VALIANT BEYOND: ALL NEW HARBINGER #1 – New Comic Review

Valiant Beyond: All New Harbinger #1, by Valiant Comics on 9/10/25, follows a group of gifted individuals as they attempt to stop a devastating attack on the people of Foundation City.

Credits:

• Writer: Fred Van Lente
• Artist: Erik Tamayo
• Colorist: Brushu Studio, Gabriel Roldan
• Letterer: Ezequiel Inverni
• Cover Artist: Bella Rachlin (cover A)
• Publisher: Valiant Comics/Alien Books
• Release Date: September 10, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 26
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of VALIANT BEYOND: ALL NEW HARBINGER #1:

First Impressions:

This issue is a whirlwind of action right from the start. The storytelling moves fast, and it doesn’t wait for anyone to catch up. It’s clear from the first few pages that this comic wants to get straight to the point

Plot Analysis:

The comic kicks off with Peter addressing Foundation City on the anniversary of the Psiot Wars’ end, calling for a moment of silence. His broadcast is cut short when armed extremists known as the Human League storm the scene, led by a chaotic figure calling herself the Black Sheep. Armed with mysterious Risen tech that amps her strength as long as she believes in it, Adele Poole turns the solemn memorial into a full-blown crisis. The city’s trauma detectors light up, identifying her as a chaos actor with dangerous potential, and the Harbinger field team is activated. Livewire, calm but sharp as ever, coordinates the response.

Meanwhile, across Foundation City, the scattered members of the team are shown in their own lives. Prodigal wrestles with a risky meditation practice that blurs the line between imagination and matter, while Flamingo performs for adoring fans, interrupted only by a Harbinger priority call. Crane navigates his usual mix of dry wit and strained alliances, and Archer remains the steady soldier beneath the chaos. Each member is yanked from their personal world and flung back into the business of crisis response. Their chatter is sharp, but the gravity is clear: the Human League has hostages and Risen weapons, and the clock is ticking.

At Academy Zero, the story tightens its grip. Cadet Chung-Cha Kwan faints from the shock of learning she’s been selected to join the field team. The news electrifies her classmates, and under the strict guidance of Dean Stronghold, she accepts the call. Her arrival is no ceremony—she’s ordered to parachute straight into the live crisis. Nerves and doubts bubble beneath her determination, but her classmates cheer her on as she takes the leap. It’s a harsh welcome, but one that cements her entry into the Harbingers at their most desperate moment.

The Harbinger team gathers intelligence: sixty-four hostages, including children, are trapped, while the Human League threatens more than just terror. They’re armed with a plasma bomb capable of superheating the air to solar levels—a spectacle they gleefully plan to unleash. The villains mock their victims, reveling in their power, convinced they’re the real heroes of this play. Time is short, the risks are staggering, and the Harbingers are one fighter short. The tension spikes, the pages tighten, and the issue closes on the villains’ smirks and the promise of a fiery showdown yet to come.

Story

The writing is quick and to the point. The dialogue feels modern and a little bit snarky, especially with the villain’s monologues. The plot moves fast, which keeps things from getting boring. It jumps between the past and present, but it’s easy to follow.

Art

The artwork is dynamic and full of action. The colors are bright and pop off the page, making the fight scenes exciting. The character designs are unique, especially the Black Sheep’s strange, sheep-like costume. The panels are laid out to create a sense of movement and chaos during the big fight.

Characters

Archer is a sharp, no-nonsense leader who knows what he’s doing. The rest of the issue fleshes out each character with a solid introduction to their personal lives and powersets. The Black Sheep is a memorable but short-lived villain with an over-the-top personality. The flashbacks hint at a larger history for these characters.

Positives

The standout element of this issue is its relentless pacing. It throws you into the action from the very first page and doesn’t let up. The book also has great visual flair, with a vibrant color palette that makes every panel feel alive. The new Harada’s powers are visually impressive and a pleasure to see in action.

Negatives

The biggest negative is the confusing background for the main characters. The comic jumps into the story assuming you already know who they are, which makes it hard to connect with them. The villain, while entertaining, is also quickly dismissed, making his threat feel less impactful than it should. The comic also relies heavily on unspoken backstory but doesn’t explain everything.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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VALIANT BEYOND: ALL NEW HARBINGER #1 is fast-paced and action-packed, making for an enjoyable read. However, its weak points are its missing backstories. The action and art are its biggest strengths, but it is clear that there are some holes in the narrative. Still, this first issue should be a hit with Valiant fans and comic readers looking for a fresh start.

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