VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1 – New Comic Review

Valiant Beyond: Bloodshot #1, Valiant Comics on 8/13/25, kicks off a new chapter for the character when the unstoppable soldier is sent to put down Vampire Yakuza.

Credits:

• Writer: Mauro Mantella
• Artist: Fernando Heinz Furukawa, Juan Pablo Massa
• Colorist: Brushu Studio, Rocio Zucchi, Ludwig Olimba
• Letterer: Ezequiel Inverni
• Cover Artist: Rodolfo Migliari (cover A)
• Publisher: Valiant Comics
• Release Date: August 13, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (gore, language)
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1:

First Impressions:

It’s a chaotic, over-the-top trip from the first page. The book throws you into the action with both barrels. However, Bloodshot purists may need more time to take to this reimagined version of the character.

Plot Analysis:

The story opens in Tokyo, Japan, with Bloodshot tracking down a new drug called “B-S”. He encounters a group of street thugs who are using the drug to gain temporary vampiric powers. Bloodshot, using his enhanced abilities, swiftly takes care of them with weapons and wooden bullets.

He then reflects on the origins of the drug, which is a version of his own blood that was stolen and cultivated. He notes that the nanites in the drug only work for about 30 minutes before shutting down permanently. He also realizes that these new vampires are a “negative class” who can only survive in sunlight and are killed by darkness, due to drinking reptile blood.

He then captures a member of the vampire yakuza and interrogates him for several hours using “enhanced interrogation techniques”. The captive reveals that the cartel also traffics in a substance called “Jubo,” which is supposedly much more potent than adrenochrome. Bloodshot’s superiors had a 70% chance he’d have to deal with “wanking vampires,” which is why he was so prepared.

The comic ends with Bloodshot seemingly trapped in a cell after a mission, with his nanites disabled by an “exogenous element” and his cell surrounded by inhibitors that prevent wireless communication. He realizes the implications of his situation when he learns he’s been modified in more ways than one.

Story

The writing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the internal monologue from Bloodshot is often sharp and witty, with great one-liners. It gives the reader a solid insight into his thought process. However, the dialogue between other characters can be a bit clumsy and heavy-handed, especially with the street thugs. It often feels like the book is trying too hard to be edgy.

Art

Fernando’s art is a high point of the book. The character designs are unique and full of detail, and the action sequences are dynamic and easy to follow. The use of color is particularly effective, with vibrant splashes of red and yellow on an otherwise muted color palette. The art gives a sense of chaotic energy that perfectly matches the violent, high-octane plot.

Characters

Bloodshot is a compelling protagonist. He’s a stoic, no-nonsense soldier with a dry sense of humor. The comic also hints at a deeper, more tragic backstory, suggesting that he’s a ticking time bomb of repressed memories. The supporting characters, however, are largely forgettable and serve only as plot devices to move the story along. They are mostly cartoonishly evil bad guys with little depth.

Positives

The comic delivers on its promise of a new and explosive start. The art is fantastic, capturing the frenetic pace and gritty atmosphere of Tokyo’s underworld. It’s a visually exciting book that doesn’t hold back on the action. The introduction of “vampire yakuza” is a fresh take on an old trope, and Bloodshot’s internal narration keeps the story grounded and engaging.

Negatives

While the comic is a fun ride, it’s also a bit of a mess. The dialogue is sometimes cringe-worthy, and the plot, while a solid concept, gets convoluted in the back half. The information dump about the “exodus to the poles” and “vampire astronauts” is a bit too much, too fast, and doesn’t feel earned. The book’s ending leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and not in a good, “I can’t wait for the next issue” way, but in a “What just happened?” way.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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VALIANT BEYOND: BLOODSHOT #1 is a good-looking, action-packed thrill ride with a few bumps in the road. It’s a promising start to a new universe for Bloodshot. While the story might get a little lost in its own world-building, it’s held together by a compelling protagonist and some of the best art you’ll see in a comic this year. It’s not a perfect book, but it’s one that shows a lot of potential.

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