Image credit: Alien Books
It’s time to check out the third of four new Valiant comics, part of a rebooted all-new continuity known as Valiant Beyond. Following Bloodshot #1 (which has understandably been mired in controversy since its release) and Tales of the Shadowman #1, it’s time for classic armored hero XO Manowar to get the Beyond treatment.
This issue introduces us to a wasteland inhabited by dangerous gangs and a lonely outcast who appears to be the only person capable of protecting the innocent. Who is Aric of Dacia and why no one seems to have even heard of Dacia itself? And who is in charge of this Mad Max-esque band of wandering thieves?
Although the setting and exposition can be a little confusing at times, this opening issue has some solid action, especially in the opening sequence featuring the rhinoceros-like creature, and some really nice artwork too.
There’s something of a melting pot of influences here, from the aforementioned Mad Max to Borderlands, Conan, Thor, and Iron Man (the latter not surprising given XO Manowar’s nature as an armored hero), but this issue doesn’t quite cohere into a coherent whole, and it still doesn’t feel like an XO Manowar story at all.
That said, it’s certainly a unique setting and a different take on the characters. I’m interested enough to at least check out the next issue. Time will tell if it turns out to be more than just interesting.
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