If i'm going to be completely honest I have got to say I was very disappointed in this issue. It again covered a lot of ground as Harbinger Wars did and didn't add a whole lot worth mentioning. Sure it wrapped the storyline of one key character but outside of that there wasn't anything that was really satisfying. Even that characters end, while making sense, fell flat for me as well.

It just does't serve any greater purpose as far as I can tell. While not every story has to serve a greater purpose it does still have to be engaging and I feel this story is less engaging as it progresses and seems to serve less and less of a purpose. I'm just ready for the next arc to begin.

Really, really rock solid comic booking here, and I'm very glad X-O Manowar found out what it is. Once it discovered its identity, it really got going. What would you give it?

This issue however was a good one, not a great one, as you mentioned. I think it's fitting that they're going for something in the middle, tonally speaking, because half the focus is on A&A and the other half is in the much more series Bloodshot side of the world. That said, it's fun seeing Gage and Dysart play with that, especially when Archer works H.A.R.D. Corps at the end while sleepwalking, and when they get to cut loose as Vagabond fully embraces getting Armstrong drunk.

Not an Earth shattering success, but certainly an improvement on what we've seen recently, and it's setting things up for an exciting finish.

Overall, this is one of the better issues in quite some time. In contrast to last month's issue especially.

There were three other things I really liked: I loved the Vine general turning against the Council because of seeing Aric's control of the armor first hand, I loved the Council's vindictive explanation of the true story behind Shanhara, and I liked the truth behind the arc title of "Planet Death." I always thought it was going to mean Aric was going to scorch the Earth, but it was the Vine. They were willing to kill Loam for the purpose of defeating Aric. It was really well played.

X-O Manowar really has developed into the flagship of the Valiant Universe, and not just in name only, and by the time Armor Hunters hits, I think readers will be ready for an event that properly integrates multiple aspects of the line into it. It all starts here though, and this issue was as rock solid as ever.

This is a book that has had marvelous art so far, and Kano kind of feels like a mix of Fowler and Doyle, the two who preceded him. It's really fantastic work

It was a good issue, but one with nagging issues that take it down a notch even though Kano is on art steroids right now.

Jordan and Zircher have quickly developed their little slice of the Valiant world, and in doing so they've created what amounts to one of the more unique superhero books out there. It's damn good, and they keep setting up the pieces for something big when Master Darque returns.

It was a really well crafted book that seems like it's starting to find itself.

For me, it really proved how much I care about the characters, as for the first time a real, genuine rift developed between Archer and Armstrong. It was heartbreaking to read, and it had beautiful art and hilarious story beats. Not much for me to not love here.

This was another really solid issue that is making Eternal Warrior one of the best books Valiant has to offer. Like with X-O, after the early issues I did not expect that, but I am very glad to be wrong once again.

It was a very enjoyable issue filled with fantastic character moments and great art. What's not to like here? Looking forward to seeing how this concludes with the next issue.

Actually, I'd say this is the most well-crafted book Valiant has by a mile in terms of character, but that's me. I LOVE the relationship between Archer & Armstrong and how it has grown. I also just love that we absolutely know who these guys are at this point. They are who they are, and I dig that (even if apparently there are like"10 more Obies).

I have reservations, but Rai #1 is maybe the best looking comic Valiant has produced yet, and a book that has nearly unlimited potential in building its stunning world.