Throwback Review: Armor Hunters #1

Valiant Entertainment’s biggest crossover event ever starts with Armor Hunters #1 as the stage is set for events that will have major repercussions in the universe for years to come.

This issue kicks things off in an underground bunker in Russia, as Russian armed forces prepare for an apparent break-in of their facility. It turns out that the Armor Hunters have located what they believe to be the X-O armor, but is nothing more than imitations of the armor being developed from Vine technology scavenged from the wreckage around the planet. After an action packed fight, the two invading Armor Hunters, Quartz and Helix, emerge victorious and relay the information to the rest of their team orbiting the planet.

Meanwhile, Aric is enjoying some downtime with his people when M.E.R.O (Military Extraterrestrial Reconnaissance Outpost) shows up to inform him of the invasion and escort him to M.E.R.O. headquarters.

The Story

Robert Venditti quickly became one of my favorite comic book writers due to his amazing work on X-O Manowar, so it’s great to see him picking up writing duties for another Valiant book.

Readers are quickly thrown into the action without much of a back story which may turn off some readers but which I found thrilling. Venditti could have easily spent time retelling some of the Armor Hunters background, but instead chooses to reveal some of that story through exposition within the story itself. The exposition is done mostly through dialogue which flows quite well and reveals a great deal about the personality of the characters themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed the character development in this issue, particularly with Primary Reebo. Sure, we’re supposed to believe the Armor Hunters are the “bad guys,” but Venditti shows us that there are always two sides to a story, and Reebo’s speech and actions are quite different when dealing with M.E.R.O. and when dealing with his own people. I look forward to seeing much more out of him, and the rest of the team in future issues.

The Art

Doug Braithwaite’s pencil work is terrific throughout most of this book. There are a couple of panels which seemed a little rough, but didn’t really distract me from the action – and there is a ton of action. Braithwaite’s art truly shines through the dynamic action sequences, but performs just as well during closeups.

Laura Martin performs coloring duties in this issue and really makes Braithwaite’s art work stand out and truly shine.

Overall

Armor Hunters #1 is a terrific start to an events which will determine the direction of the Valiant universe into the future. The Armor Hunters are a formidable force who are truly passionate about their cause – even if it means the destruction of a large city and death of millions. Robert Venditti crafts a wonderfully intriguing story which blurs the lines between good and evil. Doug Braithwaite’s art is top-notch, with some amazing character design, and clear and consistent panel layouts.

Even if you’ve never picked up a Valiant book before, Armor Hunters #1 is definitely a series you do not want to miss.

Originally from ValiantCentral.com