Archer & Armstrong Forever #4: Preview Pages

 

As of this writing, internet rumors claim that Valiant Entertainment has laid off some of its employees. Thus, it is with a heavy heart that I share these preview pages for Archer & Armstrong Forever #4 with you.

Whatever the truth behind the rumors, you can be sure that the creators and all the Valiant staff worked hard to bring you the best possible comics. Archer & Armstrong Forever #4 certainly delivers in the fun department. If you give it a chance, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Take care of yourselves, in these difficult times.

Dragon Dave

Details, details...

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #4
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by MARCIO FIORITO
Colors by ALEX GUIMARAES
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by BERNARD CHANG
Cover B by ERICA HENDERSON
Pre-order Cover by RO STEIN/TED BRANDT

The Eccentric will stop at nothing to add Armstrong to his collection. Archer will stop at nothing to restore his best friend’s lost immortality. And who the heck is going to stop The Maw when he catches up with A&A? Only one thing is certain: this issue will change Archer & Armstrong…FOREVER!

On sale AUGUST 10th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Archer & Armstrong Forever #4 Review: The Perpetual Danger Machine

 

If you live long enough, you learn not to sweat the danger. Anxiety is for the short-sighted. Aram Anni-Padda, who currently goes by the name Armstrong, definitely doesn't sweat the details.

Sure, each individual danger may offer its momentary fright. But life is so rich and wonderful, and perpetually renewing, that it continues to offer up more opportunities to worry.

Danger is a constant, so roll with the punches, baby.

 

That way, you can relax a little, and savor each moment as Armstrong does. After all, even the biggest villains possess colorful personalities.

Of course, as you get older, it's natural that you'll forget some of the dangers you've faced in your many years of life. After all, they were just passing struggles along life's rich and eventful path.

Occasionally, certain dangers may threaten again. Such moments all you to reflect on how much you've learned--and grown--as you've faced danger after danger after...

In Archer & Armstrong Forever #4, you'll see how far Armstrong has come. While he always takes life as he finds it, he's learned a thing or two along the way. This time out, his friend Archer will undergo a similar, albeit unexpected transformation. 

That's the joy of confronting the dangers life continually produces. You keep growing, and changing. Hopefully, like Archer and Armstrong, you also become a better person along the way.

Dragon Dave

Details, details...

Archer & Armstrong Forever #3 Review

 

Archer & Armstrong Forever #3 Cover A by Bernard Chang

 

Archer & Armstrong Forever writer Steve Foxe links his story with the reimagined origins of Valiant's Entertainment's 2012 Archer & Armstrong series. Archer was a member of a Sect which taught that immortals such as Armstrong represented great evil. Personal experience taught Archer otherwise, and he embraced Armstrong as a friend. 

Now, with Armstrong's fabled immortality stricken from him, Archer returns to his upbringings to determine if the Sect's teachings might hold a clue to restoring Armstrong's eternal life.

 

 

Writer Steve Foxe imbues the series with lighthearted fun. Comic readers will doubtless be familiar with this issue's take on a Norse myth, given Dark Horse Comics' recent series based on Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology book. The discovery of a powerful mythological locale so close to the grand city of Oslo, Norway, reminds me of the way Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan locates the gods and their holy places near the people that keep their memories--and therefore their power--alive.

In addition to Steve Foxe and Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan's another author who's been drawn to the power of Norse Mythology.

Marcio Fiorito's characters move effortlessly through the issue. His depictions of these classic characters--as well as his makeover of the goddess Frigg--are consistent and fun. He also transports us to a land that, while reminding us of Valiant's recent Savage series, provides another link to Valiant's Entertainment's first Archer And Armstrong series a decade ago.

Alex Guimaraes' colors are sumptuous and vibrant. Their pleasantly soft tones will draw readers of all ages and sensibilities into this lighthearted, kid-friendly story.

Despite one seeming inconsistency on the first page, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou's lettering remains as inventive and eye-catching as ever. While pushing the field forward through his innovative style, Hassan also pays homage to the past by showing Archer's thoughts in pleasing thought bubbles, instead of his normal (and industry-standard) narrative boxes.

