I have heard nothing but good things about Valiant’s re-launch that started a few years ago. As far as I can tell, this is one tight, proficient comic universe they are building. “The Delinquents” #1 shows off the lighter and off the wall side of what goes on with some of the would-be heroes inhabiting said universe. I like what I see here.
WRITTEN BY: James Asmus and Fred Van Lente
ART BY: Kano
PUBLISHER: Valiant Entertainment
PRICE: $3.99
RELEASE: 20 August 2014
Reviewed By Your Friendly Neighborhood Brady
I only know these characters through the gorgeous covers I’ve randomly seen now and back in the oh-so-shiny 1990s. I was too brain-washed by the ‘Big Two’ back then to really try anything else. After reading this first issue, I have one more regret to add to my wasted youth. Thankfully, I can get on board now.
This tale teases readers with all kinds of goodies: Hobo’s buried lost treasures, hobo language 101 (never know when that could come in handy), Mr. Meat, blown-up cars with princesses in them …and that’s just in the first few pages! Writers James Asmus and Fred Van Lente have a madcap buddy tale to tell here and they look to have a lot of merriment for all.
The art by Kano is gritty and dirty and hilarious…just like our heroes herein. Archer and Armstrong remind me of Van Lente’s epically great Incredible Hercules run. Quantum and Woody are the bastard children of Power Man and Iron Fistno is willing to admit to having. All of this looks great thanks to the capable and versatile art style of the underrated Kano. None of these characters are going to play nice together and readers will enjoy the fallout in action and snappy paneling and design.
I realize that the other Valiant books look more intense and action packed than “The Delinquents” #1. That Armor Hunterscross-over looks pretty cool. However, I think that’s the point. This book is where goofballs with powers do stuff and joviality and mirth ensue. The variant covers alone that combine to make a game board are a genius move itself. I have never liked the variant cover thing but THIS makes me want to actually buy them to play the game. If the cover can do that, I have no doubt the creators behind that and this story will deliver the goods here.