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X-O Manowar #3 Review

By Andy Frisk
July 20, 2012 - 13:36

The ancient and sacred armor worshipped by The Vine (a spider-like alien race with designs on Earth) finally chooses its host, and it isn’t one of The Vine. Aric of Dacia learns very quickly that the armor’s war making powers aren’t its only skill though. Easily mowing down several of The Vine while attempting to lead the slaves on the ship in revolt against their chittering masters, Aric quickly learns that the armor doesn’t have power over life and death, but that will be the least of his problems when it follow his unconscious command to return him to Rome…

X-O Manowar writer Rob Venditti smartly kept the sci-fi action under wraps until issue three of the new Valiant’s flagship title. The wait was worth it. Seeing the X-O Manowar armor in action in a new issue of a new X-O Manowar series is something that long suffering Valiant fans have been waiting for almost two decades see. Venditti’s pacing, character development, and slowly unfolding, but totally worth the wait, action sequences are all reminiscent of what made the original Valiant comics so engaging. His twist ending (which really wasn’t so much of a surprise for older X-O fans) is smartly executed.

Artist Cary Nord brings Venditti’s story to life beautifully. His panel layout is solid, and his two page spread of the ancient Roman Coliseum is stunning. My only complaint, which is the same with most of the sequential artists I review, is that his background details are a little lacking.

At this point we can move past saying that “Valiant is back!” and start making the case that Valiant is now here to stay. Every single issue of a new Valiant comic that I’ve read has been great and left me wanting more. With titles like Archer and Armstrong, Eternal Warrior, and Rai on the horizon, the fun is far from over.  

Rating: 9 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12