Ultimately the Valiant 2016 Handbook does its job of giving readers all the information necessary to enjoy the characters from one of the best publishers currently making comics.

When the story reaches its conclusion I couldnt help but be disappointed. Between CAFUs art and Kindts writing I could read an entire series on the Rais who predated our current hero. Since Valiant returned to comics they have consistently been with the best in the business in telling super hero stories and the Rai series and issue #15 are perfect examples why. Rai #15 is an enjoyable read for someone who isnt particularly knowledgeable about the Valiant Universe or Rai, but is rewarding for fans who have been around since the beginning. While Clayton Crain has been the artist for Rai since #1, I hope Valiant will keep CAFU around the character.

The first half of the books serves as a drag on a much more enjoyable second half. The Black Cat, currently the Kingpin of New York Crime, makes good on her threat against Miles and sends Hammerhead after Miles. This is where Pichellis art truly shines and saves this issue. More than any other artist who has drawn him thus far Pichelli captures what Spiderman should look like In motion. He action sequence in the last 7 pages makes up for aforementioned stumbles early. This is my least favorite issue of the current run of this book, but seeing how its been consistently fantastic, well you cant win all the time.

Ultimately this is a solid book. I would go to my local comic book store just to pick up a copy, but I might have to check out issue #8.