIOR pass through the veil of death to discover the BOOK OF SHADOWS’ terrible secrets.

BOOK OF SHADOWS #3 is written by CULLEN BUNN, art by VICENTE CIFUENTES, colored by NICK FILARDI, and lettered by DAVE SHARPE. BOOK OF SHADOWS #3 features covers by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE (Cover A), DAVID ROMERO (COVER B), TRAVIS ESCARFULLERY (COVER C) and KELLEY JONES (Pre-order Variant). 

Will Shadowman survive? Can any of our Valiant heroes stand before Fane's might?

Find out on Wednesday, January 25, when Book Of Shadows #3 storms into your local comic shop.

Dragon Dave

Book Of Shadows #2 Review: Evensong

 

Book Of Shadows #2 Cover C by Travis Escarfullery

 

A reading from St Cullen's Book Of Shadows: Chapter 2, Page 1.

 

Let us remember the rich history of Shadowman. How he battled a Book more deadly than forged blade, and how we felt that battle, thanks to the Letterer's visceral sound effects.

 

Let us remember how Punk Mambo summoned her power amidst the smoky field of arising demons, thanks to the Colorist's brilliant palette.

How a band of Earth's bravest heroes fought Exarch Fane through force of might, power, and witty banter, thanks to an erudite Author.

How, evoked by a skilled Penciler and Inker, our heroes pushed Exarch Fane back, time and again.

 

And how they did not lose hope, when Fane summoned even more hellish forces. 

Let us remember how each seasoned hero rose to meet the evils they faced.

How Shadowman protected his teammates, and kept them focused.

How we learned more of Gilad Anni-Padda's previous encounter with Exarch Fane, and why we herald him the Eternal Warrior.

Celebrate then this moment, when valiant heroes defied a villain intent on Earth's destruction.

Honor their sacrifice with an offering to your local comic shop, and cherish your copy of Book Of Shadows #2. 

Amen.

Here endeth the lesson.

Dragon Dave

Now raise your voices and sing praise and thanks to:

BOOK OF SHADOWS #2
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by VICENTE CIFUENTES
Colors by Nick FILARDI
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Cover B by NIK VIRELLA
Cover C by TRAVIS ESCARFULLERY
Pre-order Cover by KELLEY JOMES

Shadowman, Punk Mambo, Doctor Mirage, Eternal Warrior, and Shadowman’s new ward, Persephone, confront a villain from the Veil. Exarch Fane has broken through to Earth, bringing with him the terrifying Book of Shadows. Death and destruction follow in Fane’s wake. Can our heroes save the day or will they run away to lick their wounds?

On sale August 24th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Book Of Shadows #1: Beware The Hellhounds

 

I didn't have time to split the big two-pager in yesterday's Preview Pages post. 

I thought I'd do so today, just so you can revel in its greatness.

"Shadowman, beware the Hellhounds!"

Because I love the hellhounds so much, here's two more pics of them.

"Shadowman, what part of 'Beware the hellhounds' did you not understand?"

 

The hellhounds aren't the only thing that's got me excited about Book Of Shadows #1. Nor are they the only danger threatening our world. To discover the rest, check out this extraordinary debut issue next Wednesday.

Dragon Dave

 

Details, details...

BOOK OF SHADOWS #1
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by VICENTE CIFUENTES
Colors by NICK FILARDI
Letters by DAVE SHARPE
Cover A by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Cover B by ADAM GORHAM
Cover C by TRAVIS ESCARFULLERY
Pre-order Cover by KELLEY JOMES

Shadowman. Eternal Warrior. Punk Mambo. Doctor Mirage. The supernatural protectors of the Valiant Universe unite for the very first time to stand against a terrifying ancient threat: Exarch Fane. No one is safe as the fearsome foe has his cold hands on the Book of Shadows.

Master of horror Cullen Bunn and bone-chilling artist Vicente Cifuentes present BOOK OF SHADOWS, a supernatural event that forms a brand-new team in the Valiant Universe… but will they be enough to stop Fane’s wrath?

On sale July 27th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Armorclads #5 Review

 

Cover A by BAGUS HUTOMO

Four short months ago, writers J. J. O'Connor and Brian Buccellato swept us away to a galaxy far, far away. Now, with the help of writer Ryan Cady, they conclude the first chapter of their extraordinary Armorclads saga.

