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 reviewing “Solar, Man of the Atom” #5-7 ‘First Strike.’
It’s Place within VALIANT:
After the terrific opening storyline for “Solar,” the series picks up immediately after all of Phil Seleski’s various incarnations have merged. With the character’s origin squarely established, the tonal focus of the comic shifts to the creation of outside threats. In this case that threat comes in the form of the Spider-Aliens, first introduced in issue #5.
Much like the Harbinger Foundation introduced in the first storyline, the Spider-Aliens will be a recurring threat throughout the VALIANT Universe and be responsible for one of its premier heroes, X-O Manowar. In the context of this storyline the Spider-Aliens are an invading species who use humans as a fuel/food source. The X-O Armor, which represents the pinnacle of their warring prowess is highlighted in issue #7.
Issue #5 also features the company’s first departure from a creative perspective. While David Perlin penciled issues #6-7, longtime DC Comics and Harvey Comics penciler Ernie Colón handled issue #5. Bringing on Colón for this issue not only helped maintain the comic’s shipping schedule, it was a wonderful nod to the past. Amongst the plethora of Colón’s prior works is a brief stint at Gold Key Comics where he penciled “Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom” #24–26 (1968–1969). He would also work on various issue of “Magnus, Robot Fighter” from 1991-1993.
The other notable creative difference is on the colorist front. While the first 4 issues had been wonderfully colored by Bob Layton with Thomas Ryder, beginning with issue #5 they would be colored by Knob Row. Knob Row is not an individual person per se but a menagerie of individuals. Bob Layton had inspired the idea of “growing some talent in a vat.” As such a number of graduates from the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art had been brought on. These new additions were lovingly referred to as “Knobs” and would work collectively on various fronts until acquiring enough experience to handle solo assignments.
Another interesting addition beginning with issue #5 is the inclusion of an Editor’s Page and Letters Page. While the Letters Page was pretty par for the course with the expected lot of positive reviews and some hand selected dissenting views, it was Jim Shooter’s Editor’s Page that truly shined. Generally speaking, Shooter used the platform to promote the talent within the books, highlighting David Lapham in issue #5 and Knob Row plus Janet Jackson (not the singer, but the VALIANT Editor & Colorist) in issue #6. However, he also used the platform to differentiate VALIANT from their competitors, and he did so with some not to subtle shots.
In issue #5 Shooter details the differences between a no-frills comic and what VALIANT offered. He envisioned VALIANT as a comic book company that would offer gimmicks, or “premiums” as he referred to them, as long as they added value. He goes on to say that “A flip-book, in my opinion, is neat. Five “variations” of one issue is blatant greed.” Clearly referencing the recently released “X-Men” #1. In issue #7’s Editor’s Page he went further by retelling how Marvel had made a name for themselves in the ‘60’s by cultivating talent and creativity in a time where DC had become stagnant. He mirrored this to the current VALIANT/Marvel dynamic in which Marvel had been purchased and was now run by a large, by the numbers, corporation. In retrospect VALIANT was a comic book company run by comic book creators, interested in promoting a stew of new talent whose ideas would have free reign.
Continued belowDespite the increased attention, print runs remained modest for these issues of “Solar.” With issues #5-8 varying between 50,000 & 60,000 units each. As with the prior storyline, these issues contain parts 5-7 of Solar’s origin ‘Alpha and Omega.’ Later reprinted as “Solar” #0, ‘Alpha and Omega’ is included in 6-page inserts within each issue, running from “Solar” #1 to #10.
Storyline Summary:
“Solar, Man of the Atom” #5-7
Publication dates: January 1992 – March 1992
Written by Jim Shooter
Penciled by Ernie Colón (Issue #5) & D. David Perlin (Issues #6-7)
Inked by Ian Akin (Issue #5) & Stan Drake (Issue #6-7)
Colored by Knob Row
Lettered by Audra Verde
After destroying the world, reforming it and ultimately unifying his multiple incarnations into Solar, Man of the Atom, Dr. Phil Seleski finds himself in a unique position. While continuing to help the world in his superhero guise (although he does forget to wear his uniform quite frequently), his professional career is now under a stricter level of supervision by someone who is not quite human.
Investigating his supervisor, Dr. Ruck, Solar learns that he is in fact an alien. Digging deeper Solar teleports to an alien infestation within a Peruvian jungle encampment. In the natural spider-like form the aliens attack viscously. Returning to the nuclear plant Solar is able to tap into the core and recharge. Now healed, Solar battles Ruck but is unable to capture him as he tears off Ruck’s arm before he gets away. He teleports after them as the alien spaceships are just past Saturn.
Arriving at the alien rendezvous point Solar explores the ships. Analyzing them spectrally, he amazingly finds a human hiding in the ductwork. After rescuing her she leads him to a containment cell full of humans. While the lot is drugged and lethargic, Solar leads them through the ship to find an exit. Fighting off the Spider-Aliens at every turn he discovers that the aliens are sucking the energy out of the humans and leaving them as dry dead husks. The group is finally able to break into a secluded wooded jungle environment within the ship, where they rest, bathe and eat until rested.