As always, Valiant provides readers a selection of attractive covers. Cover A is story-specific, symbolizing the issue's focus on the mythological Golden Apples of Idunn. Nick Robles' Cover B focuses on the threat to the pair's longtime partnership with its retro look, while also signalling its imminent demise, should Archer prove incapable of returning Armstrong's eternal youth. 

Archer & Armstrong Forever #3 Cover B by Nick Robles

 

Ro Stein and Ted Brandt's Pre-Order cover celebrates Armstrong's long-life. Like other covers in their Pre-Order series, this latest masterpiece suggests it should hang in the national gallery of one of Europe's capital cities. Oslo, Norway, perhaps?

Archer & Armstrong Forever #3 Pre-Order Cover by Ro Stein & Ted Brandt

Archer & Armstrong Forever #3--in stores today--continues the fun began in the first issue. The story carries the duo forward into unexpected places. Character growth and action walk hand-in-hand toward an unexpected and exciting cliffhanger that'll make you wonder what will happen next, and feel as if the wait until the issue #4 will last...forever.

Dragon Dave

Archer & Armstrong Forever #2 Review: The Globetrotting Quest

 

Archer & Armstrong Forever #2 Pre-Order Cover by Ro Stein & Ted Brandt

Drawing on secrets derived from his upbringing, Archer compiles a list of all possible sources of eternal life. His first try at restoring Armstrong's vitality? The fabled Fountain Of Youth!

Artistically speaking, I'm immediately arrested by how the lettering and sound effects on page 1 amplify the energy in Archer's battle with the Spanish conquistadors.

Archer has mastered numerous kinds of martial arts. While growing up with others his age in the cult, Archer likely learned how to dance. Apparently, he even found ways to incorporate their movements into his fighting style.

Armed with the optimism of youth, Archer urges Armstrong to waste no time and leap into the fountain.

Archer seems to be running on a full pot of coffee throughout this issue. Or tanked up on energy drinks.

 

The panels may be overlarge, and convey less story than I'd prefer, but each one is fun and appealing. 

While I think of Armstrong as inebriated and taking everything as a joke, he seems more like the straight-man in this issue. I suppose losing an ear--if not realizing that your days of instant-healing are behind you--can be rather sobering.

Archer's obsession to restore Armstrong's immortality drives him to extremes. One minute the intensively trained and programmed former assassin is channeling Sherlock Holmes.

The next, he's reacting like a hyperactive teen. Like...

"OMG!"

 

  

"I can't handle that!!"

 

"Is that twisted or what???"

At no point does Archer stop to consider he obstacles they'll confront. Nor does he ever doubt that any particular stop on their immortality world tour might actually work. That job is left to the usually-carefree Armstrong.

Still, this issue suggests a possible reason for Archer's frantic obsession. Armstrong's healing seems to be proceeding rather slowly. His wound continues to reopen and bleed.

Imagine getting used to the idea of your closest friend being around forever, only to suddenly realize that he or she may be incapable of healing, and therefore die within a relatively short time.

Archer & Armstrong Forever #2 doesn't waste time on drama, argument or angst. It launches the reader on a fun-tastic globetrotting adventure guaranteed to make you smile, chuckle, and wish that this series could go on, well, forever.

OMG! 

I think I could handle that!! 

Would that be twisted or what???

Dragon Dave

Details, details...

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #2
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by MARCIO FIORITO
Colors by ALEX GUIMARAES
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by BERNARD CHANG
Cover B by CHRIS WILDGOOSE
Pre-order Cover by RO STEIN/TED BRANDT

The triumphant return of Valiant’s best besties!

With Armstrong more mortal than ever, it’s up to Archer to find the secrets of immortality. One of history’s myths has to be true…right? Their quest will take them across the globe, from the Fountain of Youth to mythical creatures, with the deadly Maw in hot pursuit.

On sale JUNE 8th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Archer & Armstrong Forever #2 Preview

 

Archer & Armstrong Forever #2 Cover B by CHRIS WILDGOOSE

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG leave no stone unturned in the search for restoring ARMSTRONG'S immortality!

