Round Robin Review: Imperium #5

Harada makes his move as things heat up in Imperium #5, out this week!

Amy’s take

Dysart once again knocks it out of the park with this sophisticated story. The story is comprised of both chess moves and action, making it enjoyable for those who love plot and those who crave action. Harada makes his move, some expected but interesting cracks begin to show in the team, and several characters show their true colors. Kozol takes center stage for the first time, and his persona is a hoot. I laughed out loud several times during this book. Scot Eaton takes over interior art duties and does a fine job. Brian Reber contributes his usual outstanding coloring. This series just gets better and better with each book.

Don’s take

Two stories perfectly woven into one. I love this issue and this series. I’m no “angel”, but my wallet may be “broken” buying this series every month, but it’s worth it. Bring on the twists and turns of issues #6.

Paul’s take

So good! Soooo good! This issue is the beginning of a new arc, but it also doesn’t just feel like the beginning of the next story or a transition from the last arc. Joshua Dysart is writing one of the best things I’ve ever read, from the level of character development for pretty much every major character to the intricacies of the plot threads intertwining. This is one of those “top of the pile” comics for me. I always want to read it first when it comes out, and probably last for good measure.

Scott’s take

One thing to continues to impress me about many of the Valiant books is how the writers will take a fairly common trope of comic books—in this case, the raid on Leviathan—and, if not turn them on their head, at least present them in an interesting way. By adding a device that’s more common to heists, Joshua Dysart accomplishes a couple of things: 1) this promises to be an action-packed arc, but in delaying the action, it creates even more tension (and also helps to avoid the risk of the action becoming repetitious), and 2) it makes the story slightly more clever. Altogether, I’m really excited about this new arc.