VALIANT BEYOND: THE X-O MANOWAR #1 – New Comic Review

Valiant Beyond: The X-O Manowar #1, by Valiant Comics on 9/17/25, sees the return of Aric, an ancient Visigoth warrior, and his sentient alien armor, Shanhara… maybe.

Credits:

• Writer: Steve Orlando
• Artist: Guillermo Fajardo
• Colorist: Lautaro Ftuli
• Letterer: Ezequiel Inverni
• Cover Artist: Ariel Olivetti (cover A)
• Publisher: Alien Books/Valiant Comics
• Release Date: September 17, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of VALIANT BEYOND: THE X-O MANOWAR #1:

First Impressions:

Reading this was a chaotic experience, a jumble of events with little context. The pacing was all over the place, leaving me more confused than excited. It felt less like a story and more like a collection of pretty pictures.

Plot Analysis:

The story opens on a war-torn planet where a Visigoth warrior, Aric of Dacia, finds himself. He confronts a horde of wasteland marauders chasing a family of refugee pilgrims, battling them with a fierce determination. In the midst of the chaos, Aric finds the sentient X-O Manowar armor and uses it to destroy his enemies.

The family explains they’re on their way to a distant refuge to set up a new home since their last colony was destroyed. Out of a sense of honor, Aric decides to accompany them and ensure their safety. The family arrives at their destination – The Punx – and meet the faction’s bodyguard, Doctor Demolition, who grants them safe passage after a brief test of wills.

Doctor Demolition tells Aric that all are welcome as long as they abide by the peace of the faction. That night, allies of the marauders Aric defeated earlier sneak into the faction and kidnap Aric. They take our hero to their leader, Asher Typhon, to answer for his attack. The issue ends with Aric locked in unnatural fear.

Story

The writing is a mess of disjointed scenes and muddled dialogue. The story jumps from one location to another with little to no explanation, leaving the reader struggling to piece together a coherent narrative. Character motivations are unclear, and the dialogue feels forced, lacking any natural flow. Key plot points are glossed over, and the pacing is erratic, making it difficult to connect with the characters or the story. The script feels more like a loose outline of events than a fleshed-out script.

Art

The art, on the other hand, is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The line work is clean, detailed, and dynamic, bringing every action sequence to life. The use of color is especially effective, with a vibrant palette that enhances the mood and atmosphere of each scene. The composition is phenomenal, guiding the reader’s eye smoothly across the page and conveying emotion and intent without needing excessive narration. The visuals do a lot of the heavy lifting, successfully translating a messy script into a compelling, if not fully coherent, visual experience. The character designs are also a high point, with each character looking distinct and memorable.

Positives

The standout aspect of this comic is undoubtedly the art. The visuals are a stunning example of brilliant artistic execution, with a vibrant color palette that brings a rich, emotional depth to the story. The fluid and dynamic line work gives every action sequence a sense of kinetic energy and impact. The art is so compelling that it almost single-handedly elevates the entire book, making even the most confusing plot points visually engaging and exciting to follow.

Negatives

The weakest element is the chaotic and confusing narrative. The plot feels scattered and unorganized, jumping between past and present without any clear transitions. This leaves the reader scrambling to understand what’s happening and why. Character motivations are underdeveloped, making it hard to care about their struggles. The dialogue is generic, and the overall narrative lacks the structure and clarity needed to create a compelling or immersive reading experience.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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VALIANT BEYOND: THE X-O MANOWAR #1 is a prime example of a comic with an identity crisis. The incredible art is a true spectacle, but it’s shackled to a script that’s a total slog. It’s a gorgeous book to look at, but good luck trying to figure out what’s happening. The writing and plot feel like a first draft, while the art is a polished, final product.

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