Valiant (Re)visions is back, as we triumphantly return with a new duo providing weekly looks at Valiant’s offerings as well as giving bonus insight into what’s hot and what’s not in the Valiant world. Returning is David Harper to the team, and he’s joined by 4 Color News and Brews co-host Brandon Burpee. This week, they’re looking at two releases from today: Archer & Armstrong #7 and Bloodshot #8. Did the guys love them? Did they hate them?
You can only find out below.
Up first, we have a look at Fred Van Lente and Emanuela Lupacchino’s Archer & Armstrong #7. Fresh off of the arrival of the new Geomancer, Archer, Armstrong, Gilad/Fist & Steel/Eternal Warrior/Serious Jerkface and the Geomancer go after The Null. So Brandon, what did you think of this issue?
Brandon: How’s it going everyone?! I’m excited to be here.
As far as the issue goes I really enjoyed it. It was actually one of my favorite runs of the series to date. I felt like it rode an amazing balance of action, humor and interpersonal relationships so well that the closest thing I could compare it to would be an issue of Peter David’s X-Factor. Which if you know me you know that is high praise. It just has that same vibe and feel. It also, like X-Factor, is establishing a nice cast of characters that feel like they have some life behind them. So I guess what I am trying to say is I thought it was incredibly solid. What did you think Mr. Harper?
David: I couldn’t agree more. Archer & Armstrong has been my favorite Valiant book since its launch, and it’s because Fred Van Lente has been infusing this book with so much fun and heart, and this one had some top notch moments. I do have to agree with your X-Factor comparison though. It reminds me of that a bit, even if it does have a buddy comedy vibe to it quite a bit too.
This issue itself though did a great job of developing the plot and giving us some awesome moments on the way. Did you have a favorite moment in this issue in particular?
Brandon: I’d say my favorite moments were any time Gilad and Armstrong were interacting. The back and forth between the two provided me with more than one chuckle. If I was forced to boil it down I would say my favorite of these interactions was the spat between Gilad and Armstrong where Armstrong referred to Gilad as “Douchey McDouche”. That had me rolling. I know it’s immature and some writers may have used the term in dialogue and it would have fallen flat but Van Lente nailed the landing in a way that leaves McKayla Maroney both jealous and impressed!
David: Ha! Yeah, I like the way they spar like immortal brothers because…you know, they’re actually immortal brothers. You’d really think they’d pick on each other. Personally, there were two moments that I really loved: the ridiculousness of them going building-to-building in the car and everyone’s reactions besides Gilad, and what Gilad said after he took out the Romans in the beginning. “Roman, please.” CHILD, PLEASE! We got ourselves a veiled Ochocinco reference from Van Lente! Or am I crazy?
Brandon: I am not sure if he was indeed channeling Ochocinco but i’ll go ahead and accept that this is the case since I fucking love that guy. Also, that was a great moment in the book. Archer’s facial expression was so well done by Emanuela Lupacchino. Seeing his utter comical surprise and fear was another one of those moments where I got a decent laugh from the book.
David: Yeah, I have to say, I was initially bummed about Clayton Henry bouncing out for a bit, but man, Emanuela Lupacchino is amazing. I think that’s part of the reason why this book works so well. Van Lente is obviously a funny guy who thrives with the interpersonal, but Henry and Lupacchino are both so excellent at expressive characters. It feels real in how they move and interact, and it really underlines the strange relationships between the characters, namely Gilad and Armstrong. She’s an absolute killer and a perfect fit for this book.
Continued belowBrandon: I agree entirely. This is one of those books where the creators are simpatico. Whenever that happens a book has really no limits as to how good it can be or even get. It really is one of the better artist rotations for a title in a world where rotating artists is the new normal. I am sure Van Lente is very pleased with the coworkers he has at the moment.
David: No doubt. I have to imagine he is. So it’s clear we both are digging this book, which is not surprising because it’s a ton of fun and kind of in both of our wheelhouses. Before we move on to Bloodshot, do you have anything else to add about this book? If not, give me your grade on a ten point scale, son!
Brandon: Nothing else to add other than that I enjoyed it quite a bit. I’d say on a ten point scale I would give it an 8. Really solid work all around on this issue. How about you?
David: Same here. 8’s all around!
Brandon Yeah, it did. I thought it was yet another solid issue. I love how you can see the threads of Harbinger War coming together here. I also, as usual, love the incredible brutality of Bloodshot. That guy is nasty awesome!
David: Yeah, he is a bit on the badass side isn’t he? I like how balls to the wall this book is. It really doesn’t pull any punches. Instead, it puts those punches through people’s skulls. Also, how intense is Gamma?
Brandon: Gamma is straight up trying to be this years Lying Cat for me. Or for those that don’t watch 4 Color, which you should, the best new character of the year. Gamma is awesome. Granted she is essentially Granny Goodness but she is way more badass and horrible. I think she is awesome.
David: She is a bit badass. I mean, she throws Bloodshot on his heels and he’s a guy who ripped someone’s head off with their spine attached, Predator-style, earlier in the issue. Have I mentioned this book is intense and really badass? That was definitely the “oh damn!” moment of the issue for me. Did you have any standouts, besides anything featuring your torrid love affair with Gamma?
Brandon One of the things I continually enjoy in this book and enjoyed again in this issue is the way they’ve set up the relationship between Bloodshot and the fictional child of his who works as his guide to a degree or his operating system. In this issue I enjoyed how it appeared he was talking to himself but was really handling business internally. I think that is one of the more fucked up relationships in comics if you really think about it. It’s something that I enjoy watching develop. I also enjoyed the stuff with the kids as I am really excited to see how this ties over to Harbinger. I want to see these kids unleashed!
David: Yeah, I really enjoy his relationship with the Kid. Like they said in issue #7, it often feels like Bloodshot is in some sort of 80’s action movie. I love that feel. That said, this issue didn’t rock me as much as #7. I thought that was a really good issue that got into the depths of the character, and this one was more of an action-packed extravaganza. Definitely badass with some crazy moments, but maybe a little less satisfying.
That said, holy crap can Manuel Garcia bring the violence. I’m a fan of his art. It’s not precisely my cup of tea like Emanuela is on A&A, but he’s a great fit for this book. What do you think?
Brandon: To be perfectly honest I enjoyed this issue a bit more than last issue. I feel like this title is at its best when it is just pure violence and destruction. It’s Expendables done right. A.K.A. it isn’t shitty like Expendables. So I would agree entirely with the 80’s action vibe. I think it is great.
Continued belowAs far Garcia goes, his art is perfect for this title. It’s gritty and he can bring the violence without a doubt. The art is primal and raw when it comes to the ultra violence which is exactly what you want from a title like this. It is very different from Lupacchino but perfect for this book.
David: Oh for sure, it’s perfect. I was just saying she’s more my cup of tea.
Well old chap, let’s hear it: what do you have for a rating on this bad boy to close our first edition of Valiant (Re)visions?
Brandon: Well, this book continues to be one of my top two from Valiant and this issue was well done in my opinion. On a ten point scale I would say it is easily an 8.1.
David: I liked it, but I liked it a fair bit less than Archer & Armstrong. For that reason, it’s getting a 7 from me. A nice buy, and worth a pick up for sure.
Check back as Valiant books are released for more from your new Valiant (Re)visions team, and make sure to hear more about Valiant on 4 Color News and Brews’ month-in-review podcasts starring these two gentlemen.
