The art in this issue from Trevor Hairsine is nothing less than brilliant. It reminds the reader of the Barry Windsor-Smith art of the original series, while making it his own at the same time. I have to admit that this is my first exposure to Hairsine's art. I read the first couple of issues of X-O Manowar and then let it slide off of my radar. From this issue, this was a mistake.
The issue's recap and exposition within the story made this an excellent jumping back on point for the comic. I was back up to speed quickly and following the action of the issue.
Robert Venditti's writing of this issue is excellent. Often, a "prelude" issue in a comic is little more than a holding pattern, something to fill space until the real action of a story arc starts up. That couldn't be further from the truth with X-O Manowar #9. I really like that these new Valiant comics evoke the old stories from the 90s, but without retelling or seeming to be a pastiche of them. Venditti has updated the concepts and threats of X-O Manowar into contemporary comic storytelling, without some of the silliness that accompanied the original book.
The pacing of the issue zips along, setting up the upcoming story arc but without feeling like it is filler. Once again, the menace of The Vine is shown, and how little they care for other species. The only concern of The Vine is to reclaim the X-O armor from the human who has stolen it from them. I am guessing, from an ominous name like Planet Death, that The Vine won't be adverse to breaking a few eggs in order to get what they want.
Can I recommend buying this comic? Yes, definitely. The art is phenomenal and the writing draws you into the story that is to come. The only real regret that I had from this issue is the fact that I have to wait a month to find out what happens next. If you are a fan of comics with a science-fiction approach, or if you were a fan of the original Valiant comics and you are looking for a reason to come to the new Valiant, then X-O Manowar #9 is that book that you are looking for. Jump into this issue head first and get pulled into the new Valiant universe. It is what you want.
- X-O Manowar #9 (Prelude to PLANET DEATH - Part 1 of 2) by Robert Venditti & Trevor Hairsine
- What you need to know: Aric of Dacia has lost everything he once knew at the hands of the alien race called the Vine -- but now things are about to get personal. The Vine are deploying an elite unit of X-O Commandos to reclaim their armor, but they're also bringing with them a key figure from Aric's past. And what happens here will force him to exact the ultimate revenge -- by smashing their planet to pieces. PLANET DEATH is on the horizon and it starts right here in part one of two-part prelude illustrated by Trevor Hairsine (Classwar, X-Men: Deadly Genesis)
- On sale date: January 23, 2013