Staff Picks (October): The Valiant #1

Publisher: Valiant Entertainment

Solid writing! Solid artwork! A truly solid first issue! But how could you possibly expect less from a creative team that brings superstar writers Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) and Jeff Lemire (Underwater Welder, Essex County), as well as Eisner Award-winning artist Paolo Rivera (Daredevil) together! From page one, The Valiant #1 demonstrates Valiant Entertainment's dedication to putting out some of the best and most entertaining comics on the market today—comics that both long-time and first time readers can pick up and enjoy!

I say first-time readers, because this is a big portion of what The Valiant is about -- giving new readers the opportunity to dive right into the Valiant Universe without being overwhelmed. Although The Valiant follows some of their key characters, Gilad the Eternal Warrior, nanite-infected assassin Bloodshot, and the newest protector of Earth, Geomancer Kay McHenry, to name a few, as they fight to eliminate the greatest threat, the “nameless one”—the “immortal enemy”—The Valiant #1 is the perfect (re)starting point for all readers.

Even if you have no idea who these characters are, their backstories, or goals, Matt Kindt and Jeff Lemire effortlessly introduce you to the Valiant Universe while simultaneously adding new dimensions to these characters. Coupled with Paolo Rivera’s signature bold, clean-line artwork, The Valiant is unlike any project the publisher has done before.

This is not your standard superhero fare. This is a dark world of shadows, of eerily unnerving immortal beasts and imminent threats. It blends the supernatural and superhero genres in a new and unique way. This is a Valiant book taken to the next level!

Without a doubt, whether you are an existing Valiant fan or haven’t had the chance to pick up their titles yet, if you are looking for a comic — maybe something a little different than the normal superhero fare — this is definitely the series that you will need to read!

~ Caitlin McCabe