From the Fountain of Youth to the rolling hills of Silicon Valley, ARCHER is determined to find out if at least one of THE SECT'S leads on immortality will pan out. Their adventure spans the globe but hot on their heels is the mysterious (and super creepy) villain, THE MAW!

Here's the inside front cover, and the first four pages from Archer & Armstrong Forever #2. Enjoy!

Oh oh, looks like the Fountain of Youth's out. Maybe next they should seek out the Holy Grail? Or perhaps Dumbledore never destroyed the Philosopher's Stone? 

Find out what Archer & Armstrong do next this coming Wednesday, June 8, 2022!

Dragon Dave

 

Details, details...

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #2
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by MARCIO FIORITO
Colors by ALEX GUIMARAES
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by BERNARD CHANG
Cover B by CHRIS WILDGOOSE
Pre-order Cover by RO STEIN/TED BRANDT

The triumphant return of Valiant’s best besties!

With Armstrong more mortal than ever, it’s up to Archer to find the secrets of immortality. One of history’s myths has to be true…right? Their quest will take them across the globe, from the Fountain of Youth to mythical creatures, with the deadly Maw in hot pursuit.

On sale JUNE 8th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Archer & Armstrong Forever #1 Preview Pages

 

Archer & Armstrong Forever #1 Cover C by Dan Hipp

Alert! Alert! Restroom scuffle in progress! 

All sober patrons report to the Mens Room immediately. 

Help Armstrong fight off a nefarious gang of gardeners!

Wow! How about that last scene? 

Poor Armstrong! That's one blow he may find not so easy to shake off!

Pick up Archer & Armstrong Forever #1 today and see what happens next!

Dragon Dave

 

Just the facts...

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #1
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by MARCIO FIORITO
Colors by ALEX GUIMARAES
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU
Cover A by BERNARD CHANG
Cover B by DAVID TALASKI
Cover C by DAN HIPP
Pre-order Cover by RO STEIN/TED BRANDT

The triumphant return of Valiant’s best besties!

When Armstrong seemingly loses his immortality, Archer refuses to let his best buddy go gentle into that good night. But when you live for millennia, you rack up plenty of enemies who’ll be thrilled to find out you’re no longer indestructible. Archer & Armstrong’s globetrotting quest for (more) immortality begins here!

On sale MAY 4th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+

Archer & Armstrong Forever #1 Review

Archer & Armstrong Forever #1 Cover B by DAVID TALASKI

 

As Armstrong's long-ago friend Marc Anthony once said, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears," and allow me to tell you about Valiant Entertainment's cheeky new comic series. 

In Archer & Armstrong Forever #1, life for the young martial artist and the eternal drunkard has finally settled down. Until, that is, a crew of gardeners converge on Armstrong in the bar's restroom.

 

Many mortals have been drawn to the cosmic mysteries within Armstrong's tattered man-purse. They could provide the bearer with unimaginable power.

 

 

While Archer uses high-flying gymnastics to keep watch from above, Armstrong pursues the thieving gardeners through the streets. Little does he know what danger lies ahead.

 

 

Armstrong has pushed his body beyond its natural limits throughout the centuries. He has oft wondered if the Boon's incredible healing powers would ever wear off. Lo, his brazen days of heedless action, and recovering from debilitating injury, may be behind him.

 

Still, Armstrong won't let that get him down. In the meantime, count on his friend Archer to seek a means to keep Armstrong immortal..forever.

Delightful, frightful, and maybe just a little insightful, his high-flying adventure evokes the buddy comedies of the silver screen.

 

With Archer & Armstrong Forever, Valiant Entertainment throws another strike down the lanes of your local comic shop. Miss this series, and you'll be a turkey!

Dragon Dave

Details, Details...

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #1
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by MARCIO FIORITO
Colors by ALEX GUIMARAES
Letters by HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU 

Cover A by BERNARD CHANG
Cover B by DAVID TALASKI
Cover C by DAN HIPP
Pre-order Cover by RO STEIN/TED BRANDT 

On sale MAY 4th | 32 pages, full color | $3.99 US | T+