Fred Van Lente creates a seemingly never ending cavalcade of hilarity, excitement and action, in a book that deserves to be on everyone’s pull list!

Archer & Armstrong #3, brings the search for the pieces of the Boon full circle as Archer comes face to face with his past! Not only has he turned his back on his parents by teaming with, “He Who Must Not Be Named”, now he must explain his actions to the person he holds most dear — Mary-Maria! Plus, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — Ninja Nuns!

An emotional and enthralling read that will envelop your senses; A&A is one of those books that you look forward to ever month! It is witty and exciting, mixing “alt-history” and the ensuing hijinks of the best “buddy” stories to create a truly rare book that can please any comic fan! If you blended the intrigue and action of “National Treasure” with the charismatic characters of “Lethal Weapon”, you would be somewhere near the amazement that Archer & Armstrong brings — but, only near!

Clayton Henry, Pere Perez and Matt Milla converge their artistic talents to create a stunning visual experience that will tantalize the eyes! From highly stylized action sequences to tender emotional moments, this trio makes every panel jump off the page. There is nothing wasted, every miniscule detail has been paid attention to, making seemingly simple line art into something outstanding!

But, it is Fred Van Lente’s craftsmanship of the tale that keeps you enthralled. A page turner to say the least, it is rife with intrigue and captivating moments that keep you on the edge of your seat! Characterization is what comes first in this book and it is what will keep you coming back. From the aloof buffoon to the naive assassin, we are bewildered by how good a story about polar opposite characters can be. But it works — extremely well! 

This is the first book that begins the “shared universe” of Valiant Entertainment. From here on out, you will see details from other books working their way into different stories. Although they may seem miniscule at the time, these are the stepping stones that will solidify Valiant’s titles together. So, pay attention! You are on the cusp of seeing a universe being built before your eyes! Breathe it in!

James Tynion IV and Scott Snyder team together again, this time they bring you the harrowing tale of Calvin Rose — Talon! The first brand new hero introduced into the “Bat family” in the DCnU!

From abused child to trained killer, Calvin Rose, has been raised to look for the worst in people in order to justify his actions. Unfortunately, all he has truly seen the entirety of his life are horrific events. It doesn’t take much for the Court of Owls to mold this young man into the perfect weapon and point him at any target they choose. But deep inside, there is a conscience that whispers to get out, to be free. A conscience that will forever set him at odds with the Court themselves!

A tragic and emotional tale, Talon, is a classic warrior’s story. One where the main character must shed the shackles that bind him in order to find his own path in the world; even though his freedom means an ever increasing threat from those that wish to use him for their own devious plans. Calvin Rose is a character that is never truly left to his own discretion, even his freedom is seen as a misdirection by other people. A choice that will force him to fight or die, but death will only place him back in the arms of those he so desperately wants to forget. So, for Calvin Rose, their is only the choice to fight and escape. The two things he has done all his life!

A fantastic tale and a great way to introduce a new book for the “Bat family.” The Third Wave isn’t quite upon us yet, but if the other books are half as good as this one, we’ll be in for one hell of a ride! 

The “Summer of Valiant” may be coming to a close, but the comics world continues to heat up each week as another Valiant book hits the shelves! Not only does Valiant strive to push their characters forward into the hearts and minds of fans, they also are bringing some of the best comic characters back to the forefront of the industry. This week it’s — Ninjak!

Robert Venditti’s tale of a man displaced in time continues here, and we get an inside look at just how emotionally scarred Aric is from knowing everything he has ever held dear is gone. Venditti makes the reader connect on a deeper level with Aric, revealing his vulnerabilities and even his arrogance while wielding the X-O armor. A flawed man in a desperate time, Aric is someone we can sympathize with and enthusiastically root for as he unleashes his frustrations upon an unwitting world! 

The juxtaposition between the morose barbarian Aric, and the calculated assassin Ninjak — is perfect. Ancient ideas and modern concepts clash in a too short battle. Their differences are vast, while their parallels end at a mounting body count. And believe me, the bloodshed is quite staggering in this issue! All the more reason to covet this series!

A fast paced, intelligent tale — Robert Venditti delivers lightening in a bottle yet again! If you haven’t picked up this series yet, there is still time to delve into the Valiant Universe. The “Summer” may be over but the “Arcs” are just about to begin!

Be bold, be unique — be Valiant!  

Wonderfully written and stunningly drawn, Archer and Armstrong is at the pinnacle of Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry’s careers! There is so much crammed inside this 32 page package, that it is only fitting it explodes from page one!

Fred Van Lente is one of the most underrated writers in comics today! He melds the mundane and the fantastic together so well, that the reader has no choice but to be completely engulfed in his tale. And what a tale it is!

