Well, therein lies the first problem: Archer and Armstrong dont feature in this one shot, with the focus instead being a coup dtat within the secretive 1% Sect, one of the many clandestine cult-like orders that secretly run the world. Readers of Archer and Armstrong(and maybe Harbinger) will know what Im talking about, but there is seemingly little here to recommend to new readers. Ray Fawkes (Batman Eternal, Justice League Dark) tells an adequate tale, met with clear and bold artwork from Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) and Ulises Arreola (Green Arrow, Batgirl); but there just isnt the usual wild spark of creativity Valiant has been bringing to basically every title. Events in this one-shot foreshadow a new threat for Archer and Armstrong, perhaps even the Valiant universe itself, but from this beginning it is hard to get to excited about it right now.

Anyone unfamiliar with the team should probably remain that way, and I won't spoil for any new readers what Dogwelder's abilities are. This is pretty dumb. I mean, it's an entertaining enough read, but if DC, Ennis and McCrea wanted to resurrect characters from Hitman for Convergence, why not the man himself?

I realize Marvel legendsJim ShooterandBob LaytonandCoare no longer intrinsically linked to Valiant, but nowadays Valiant 2.0 might in fact be the real Marvel comics.

An adequate jumping-on point for new readers unfamiliar with this generally fantastic character who want to know before the TV series hits NBC this fall.

Steeped in '80s attitude, grifter with the ability to see character traits as colored hues Cody Pomeroy guides you through his fall and redemption on the mean streets of LAs underworld. This book has all the makings of an excellent graphic novel crime story (inventive premise, gripping artwork, and a sense of mounting tension conveyed through the Philip Marlowe-esque first-person narration), however one minor gripe is that the first issue perhaps spends too long on background exposition of the lead character, whos kind of a jerk. Nonetheless, crime fiends should definitely consider picking this book up.

Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force; Uncanny Avengers) crafts a frightening fascist dystopia where, like many parts of Battleworld, the heroes seem to have already lost. Its bleak and macabre, but familiar within the genre of the alternate history, with nothing particularly shocking. It could get more interesting, but it all felt a little perfunctory. What saves the book somewhat is the gritty art of Roland Boschi(Winter Soldier; Ghost Rider) that raises the book from mediocre to good; with thick lines and angular framing reminiscent of Carlos Ezquerra but with certain panels that almost evoke John Romita Jrs square-jawed style. The real shame of this is that Arnim Zola is in charge, and hes not all that interesting. Diabolical, sure but imagine if Impossible Man ran Hydra. Thats all Im saying.

The story kicks into high gear with a minimum of exposition, allowing new readers a perfect entry point for those who like their violence funny, and their humor more adult (note: Not mature. I never said mature). Add in some dabblings with a weird religious cult, some S+M, and the requisite copious buckets of blood, and it seems this character and series is in good hands.

Ray Fawkes is a quality author, but this is not particularly on display here; with a convoluted narrative, and an arc that all but resolves itself without any great use of characterization or plot.

As high-concept as ever, Valiant's strengths are all on display here, with wildly imaginative science-fiction seamlessly blending with high-octane militaristic action sequences

This title promises to present a darker and more bloodthirsty aspect of Valiants wildly imaginative inter-related universe that the more comedic or high-concept sci-fi titles books seldom touch upon, and as a first issue is wholly impressive and engrossing.

Though a slow build-up in plot in this the first issue, one still feels that with this book, Valiant Comics can only continue to build their reputation for the wildest and most imaginative cape-comics spectacles available on the stands. Image, Dark Horse, IDW, Dynamite et al, and the big 2 should all take note. Make mine Valiant.

Robert Venditti (Green Lantern, The Flash) continues his lauded run scripting the adventures of the time-lost hero Aric as he comes to terms with the modern world and he, with it. The artwork of Brazilian wunderkind Diego Bernard and Witchbladealumni and inker Alisson Rodriguez jumps off the page; this is one of the glossier and boldest titles on the stands this week. For new readers, this is the perfect jump-on point for anyone wanting pure comic storytelling from a company with a burgeoning interlinked continuity that isnt likely to be rebooted again anytime soon.Is anyone else getting sick of that?

Once again, Valiant seems to be gleefully reminding everyone why comics are fun, and what made them so popular in the first place. If you only buy one comic this week, make it this one, because that's what I'm doing and I'd really like more people to talk to in life. Thank you in advance.

The Valiant promises to bring together the elements of the Valiant universe we haven't seen interacting so much in theUnity or Harbinger titles; and aside from being a little saddened they haven't included Archer, I cannot wait to see how Valiant's heavy hitters fare against their absolute worst nightmare.