THE VALIANTS #2, by Valiant Entertainment on 6/12/24, finds General Capshaw enlisting Bloodshot and Eidolon to rescue Tama from Deathmate.
Credits:
- Writer: Ryan Cady
- Artist: Al Barrionuevo
- Colorist: Nobi, Ludwig Olimba
- Letterer: Ezequiel Inverni
- Cover Artist: Nico Di Mattia (cover A)
- Publisher: Valiant Entertainment
- Release Date: June 12, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 26
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of THE VALIANTS #2:
Plot Analysis:
Previously in The Valiants #1, Capshaw gathered together select members of the former team when a massive sinkhole opened in the heart of Washington D.C. At the bottom of the hole lay a strange jungle oasis filled with giant bugs and an ominous pyramid with a glowing portal at its apex. When the team vanquished all threats and closed the portal, Capshaw privately met with Tama and learned the former Geomancer, Kay McHenry, now known as Deathmate, had returned.
In The Valiants #2, we begin with General Capshaw picking up the fight with Deathmate. Despite her best efforts, the General is no match for her adversary, and she gets knocked out. Deathmate leaves the meeting place with Tama as her hostage.
Later, Gen. Capshaw wakes up in the new G.A.T.E. base converted from the Webnet Bunker (see last issue). Fearing Deathmate intends to reclaim her status and power as the world’s Geomancer by doing something terrible to Tama, Capshaw enlists Eidolon for a special recruitment mission to enlist the only purpose suited for a Deathmate death match – Bloodshot.
Eidolon finds Bloodshot living in a quiet cabin off the grid. Bloodshot refuses to go back into service, but the mention of Deathmate changes his mind. This time, Eidolon supplies the unkillable soldier with a special bullet designed by G.A.T.E. to disrupt nanotech enhancements.
G.A.T.E. tracks Deathmate’s signal to Tiberius Labs, where they believe she intends to rip out her nanotech and replace it with Tama’s Geomancer power, reclaiming her former role and killing Tama in exchange. Bloodshot and Eidolon quickly attack Deathmate. The special bullet does its job, causing a massive explosion. Bloodshot, Eidolon, and Tama experience, but Deathmate is completely obliterated… or is she?
Character Development:
Since Eidolon and Bloodshot are the main characters of this issue, it makes sense that they would receive the lion’s share of the character development. When Bloodshot and Eidolon catch up on their way to Tiberius Labs, we learn Eidolon is losing her PSI powers. Although she seems in good spirits about it, the revelation could lead to drama in the future.
Further, Bloodshot agrees to this mission, but he makes it clear that he’s not joining the team and just wants to be left alone.
Artwork and Presentation:
Al Barrionuevo’s art is perfectly serviceable in this issue. It’s not bad by any means, but the finer details are rough, and the line hatching is sketchy, which gives the comic a slightly unpolished look.
Art Samples:
Pacing and Structure:
Ryan Cady’s pacing and structure are basic yet solid. Cady’s scene sequence makes sense and is easy to follow through smooth transitions. The mission serves as a convenient way to bring Eidolon and Bloodshot into the mix. And the ending is a relatively strong cliffhanger.
That said, the final battle between Bloodshot, Eidolon, and Deathmate ends a little too quickly and easily, making the issue feel like an oversimplified excuse to bring in Bloodshot.
Thematic Exploration:
The Valiants #2 doesn’t accomplish anything more complicated than a simple hero adventure to remind readers about Bloodshot and Eidolon.
The Bigger Picture:
Series Continuity:
So far, this series is either disconnected from the standalone Bloodshot series or exists in a separate space in the timeline. Bloodshot is certainly not living the quiet life in a cabin off the grid in his self-titled series.
Final Thoughts:
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THE VALIANTS #2 cooks up a simple rescue mission as a reason to bring Eidolon and Bloodshot into the team-up book. The action is solid, and Cady’s plot makes sense. Plus, Barrionuevo’s art is perfectly serviceable. This isn’t the best comic out this week, but it’s a perfectly adequate entry for die-hard Valiant fans.
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