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Comic Book Review: “The Valiant” #2 Is A Thrilling Read

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Geomancer. Eternal Warrior. Bloodshot. Ninjak. “The Valiant” #2 assembles the Valiant Universe’s best to combat something that has beaten everyone it has ever gone up against. How do these heroes match up to such an unyielding enemy? Thankfully, not well which makes for a thrilling read.

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WRITTEN BY: Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt

ART BY: Paolo Rivera with Joe Rivera

PUBLISHER: Valiant Entertainment

PRICE: $3.99

RELEASE: 21 January 2015

Reviewed by: Your Friendly Neighborhood Brady
Twitter: @mrbradysteele

The Valiant Universe is smaller and connected in many ways. It feels like more is on the line in every title. There is less certainty of the heroes winning in this publishing line which gives in an extra gear for thrills. Writers Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt have made this a tale that feels intimate and epic in scope at the same time. Gilad, The Eternal Warrior has one enemy he’s never defeated completely: The Immortal Enemy. For an undying soldier, this stings more than other battles as the world suffers a Dark Age when he loses to this rival. The stakes here feel big and personal all at the same time.

The art by Paolo Rivera is simply brilliant. Having grown up in a land covered by snow half of the year, the way Rivera finds ways to make it all new again is praise-worthy indeed. The mixing of Jeff Lemire’s fairy tale panels is a nice touch. Lemire’s panels show how Geomancer Kay McHenry’s childhood story and Rivera’s nightmare-come-true reality come together in an absorbing way. Making your enemy Mr. Flay / The Immortal Enemy turn into whatever you fear most leaves this villain’s visuals open for some truly horrific imagery.

This story crashes into the midpoint with this chapter in stunning fashion. I don’t know how much of previous Valiant events have merely adapted what was done in 1990s. I get the sense that not too much. The Valiant #2 showcases how these heroes can be remarkable in the right creative hands. Put this book in your hands and get to know what great characters and storytelling looks like.

Comics

‘The Wicked Trinity’ – Preview New Archie Comics One-Shot Inspired by ‘The Craft’ [Exclusive]

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From Sabrina’s Magical World, Bloody Disgusting has learned this afternoon that Archie Comics will be releasing brand new one-shot comic The Wicked Trinity this coming June.

You’ll be able to meet The Wicked Trinity in the 32-page comic on June 12, 2024.

In The Wicked Trinity, “Sabrina’s magical nemesis Amber Nightstone and her sidekicks, Jade Kazane and Sapphire Gill, are intent on becoming the most powerful witches in the world. Isolated from so many around them, the three have formed a coven based on their individual needs for vengeance and true freedom.

“But when there is some dissent among the ranks, their small coven is threatened to be obliterated from within.”

The Wicked Trinity features a script by Sam Maggs, art by Lisa Sterle, colors by Ellie Wright, letters by Jack Morelli, main cover by Lisa Sterle, and variant cover by Soo Lee.

Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante tells Bloody Disgusting, “When Editor-In-Chief Mike Pellerito came up with the idea of the Wicked Trinity—Amber Nightstone, Jade Kazane, and Sapphire Gill—I was immediately intrigued. I even had the good fortune to work on the script for Jade and Sapphire’s first appearance in last year’s SABRINA ANNUAL SPECTACULAR comic for younger readers. What I especially loved about these magical teens is that they could seamlessly transcend from classic-Archie stories into more mature, even horror stories. I was eager to start developing their world with a modern sensibility, taking cues from the great work of Kelly Thompson and Veronica Fish on our SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH series, and Sarah Kuhn and Carola Borelli on our recent DARKLING one-shot. Inspired by series like Charmed and films like The Craft, I knew there was so much potential to build up this coven in a story that beautifully blends magical fantasy with horror.”

Writer Sam Maggs previews, “Real witches writing real witches—that’s how we do things over at Archie Comics! I was named after a famous witch—Samantha from Bewitched—and so I grew up absolutely obsessed with everything witchcraft, devouring every book series I could about teen witches. That makes WICKED TRINITY a dream project for me. The power and energy of teen girls is absolutely unmatched (just look at the engine behind fandom culture) and being able to harness that metaphorically for a story like this is such a delight. Everything I write focuses on the power of female friendship, and this story is no exception. And what’s better than a morally grey female character? I struggle to think of anything. Cat familiars, maybe? Also, I’m totally a practicing witch now. So maybe if you read this, you’ll find yourself imbued with magical powers, too.*

Artist Lisa Sterle adds, “I can’t wait for people to be re-introduced to The Wicked Trinity! Witches, fashion, and Archie Comics; this is truly a magical trifecta and I’m so happy to have the opportunity to put my own personal stamp on this. I love to create stories in which girls find their own power, both from within themselves and through their friendships and coven. If you’re a fan of my Modern Witch tarot, you’ll find this comic just as magical.”

Exclusively check out the two covers for The Wicked Trinity one-shot comic below!

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