It’s not long though before the group is attacked again. Solar is fallen upon by a cadre of the Spider-Alien’s elite warriors. The battle is epic as the warriors use their sheer numbers to overwhelm Solar. In the end though he harnesses his internal power and incinerates the lot of them. Making his way into the bridge of the ship Solar finds three aliens in human guise. They explain that he and the humans have committed a grievous offense against the Spider-Aliens by eating their fruit and walking in their sacred sanctuary. With that the Spider-Aliens show Solar the humans on a screen and before Solar can protest the Spider-Aliens expels all the humans into space, killing the entire lot.
In a rage at what he has just witnessed, Solar destroys the ship he’s in and begins to systematically destroy the entire armada. The Spider-Aliens though have one last recourse. We see them arming up their best warrior in their more powerful X-O Armor. Staring each other down the battle begins almost immediately. Throughout their confrontation there is an ebb and flow to the battle, with both sides getting the upper hand at various points before the other counters. As Solar is finally able to neutralize the warrior he turns to see the remaining ships depart. The X-O warrior, defeated, pleads with Solar to end his life, proclaiming that his duty demands that he fight to the death. Hesitant at first, Solar grants him the honor, killing him instantly with an energy bolt through the head.
Review:
The second storyline within “Solar,” titled ‘First Strike’ is an interesting about face from the opening arc. Gone is the poignant self-analysis of a hero battling to unite his various personas. In its place we find a charismatic and confident Phil Seleski who only shows a slight level of self-doubt when pressed. The absence of virtually all the supporting characters from Solar’s introduction (apart from some humorous scenes with his psychiatrist friend John), is also a clear indication that the series will be pushing forward in new directions.
Continued belowUltimately this is the most logical direction for the series to go as up to now the VALIANT universe only has a light splattering of super powered being. With Solar the most God-like of them all. While the series could have continued down a reflective path analyzing how one with such powers would acclimate himself given a second chance. Especially considering he ultimately did destroy the Earth only to rebirth it by jumping back in time. The focus of VALIANT was first and foremost to create a super hero universe. Thus, given how easily Solar is able to combat his more mundane daily foibles, the only course available to Jim Shooter was to introduce plausible threats. The Spider-Aliens quickly establish themselves as a competent threat based on their motivations, weaponry and callousness. While their initial appearance in issue #5 is a tad lacking, and the script in general shows a bit of filler quality. The viciousness of their actions in issues #6-7 quickly make up for that.
In a comparable manner the writing for issue #5 did not hit the high water mark established in the first storyline. While the story was perfectly competent, there are a number of comic book quirks that stick out. One such cringe inducing moment are the missiles the Spider-Aliens launch at Solar in the jungle. For a civilization that can travel the cosmos and create a living suite with the capabilities of the X-O Armor, the thought of them firing what was basically mortar rounds with pointy toothed mouths at the tip seemed ridiculous. Similarly the speed in which Solar is attacked by aliens in disguise at each location would indicate that the alien’s disguises are in and of themselves useless. Nevertheless, issues #6-7 make us quickly forget these hiccups as the confrontation with the Spider-Aliens and X-O Armor is spectacular. The turning point of it all is the viciousness and disdain that the Spider-Aliens show. The fact that they are using the humans as a fuel source is creepy enough in its own right. But to kill all their captives with a flick of the switch. While making Solar watch. Transcends the Spider-Aliens from worthy opponents to historically viscous ones.
In a similar vein as the writing, the artwork showed a comparable deviation. While having Ernie Colón pencil issue #5 was a beautiful nod to the past, his Solar did not jump off the page with quite the same vibrancy as David Perlin’s. In analyzing the artwork one can see that Colón did a wonderful job of mimicking Perlin’s style, as the issues seamlessly blend together. Yet it is missing some of the finer detailing that Colón brought to his runs on Conan or other Atlas Comics. Whether it be due to time constraints, the adherence to a particular style, or possibly the coloring, the artwork in issue #5 doesn’t bring to life the vibrancy that Colón is known for. On the other hand Perlin’s work on issues #6-7 were as beautiful as expected. His depictions of Solar in the cosmos and the Spider-Alien ships are stunning as he brings a lithe and agility to all his super-powered beings. Plus, his depictions of female characters continue to be classically gorgeous in that sci-fi vibe. Ultimately the artwork for the entire series remains attractive, especially considering that the coloring duties at this point are being handles by a conglomerate rather than a single individual.
Market Presence:
By now VALIANT was beginning to make subtle waves throughout the industry. After a short 2-page publicity profile in “Wizard” #4 where the magazine provided a quick summary of all the current VALIANT titles and their respective creators, the following month saw a much larger spotlight. In addition to a Pick of the Month recommendation for “Rai” #1 and general buying recommendations for VALIANT’s other four books (“Solar,” “Magnus,” “X-O” & “Harbinger”) the company was spoken about in the Market Watch section. Stating: “Has anyone noticed that all of VALIANT’s title are slowly climbing up the price charts? Magnus: Robot Fighter, Solar and X-O Manowar all continue to gain value and readers. Amid all the Marvel/DC/Dark Horse hype, VALIANT appears to be a wild card in the deck.”
Continued belowComing up Next:
We head back to 4000 A.D. as Magnus gets dragged into a conflict with Japan’s spirit protector Rai. Make sure to read “Magnus, Robot Fighter” #5-8 & “Rai” Prequel #1-4 – ‘Invasion,’ as it features one gigantic storyline with Magnus, Rai and Solar gearing up for battle against an invading horde of Spider-Aliens in one of VALIANT’s premier storylines.
