It's once again time for a new edition of Five Comics, and I've got a very special theme for today. I've been meaning to write this one for a long while, and this week couldn't be a more perfect time to do so. THE THEME: The Bloodshot movie (starring Vin Diesel) premieres this week, and although most people don't seem to care, I'm personally very excited for it. That's because the titular character is from a comic book, one I've read a fair bit of. Bloodshot comics are published by Valiant Comics, so for today, I want to shine a spotlight on them by reading five of their comics. THE COMICS: BLOODSHOT (2012) #1 Publisher: Valiant Comics Writer: Duane Sweirczynski Artists: Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi, Stefano Gaudiano - It only makes sense that I start with this one. Ray Garrison is an elite military operative, unparalleled on the field thanks to his nanite enhancements, which give him superhuman strength and speed, as well as an impressive healing factor. He's pulled back into action by the military, but shit goes horribly sideways, and the man known as Bloodshot uncovers a disturbing reality. Perfect comic to read if you're looking to prepare for the movie. - FREE on Comixology NINJAK (2015) #1 Publisher: Valiant Comics Writer: Matt Kindt Artists: Clay Mann, Seth Mann, Butch Guice - Ninjak is one of the greatest spies (and coolest characters) in the Valiant Universe, being an experience MI-6 operative and an actual fucking ninja. In this one, he's infiltrating a criminal group in order to flush out its leadership. Interspersed within the book are flashbacks to Ninjak's childhood, as well as a short story focusing on one of his earliest missions for the MI-6. - FREE on Comixology PUNK MAMBO #1 Publisher: Valiant Comics Writer: Cullen Bunn Artist: Adam Gorham - Punk Mambo is one of Valiant's most intereting characters, inhabiting the universe's more mystical side as a voodoo priestess, and rocking a very striking look and attitude to boot. Her latest adventure goes slightly awry when her connection to a voodoo god is severed, and now she ventures to Haiti to find some answers. - Comixology link QUANTUM AND WOODY #0.0001 1/2 Publisher: Valiant Comics Writer: Daniel Kibblesmith Artist: Kano - Dubbed "the world's worst superhero team," brothers Eric and Woody Henderson (AKA Quantum and Woody, respectively) are the go-to if you want wacky, comedic superhero action from Valiant. This weirdly-numbered issue is a fourth wall-breaking primer for the 2017 Quantum & Woody series. Not quite essential reading, but still worthwhile for the humor. - FREE on Comixology SHADOWMAN (1992–1995) #19 Publisher: Valiant Comics Writer: Bob Hall Artist: Bob Hall, John Dixon - This issue is a blast from the past, dating back to the "classic Valiant" days of the '90s, and it features one of the most popular Valiant characters of that age: Shadowman. This is one of his weirder adventures, as he must apply his powers and mystical know-how to save... Aerosmith. As in the band. Yes, Steven Tyler is in this, and he's a plot device for the blood feud between Master Darque and Shadowman. Comics are weird. - Comixology link I first got into Valiant Comics at the beginning of my college days, right around the time they underwent their big relaunch in 2012. I was only starting to get into reading comics digitally at that time, and their work was largely the reason I got hooked. Though I'm nowhere close to having read all of their offerings, I've been a fan of Valiant and its characters ever since, and I've tried to read what I can from them. It's this connection I have with Valiant that has me excited for the Bloodshot movie. Valiant, though not completely unknown (it did have quite a presence in the '90s, of course), isn't as well-known as the Big Two comic publishers, and this movie has a real chance of bringing new eyes to the publisher. Like how the MCU has made an entire pantheon of otherwise niche characters beloved pop culture icons, it is my hope that Bloodshot does the same for the Valiant Universe. I also just really want a Harbinger movie with Toyo Harada, and if the Bloodshot movie succeeds, that pipe dream of mine could very well happen. Hell, maybe we could get a Valiant Cinematic Universe. I wouldn't say no to that... PANEL (?) OF THE WEEK: - end -
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June 2024
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