Armored is an unexpectedly strong indie comic by Michael Schwartz, and issue #5 marks the end of the first part of the series. A mix of fantasy, teen drama, and complex emotions of loss and belonging, this is a fun read, and we hope this title gains more attention from an even wider audience in the coming months. I’m doing it.
Plot-wise, issue #5 sees Andy’s adopted son rise from the dead and the armor placed in the hands of Miles, who is struggling with his identity, forcing a confrontation between the two. It will be. The immediate threat intensifies as a mysterious force attempts to exploit Miles’ fears and emotions. As time passes for Sir William, Andy teams up with Tamina and races to free Miles from this influence and prevent the entire town from succumbing to a fate far worse than death. In doing so, Miles begins to overcome his lingering doubts about his adoptive family and resists the entity’s manipulations, setting the stage for future adventures in the final pages.
clover press
Written by Michael Schwartz and brought to life by Ismael Hernández’s vibrant, expressive watercolors, this issue, and the entire story it brings together, is a combination of artistic storytelling, relatable characters, and confidence. It exemplifies how visual styles can work together to create a work of art. something special. This is a manga that embraces young readers without ever disrespecting them, and at the same time appeals to older readers like me. It balances familiar themes and simple plots with subtle complexity and expressive depth that even seasoned comics fans will appreciate.
Much like The Bones of Jeff Smith, this series uses a charming, colorful aesthetic as a gateway, gently guiding readers into surprisingly rich and resonant stories full of heart and character. It is the deft interplay between the youthful surface and the more layered core that makes this book timeless and worthy of the reader’s attention. I hope a graphic novel version of these first five stories will be published in the near future. You can see that it’s popular in libraries.
Armored #5 and the entire first run that concludes it are great comics with a clear vision and purpose. Beneath its charming surface lies a story rich in emotional depth. This series knows how to communicate to younger viewers without losing the content and nuances that keep seasoned fans on repeat.
Armored #5
Armored #5 and the entire first run that concludes it are great comics with a clear vision and purpose. Beneath its charming surface lies a story rich in emotional depth. This series knows how to communicate to younger viewers without losing the content and nuances that keep seasoned fans on repeat.
Michael Schwartz’s script is tight, exciting, and accessible to readers young and old.
There’s plenty of potential for future storylines while providing a satisfying conclusion to the first arc.
Beautiful art by Ismael Hernandez throughout the issue. The visuals jump off the page.
