Brandon: Welcome back David “Married Man” Harper! I don’t know that I would say I missed your musk. Although that could be a lie I tell myself. Who knows? I would say that I’ve missed Bloodshot being one of my favorite Valiant books. This issue didn’t quite drop it back in the top spot again but it really did a lot of the heavy lifting it will take to get it back there.
This issue was super solid. I loved the history of Bloodshot and felt Matt Kindt did a great job bringing action and intrigue back to the title. I also felt ChrisCross was a fantastic fit for the issue. There were also little things I appreciate aesthetically. In particular I really enjoyed the blood splatter that continued through all the pages of the book. I felt that was a small touch that went a long way to adding some personality and flare to the issue. So to answer your question, it did make me happy!
How about you?
David: Me too man. I really enjoyed this issue, and I found that Kindt and ChrissCross worked really well together, to the point where I wonder why they’re on just for the one issue. While I’m not sure it was a necessary story – maybe eventually what was delivered will factor in – but it was an interesting one that delved more into the identity of who Bloodshot really is and what the development of the program as well. Plus, it was just an insane mess of violence and Bloodshottery at many points.
It developed his background and told a kick ass and creepy story at the same time. What else could I ask for from a Zero issue Brandon?
Brandon: How about Afro-Bloodshot?! Oh wait! We fucking got that! Afro-Bloodshot was incredible and had a massive impact on my life even if he was only briefly featured. I want his story ASAP! I would really like a new team book starring Afro-Bloodshot, Monkey in a Top Hat AND Gamma! It’s petition time bitches!
David: Haha! I saw Afro-Bloodshot and I immediately thought, “Brandon is going to love that shit!” I would love to see the script for that. “Draw Bloodshot as if his host was Afrodisiac.” I hope that’s all Kindt said. That guy was a warrior, and an epic badass at that.
And I would absolutely read that book. Valiant! We need a Valiant team-up book stat! We can have Master Darque trying to take over Project Rising Spirit as Gamma tells him he’s a bad little boy and then puts him in a cage. That would be epic!
ChrisCross obviously left an impression on the both of us. Is it just me or did his clean yet still gritty style really, really fit on this book?
Brandon: ChrisCross was awesome. I didn’t realize this was a one off for him. That is too bad. I felt like he was the perfect fit for a book like this. Everything was clean but yet gritty, like you said, and he draws one hell of a head explosion/bullet hitting anything explosion of blood. He truly put the blood back in Bloodshot! I was very impressed.
I think my only complaint with this issue is that I still have no clue how Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps is going to work. I suppose we just find out in the first issue but I am surprised there wasn’t some sort of segue from one to the other.
David: Yeah, but this tends to fit the nature of a Zero issue. Showing the transition here would have been strange, and that’s what the first issue of that newly renamed book will be all about.
Continued belowHowever, I have no complaints. This was a rock solid issue, and it’s the most I’ve enjoyed Bloodshot in a bit. I’ll give this bad boy an 8. What about you?
Brandon: Yeah, I had a bloody good time with this issue. I’d give it a sweet 8.5!
David: I have to say, I am really enjoying the more direct focus of this latest arc. It’s playing to Robert Venditti and Lee Garbett’s strength, and this issue was pretty rock solid. You have Aric being an arrogant jerk but getting worked (and then working) Eternal Warrior, you have him finding a lady, and you have the return of Alexander Dorian, and Lee Garbett is fantastic on all of it.
X-O Manowar is shooting to the stars for me right as it has returned to Earth, and I am digging this. What about you, my friend?
Brandon: I have been enjoying X-O a lot more in recent months than I ever did in the past. This issue was along the same track of enjoy ability. I really enjoyed Aric and and Eternal Warrior throwing down. Aric snapping EDub’s arm was brutal and flashed me back to the Louisville player during March Madness but in a more enjoyable and less vomit inducing way.
I must say though that I think Aric is a douchebag. I can’t stand the guy. While this should be a negative it is actually a positive for the writing because it’s exactly how the reader should feel about the guy. He is arrogant and ego-centric and isn’t the guy you’d want to be besties with but you also can’t help but love to hate him. At least that’s how I feel. So feel free to change the you’s to I’s. Would you agree he is rather unlikable in a good way?
David: I think that’s one of the big things that has changed: Aric’s arrogance and ego-centric nature has begun to feel less unreasonable and more just who he is. And it’s what makes him so interesting, and an adversary for Gilad – he approaches everything like a conqueror. Like he’s better than everyone, for he is a Visigoth. It works really well for him, and I think it’s like his confidence has become more…understandable recently. Like, I loved that part where even Gilad was dumbfounded by what he’s been through recently.
I’m really interested to see how this pans out. I mean, am I crazy for saying Aric is effectively Doctor Doom right now?
Brandon: The Doom comparison is spot on! Especially with him now just setting up shop wherever he pleases like a boss. I am very interested to see how all of that plays out. I really feel like this book is hitting a nice groove and I’m ready to dance to that shit.
So what would you give the issue overall?
David: Romania = Valiant’s Latveria.
I’ll give it another 8. I really enjoyed this issue, and it’s on a hot streak. Let’s keep riding this angry, arrogant high! What about you?
Brandon: I would also give it an 8.0. Very solid issue and I’m happy to say that I am now enjoying every single Valiant book being put out. X-O finally won me over that dog.
David: XOXOXOXO X-O.