Rife with modern sensibilities, conspiracies, historical references, action, intrigue and a comedic repertoire that could challenge any stand-up comic — this is the book everyone should be clamoring for every Wednesday! Enthralling to say the least, the juxtaposition between the over the top Armstrong and the virgin assassin Archer — is top notch! Nothing feels forced between the polar opposite heroes as Van Lente’s skills as a writer take center stage again, creating a homey feel as we witness the characters battle wits and fists against one another. It’s as if we were reading a book about the “original” Odd Couple, Oscar and Felix, but with way more bravado and way more bruises! 

The richness of the characters is what truly makes this book as amazing as it is. The social commentary and intricate conspiracy plot threads do nicely to raise the bar as well, but it is the focus on defining these characters that sets it apart from the “bigger” titles on the racks. 

As our summer slowly dwindles down, the “Summer of Valiant” continues to heat up — so don’t be left behind! Get in the shops and ask for some of the best books around — Valiant books! You won’t be disappointed!

After the bombastic assault Aric bestowed upon the Vine army last issue, there is some much needed “down time” between the pages of this one. Though the introspective look is not focused upon the time displaced Aric, but rather the cause of all his woes — the Vine themselves!

It has been said many times before that a hero is only as good as his villains make him out to be. Venditti continues to prove this statement true, as he expands upon the background of the Vine and how far their influence reaches into the Valiant Universe! Perfect pacing and well thought out characterization, has brought these cruelly simplistic villains to the forefront as truly diabolical beings. Ones that have grand schemes already in place for our hero and, more importantly, the entire human race!

Venditti and Nord continue to create refreshing, poignant stories that captivate readers in ways that haven’t been done since the silver age of comics. There is an excitement that exudes from the page, even during the most mundane of scenes, that enthralls the reader. It instills a sense of awe and wonderment that can make the most hardened of cynics a fan of comics again.

If Venditti can make a bunch of spider faced aliens a fearsome force to be reckoned with, hold onto your hats my friends, because issue five will blow you away! That’s right, it’s the return of one of the most lethal assassins around — Ninjak! Aric’s world is about to get a whole lot more complicated!

Peter Stancheck has decided that his old life has become too dangerous for his friends. So, for their safety, he has hesitantly joined the Harbinger Foundation in order to learn more about his abilities. But, sometimes, the more you learn about yourself — the more you have to fear!

The plot evolves to a new level between the pages of issue three, and we are introduced to a vast array of characters that will forever change the life of Peter Stancheck. Joshua Dysart creates a horrific picture of Peter’s past as flashback sequences envelop us. These sequences tend to make Peter a paradoxical character — one rife with power and yet, teeming with a crippling uncertainty to wield it. The fear of his past and the questioning of his future actions, mixed with an overwhelming cockiness, make Dysart’s Peter Stancheck character one of the best on the shelves today! 

Joshua Dysart continues to bring one of Vailiant’s most beloved books to the forefront of the industry. Completely immersive and highly recommended, Harbinger mixes dramatic character pieces with high octane action sequences that leaves you clamoring for more! Old fans will enjoy the way Dysart weaves elements and characters of the original book into his completely new vision, while new readers won’t miss a beat trying decipher old plot threads. It is a cornucopia of ideas that everyone can thoroughly enjoy — no matter which decade they became a fan in!

The “Summer of Valiant” marches on — bringing fresh, creative ideas to their amazing 90’s properties. This week sees the debut of the fourth relaunched series, Archer and Armstrong, helmed by Fred Van Lente and Clayon Henry. Although they have big shoes to fill – the original was penned by the legendary Barry Windsor-Smith – they have crafted a fine book rich with action, humor and intrigue!

From ancient civilizations to modern day New York, Van Lente and Henry create a tale rife with excitement! It is a tale of two polar opposite men on a parallel course to save the world. One is naive of the ways of the “outside” world, having been raised by religious zealots in an amusement park, but has a keen sense of purpose and more than enough martial art skills to accompany him on his journey. While the other, a brazen drunkard, has had hundreds of years to acquire knowledge of the vast ways the world turns — just not enough drive to do anything about it! Old, young, seasoned and pure, it is formulaic of all good “buddy” stories — but is so much more!

Sprinkled with just enough social and political commentary as to not become preachy, Archer and Armstrong is an amalgam of everything readers want in a book. Stunning action sequences, well crafted characters that we can empathize with, an enigma that drives the characters to become better than they are and above all else — excitement! You are instantly hooked by Van Lente and Henry’s tale, a feat not easily done these days! Some may say that it pales in comparison to the original, but for me — it is a thrill ride that stands well on its own! 

Since it is already headed for a second printing, be sure to be the first in line at your favorite shop to get your copy! You don’t want to miss out on, not only a great tale, but a sneak peak of X-O Manowar #5, too! Can anyone say Ninjak? Awesome!

Be bold, be noble — be Valiant!