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.
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.