Welcome to Unifying VALIANT, our celebration of the 25-year anniversary of VALIANT’s companywide crossover ‘Unity.’ A precursor to the now omnipresent annual comic event, ‘Unity’ and VALIANT changed the face of the comic industry in the early ‘90’s. In each entry we’ll be focusing on one of the company’s storylines until culminating at ‘Unity.’ Follow along as we dig deep and rediscover what made VALIANT the innovative and revolutionary company it was.
This week we’re catching up with the Visigoth killing machine, “X-O Manowar.” As Aric methodically eliminates all challengers, will he find worth in these modern times? Or will his closest advisor prove to be his most deadly advisory?
It’s Place within VALIANT:
The short 2-issue arc found in “X-O Manowar” #5 – #6 is perhaps one of the most enjoyable comics leading up to VALIANT’s ‘Unity’ crossover. With a singular direction and a tightly knit story, the arc brings to the forefront X-O Manowar’s most endearing aspect, its gratuitous violence and blunt protagonist. Part Conan and part Aliens, the series thus far encapsulates the 90’s comic landscape. A product of its time, yet similarly so much more than what it’s given credit for.
The number of creators for these two issues is uncharacteristically minimal for VALIANT. While Jim Shooter wrote issue #5, Bob Layton would write #6 and continue writing the majority of the series going forward. The only significant collaboration of creators during this arc is on the artistic side. Michael Leeke would do a beautiful job for issue #5, issue #6 would feature breakdowns by Steve Ditko and finishes by Mark Moretti. While Mark Moretti would be a staple in early VALIANT work, and his high quality art comes as no surprise, the true surprise here is Spider-Man co-creator Steve Ditko.
Notoriously selective of what characters he works on, it is surprising to see Steve Ditko’s contribution on such an over the top comic as “X-O Manowar.” Besides the breakdowns for issue #5, Ditko would not work on any of VALIANT’s superheroes outside of a couple “Solar” and “Magnus” issues. Nevertheless, Ditko is synonymous with early VALIANT work. He crafted a series of iconic issues for the company’s WWF line, including “Battlemania” and a series of WWF one shots. Regarded as some of the premier wrestling comic efforts of the last 25 years, Ditko’s style brought the larger than life wrestler personalities to existence on the comic page.
The other interesting tidbit from these two issues comes in the form of Jim Shooter’s editor’s page in issue #5. Having received a number of letters regarding the general lack of availability regarding the upcoming free “Unity” #0, Shooter responded in a manner that can only be described as blunt. “If you want your free copy of this landmark issue, as well as all the UNITY Chapters published in May and June, and your comics retailer won’t reserve them for you, find another comics shop!” The tactic, while thoroughly on the nose, worked splendidly as demand for the ‘Unity’ issues caused a significant surge in production runs. Meanwhile, issues #5 and #6 would see modest gains from initial “X-O” arc. While issue #5 would hold steady at 45,000 units, issue #6 saw an increase to 60,000 units.
Storyline Summary:
“X-O Manowar” #5-6
Publication dates: June 1992 – July 1992
Written by Jim Shooter & Bob Layton
Penciled by Michael Leeke, Steve Ditko & Mark Moretti
Inked by Tom Ryder
Colored by Jorge Gonzalez
Lettered by Ken Lopez
Having overtaken and defeated all opponents, Aric of Dacia and his unlikely acquaintance Ken, stand alone as the heads of the powerful organization once run by the Spider-Aliens. Yet, given all of Aric’s victories and his almost total annihilation of his enemies, where are his spoils? They are not in running a corporation. Ken is more than capable of that. Without purpose Aric leaves to ponder his place in this new world. His short departure though, provides Ken with an opportunity. While he likes Aric, it is clear that his unpredictable violence and time displaced logic will be a hindrance in the future. Would it not be best to remove him now while he has a chance?
Continued belowDeciding to eliminate Aric, Ken sets up a simple plan. That plan though is almost immediately derailed, as Aric’s gratuitous violence is too much for Ken to anticipate and cope with. Giving himself time to ponder and learn from the armor, Aric grasps the truth of his time travel and Ken’s apparent betrayal, yet refuses to accept it. Only after wandering the city does he come to terms that his people are long dead. During this period of self reflection Aric decides that the current world is ripe for conquering. Yet, beneath his vigil a new foe has come into play.
Ax, the young Harbinger trainee who can speak with technology, has quickly amassed a strike force based on confiscated Spider-Alien tech. With the greatest of this tech outside his grasp he attempts to take the Manowar armor. Initially successful, Ax is able to steal the armor and speak with it. Yet the armor knows who its true owner is and calls out to Aric. Reuniting with the Manowar, Aric battles Ax and his lackeys. Armed with his own lesser suit, Ax proves to be a worthy opponent. Their battle ebbs and flows with both sides landing significant damage. Ultimately though, Aric forgoes the Manowar armor and defeats Ax single handedly, showcasing the savagery that the Visigoth is known for.
With the new upstart defeated, Aric is left to ponder what to do with Ken, given his recent betrayal. By crafting Ken a replacement arm made out of the same techno organic material that the Manowar armor is composed of, Aric rewards him for his loyalty. The arm though will serve as an extension of the armor, always knowing Ken’s true purpose and ready to kill him at the first sign of further betrayal.
Review:
“X-O Manowar” comes across as a perfect ‘90’s action movie. Actually, it is rather amazing that a film has never been made utilizing the character. It has all the components of a successful film. A straight laced hulking action star, his quirky sidekick, and tons and tons of gratuitous violence. In a world where the Fast and Furious movies can get sequel after sequel, there has to exist a place for a property such as “X-O Manowar.” Aric and company are simply fun characters to read, tapping into our primordial lizard brain and satiating our blood lust.
While we’ve already mentioned the various parties who were involved with creating these two issues, it should go without saying how the quality remains exceptionally high. In fact one could argue that these issues, while not as important as the initial story arc, are in fact more artfully crafted. They tell a simple yet effective story that is tight and focused. While the introductory arc for the character was wonderfully received, it focused on an expansive story spanning a significant amount of events. These issues center on a singular event and truly bring out the characterization.
Ultimately, it is the characterization that is the star of the issues. As we delve deeper into what makes these characters unique, one can’t help but grow attached to them. Even when they are outwardly villainous, such as with Ken’s attempted betrayal, you can’t help but sympathize. Additionally, I hope that the quality of the villains remains as intriguing as it has been. Bringing Ax over from “Harbinger” not only fills a power vacuum left by the general elimination of the Spider-Aliens, it further cements VALIANT’s quest to bridge its comics and craft a tightly knitted universe.
With such a powerful set of foes quickly eliminated from the storyline, it was easy to fear that the lack of a credible adversary could decrease the appeal of the comic. Yet, by establishing a ripple effect based on the Spider-Aliens earthly presence, you can see that there will be enough fodder to craft worthy foils for our hero. I can only hope that further arcs will provide some victories for these foes. Perennial losers, such as the rogues’ gallery of some of comic’s most iconic characters, can quickly lose their interest after a long line of defeats. Hopefully, Ax, the Spider-Aliens, and other future offshoots will have an occasional victory to maintain a weight to their presence.
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Coming up Next:
Next we head back to the year 4001, as Rai and Japan are embattled in a bloody civil war. Read “Rai” #1 – #5 as Japan’s spirit enforcer and its people come to terms with their new geographical location and human leadership.
