X-O MANOWAR #3, available from Valiant Comics on December 23rd, 2020, runs Aric through a gauntlet of publicity-friendly rescue missions while Shanhara and Troy search for the terrorist, Vlad Yakiov. Writer Dennis Hopeless plays up the cheese (intentionally) to help the reader empathize with Aric’s frustration while Yakiov secretly plans a surprising attack.
Long Story Short
[SPOILERS]
In a cool and exciting opening sequence, Aric is punching his way through a volcano (yes, really) to divert the lava flow and save the nearby town. It’s not just something to do as we learn Troy is selectively sending Aric on missions that serve the public good and provide some juicy PR that establishes X-O Manowar as a hero of Earth. The goal, according to Troy, is to sway public opinion in his favor so that when they eventually find Yakiov, the public will want the terrorist taken down.
Hopeless cleverly plays on the modern concepts of media manipulation and influence to show that Troy is treating heroism like a business instead of a calling. X-O Manowar, to Troy, is a brand and he’s building that brand for all it’s worth. At this point, it’s still a safe bet that Troy is up to no good but it’s not clear why or how.
A little later, Troy summons Aric to aid with wildfires in California. The mission takes on a serious tone when some stranded firefighters need help, but Aric rescues them handily. That is until a large nanite blob eats the firefighters and attacks Aric.
This part is the big down of this issue. It’s drawn very well. The tension is held high throughout the scene, and it ends with a spectacular fight that also involves some sneaky hacking of Shanhara, resulting in a very cool armor upgrade. But the question is why. A giant, green, energy-sucking nanite swarm pops up in the middle of nowhere during a CA wildfire, and this doesn’t confuse anyone?!?
The scene itself is not bad. In fact, it’s quite exciting, but it makes no sense coming out of nowhere.
Aric returns to confront Troy about not finding Yakiov fast enough. Meanwhile, we learn Yakiov has been building his own little army with the goal of going on the offensive against Aric. The two opponent’s paths eventually cross when Yakiov calls out Aric to face him after Yakiov destroys half of Harlem and takes Tina and Desmond hostage. In a scene straight out of Invasion U.S.A (1985), the stage is set for a showdown between Aric and Yakiov on American soil.
Was It Good?
For the most part, yes. Again, the down for this issue is a bizarre nanite monster suddenly appearing out of nowhere that breaks the narrative flow. If you can accept that scene for what it is in isolation (which is still very well done), the rest of the issue sells Aric’s development as a public figure without letting the attention go to his head.
Dennis Hopeless’s story accomplishes a few key things. It strengthens the working relationship between Troy and Aric as agent and hero, respectively, but maintains that seed of doubt that Troy is up to no good. The action sequences are stellar, and I am fully on board for the showdown next issue.
Emilio Laiso’s art remains consistently good here. I remember writing that Laiso should get a “most improved” award for how well the art progressed between issue #1 and issue #2. Thankfully, Laiso holds that top art spot with rich, expressive characters and impressive action sequences.
Ruth Redmond gets top marks for the use of color to express light. Flowing lava, raging flames, green oozing nanite blobs. All the action panels are pulsing with energy via excellent use of colors from Redmond.
Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s lettering deserves praise for depicting three, separate and distinct voices speaking all at once in nearly every action panel. Aric is playing hero while both Troy and Shanhara are bickering in his ear. Yet, I was never once lost or felt the pace slowed down trying to decipher what was going on. Well done.
Final Thoughts
X-O MANOWAR #3, available from Valiant Comics on December 23rd, 2020, takes the hero-for-hire concept and adds some interesting nuance. The writing moves the story forward at a nice pace, and the art is stellar all the way around. I would recommend this book for action fans and especially Iron Man fans looking for something better.
Rating: 4/5