Brandon Well, I think this makes me feel better about what has been going on in the book during this recent arc but it doesn’t change how I feel about the previous issues. I still felt the last issue was the worst of the series thus far in Torquehala or whatever. This issue pulled it out of the plunge it was going into, for me at least. I feel like I am more interested in what is going on now that there is an explanation. Had they only not dedicated a whole issue to Torquehala it’d be in much better shape overall.
What about you?
David: I thought it was well done as an individual issue, but the arc overall could have been delivered better. This issue though was well crafted, and I liked the Triplets who lock people into specific realities – the hyper psychics – and everything with Harada. I loved how Dysart made him this master multitasker, running his day-to-day life while also operating an alternate reality for Stanchek (which is certain to be insane). And the bit about him only sleeping once every month, and if he doesn’t he has a mind explosion? That’s some great stuff. Basically, I really, really dug everything in there, and everything with Samurai Sue? Heartbreaking and totally awesome at the same time. I hope she joins the Renegades when this arc is over.
Plus, Clayton Henry’s art…man. That guy is such a fantastic artist, and I love how he’s the pinch hitter on all of the Valiant books. Need something prettied up for an issue? Bring Henry in!
You mostly spoke of the plot and overall arc, but what did you think of this issue on its own? And what did you think of the art here?
Brandon I’m with you that as an individual issue it was very enjoyable. It had awesome concepts and great moments. I really loved the look of the constructs created by Sue. The cartoon look of the constructs was so fitting for a child’s mind. While at the same time the constructs and Sue came across as so damaged and warped by what she’s been through. The violent killings of animals by her constructs were great character development moments for her. Harada mind explosions are something that I now want to see very badly. The idea of that happening was a great tease at a likely future meltdown. I loved it.
Henry’s art was also fantastic. He did a great job with everything to do with Sue, especially the constructs. The visual aspects of this issue were pure money.
Overall, this is one of the better issues in quite some time. In contrast to last month’s issue especially.
David: I have to ask: does the fact that apparently the ending of Harbinger Wars wasn’t really the ending devalue that event for you at all? Apparently it was all misdirection from both a Harbinger and Bloodshot perspective.
Brandon If anything it just reinforces how much of a mess the ending of that was. It’s like the reader is Wolverine or Bloodshot and we’re loaded with false memories. If the point was to confuse shit a job was very well done.
David: I love the idea that we’ve now gone through the Weapon X program. What an amazing simulation!
If the next issue is going through Harada’s construct for Peter as it seems like it will be, do you think you’ll be more comfortable with that after this issue? Or do you think that’s still problematic for you as a reader?
Brandon Well, I am fine with it if it is engaging and well told. My issue with Torquehala was that it was anything but. It was confusing for the reader and really didn’t add a lot to the series or the story. Even going back now and looking at it with what we now know I still feel it was pointless to an extent and not well told.
Continued belowHow about you?
David: Oh I agree entirely. I was all over that being super problematic from the very first issue. While this issue itself was pretty damn good, it is still disappointing that the previous two weren’t so much and this at least sort of devalues the Harbinger Wars experience.
Anyways, I’ll give this issue a 7.5. It was an enjoyable issue that was well crafted by two very good storytellers, but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t at least a little tainted by what preceded it. What about you?
Brandon: I’d also give the issue a 7.5. Tainted fo shizzle.
