Ray has his life, after Bloodshot, all set up. He has his girl, Magic and they have their daughter Jessie. So what can go wrong? Jeff Lemire starts the book with a “soon” element giving us an idea that the life that Ray et al have is soon due a shake up. What is surprising is how familiar certain aspects of this book are.
Lemire’s story, at least in the first few pages shares a lot in common with a particular mutant movie. If you can get past that, you will be treated to Lemire at his plot weaving best, even if the various threads aren’t that original. This is a shame as Bloodshot Reborn was a big hit for Valiant. This time around, unless you are a huge Bloodshot fan then I am not sure there is all that much that is interesting in this book. Sure, there is violence, but is that all that this book aims to be?
The art in the book is provided by Lewis LaRosa and Mico Suayan with the colors having a painted feel from color artist Brian Reber. Between the three of them, they produce a style that is reminiscent of Mark Teixeira’s non ink heavy Ghost Rider which gives the book some strong visuals throughout. Some of the perspectives may be a bit wonky in places, but that adds to the charm of the art.
Valiant are known for books that push the envelope in some way. Their recent history has set us up for that trend to continue. Therefore, it comes as quite a shock that this book, a possible flagship for the company, resorts to a trope that is instantly recognisable. I am hoping that Lemire’s skill will seep through and entice readers past the obvious comparison and into a new take on one of their most popular characters.
Writing – 3 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written by; Jeff Lemire
Art by; Lewis LaRosa & Mico Suayan
Colors by; Brian Reber
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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