It is a rule of life that what goes up must eventually go down. So it is with the tether that transports all personnel and goods between the spaceships and the surface of the troubled planet Xeru. 

Naturally, this includes the precious Pure mined by the Ironclads, which sustains the Alphans' war efforts. (Not that that's important or anything). 

After his Alphan soldiers arrested Ironclad Peris, Governor Domahn offered the genetically-engineered Ironclad a partnership. Now, both men will meet their fates. 

Peris' friend Lela, who led an Ironclad insurrection, will also discover hers.

Armorclads #5 closes off all the essential plot points satisfactorily. We're left wondering what happens next on the planet Xeru, and if, just possibly, the Armorclads might find their way to our own galaxy.

Oh yes, and the Bugs are back. Weapons hot, everyone!

Penciler Miguel Sepulveda does a fine job, imbuing each panel with realism. Inker Raul Fernandez helps him pack each page with incredible detail.

Colorist Hi-Fi and letterer Dave Sharpe breathe life and stereophonic sound into this final, tumultuous battle.

Bagus Hutomo's Covers A and C showcase the tremendous scope of this final battle. 

Yunggeun Yoon's Cover B reminds us that the Ironclad Peris is somehow key to bringing peace to this war-torn galaxy.

Cover B by YUNGGEUN YOON

Kael Ngu's fifth Pre-Order Cover features Lela again. I guess that means she's twice as important as any of the other Ironclads. At least, among those who don't have the super-genes that the Governor was searching for--and found--in Peris.

 

Cover C by BAGUS HUTOMO

 

Watch the Ironclads' bid for freedom!

See Governor Domahn's quest for the god-weapon-wielder!

Feel the Legionnaires' battle with the Alphans!

Experience one final Battle Of The Bugs!

Pre-Order Cover by KAEL NGU

It's all in Armorclads #5, an action-packed story brought to life with panoramic splendor. Weapon up today with the cover of your choice, available at your local comic shop or favorite internet provider.

Dragon Dave

Armorclads #4 Review: The Battle for Xeru

 

Armorclads #4 Cover B by Jeremy Roberts

Armorclads #4, written by J. J. O'Connor and Brian Buccellato, opens with Governor Dohman explaining to Peris the purpose of the fabled godsuits. This seems a little premature, as the governor only seems to have found part of one. But hey, a guy's gotta dream, right?

Kidnapped Ironclad Peris points out the obvious: that peace achieved by the threat of deploying a superweapon is really tyranny.

What's less clear is how people who have been genetically engineered by the Alphans could somehow possess the unique genetics Dohman has spent his life searching for. Whatever the reason, in Peris he believes he has found someone who could wield such an overwhelmingly powerful weapon.

While he promises Peris a partnership, is a man who dreams of gaining absolute power really someone with whom one can partner? Personally, I doubt Lela would think so. But then, she's arrived with her army of Ironclads to rescue Peris. She hasn't met Governor Dohman yet.

Oh, and in case I haven't mentioned it yet, they've arrived on a dark and stormy night, one richly colored by Hi-Fi.

While Peris once served as the Ironclads' leader, Lela has grown into that position. Lela and Cole, penciled by Miguel Sepulveda and inked by Raul Fernandez, clearly are working in harmony.

She's learned how to motivate her people, and channel their abilities, as these scenes--lettered by Valiant stalwart Dave Sharpe--ably illustrate.

 

What she wasn't expecting was for another force to enter the fray.

We haven't learned much about the Legionnaires yet. The Ironclads view them as a group of mercenaries who have somehow found a way to control the giant bugs. We caught a glimpse of them watching the Ironclads battling the bugs in the last issue. 

Now, they choose to attack the city as well.

You've got Lela's Ironclads, the Legionnaires, Governor Dohman's forces, and the Alphan soldiers aboard an arriving spaceship all itching to launch into each other. It'll take a cool head to limit oneself to the scheduled objectives, and not get caught up in the frenzy of battle.

 

While clearly influenced by movie franchises like Starship Troopers and Avatar, Armorclads stands on its own. Armorclads #4 showcases more of this complex universe filled with interesting characters, powerful factions, and more story elements than the series' five scheduled issues could ever exhaust. Answer the call, Valiant readers. Buy up every available copy of Armorclads #4, and demand that Valiant publish many more issues of this fantastic series.

If nobody quits on Armorclads, everybody wins!

Dragon Dave