Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #20

By Christos Gage, Joshua Dysart & Tom Raney

The first issue of this crossover was very action packed, as Bloodshot and Archer had a pretty cool fight scene. This time around we get the other side of the coin as Major Palmer and his crew attempt to stall Armstrong. This turns out to be a bit tougher than initially thought, as Armstrong takes on the H.A.R.D. Corps all by himself. There are broken bar stools, roofies and even an explosion, but you wouldn’t expect anything less I’m sure.

Gage and Dysart have been nothing short of excellent on Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps, but this issue felt a bit off. The fight scene with Armstrong and the calamity that ensued seemed a bit cartoony and out of the ordinary for this book. There were some good moments as well, namely any scene that Kozol was in. He’s a sleazy government type, but he is a really interesting character too. Dysart and Gage are also getting really good at writing the rapport between Palmer and Bloodshot, their scenes together continue to be one of the driving forces of the series.

Tom Raney fills in on the art duties and he does a very fine job. There are a few panels that look a little awkward and don’t seem as up to par as the others, but that can be expected. Raney establishes some nice line work that adds to the books overall tone and feel. He makes great use of shading and hatching in several panels that easily will enhance your reading and viewing pleasure. Even though some of this issue seemed a bit odd, Raney’s art was a good fit for it.

After a pretty exciting first issue to this crossover, this book was a bit of a let down. That shouldn’t be held against Gage and Dysart though, as they have been dynamite on this book. Tom Raney came on board and was able to make the issue more enjoyable and fun where he could. Every writer is allowed a miss here or there, and Gage and Dysart are no exception. I’m sure they’ll be back next month to continue to knock it out of the park as usual.