Welcome to part 2 of Getting Started with Valiant comics. Now that Valiant has announced both DRM-free comics on Comixology and their participation in the latest Humble Bundle, there may be many new fans for the books. Welcome!
This part of the guide gives a brief introduction to Rai, Shadowman, Unity, and X-O Manowar. Feel free to read part one to get a feel for what the rest of the books are about. A PDF copy combining this two-part series will be available for download starting tomorrow.
Rai
The year is 4001 A.D. – led by the artificial intelligence called “Father,” the island nation of Japan has expanded out of the Pacific and into geosynchronous orbit with the ravaged Earth below. With billions to feed and protect, it has fallen to one solitary guardian to enforce the law of Father’s empire – the mysterious folk hero known as Rai. They say he can appear out of nowhere. They say he is a spirit…the ghost of Japan. But when the first murder in a thousand years threatens to topple Father’s benevolent reign, Rai will be forced to confront the true face of a nation transformed…and his own long-lost humanity…
Try if you like…
- If you want an action packed thriller with tons of science fiction elements and set in the future, this book is definitely for you. Since only one arc has been published so far and since there is little need to know anything about the Valiant universe to jump on, this book is perfect for new readers – and the art is GORGEOUS.
Must read issues
- Issues #1-4
Shadowman
There are a million dreams in the Big Easy. But now its worst nightmare is about to come true. As the forces of darkness prepare to claim New Orleans as their own, Jack Boniface must accept the legacy he was born to uphold. As Shadowman, Jack is about to become the only thing that stands between his city and an army of unspeakable monstrosities from beyond the night. But what is the true cost of the Shadowman’s otherworldly power? And can Jack master his new abilities before Master Darque brings down the wall between reality and the otherwordly dimension known only as the Deadside?
Try if you like…
- While some may argue that the modern incarnation of Shadowman left a bit to be desired, there are some good issues in the run (listed below). Shadowman’s macabre themes and supernatural overtones are a perfect fit for fans of horror and magic. If you enjoy books such as Dr. Strange or Ghost Rider, Shadowman may be the book for you.
Must read issues
- #1-4, #0, #10
Unity
To kill a king…he has created an army. The world’s most dangerous man, Toyo Harada, has been struck by the one thing he never thought possible – fear. Halfway across the globe, a new power threatens to topple modern civilization and, to preempt the cataclysm that is to come, Harada will unite the most lethal, most volatile, most unforgiving team the world has ever known – UNITY. Their mission: defeat the warrior king armed with the universe’s most powerful weapon. Kill X-O Manowar!
Try if you like…
- Valiant’s first team book is one of its best offerings. If you’re a fan of ensemble books with superpowered heavy-hitters, Unity is a perfect choice. If you’re a fan of The Avengers or the Justice League, you’ll feel right at home with this book – and don’t worry, there’s no need to read any other books to get the full story on these characters.
Must read issues
- #1-4, X-O Manowar #19-22
X-O Manowar
Born into battle, Aric of Dacia — heir to the throne of the Visigoth people — has never known peace. After a brutal encounter with a mysterious enemy known as The Vine leaves him a prisoner on an alien world, the only hope Aric has of returning to his family and saving them from slavery is to seize armored suit capable of incalculable destruction and become X-O Manowar! The Vine destroyed Aric’s world. Now he will give them war.
Try if you like…
- Valiant’s flagship title should please almost every comic fan. Filled with epic fight scenes, tons of tech, tender moments, and all around fun, X-O Manowar continues to be one of Valiant’s best after two years. Part Thor, part Iron Man, this is the book that’s setting the bar for the rest of the universe.
Must read issues
- #1-4, #5, #10-14, #25
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