4001 A.D.: X-O Manowar #1

All together, Robert, Clayton, Brian, and Andrew told a great story with this issue, and an even better tie-in. Do not miss this event. It, like every other Valiant summer event, is going to pale Rebirth and Civil War II. Why? Because it is not a cheap rehash. So get out there and buy! 4.5 out of 5. Read Full Review

4001 AD: X-O Manowar kicks off the crossover with a boot to the ass of action and a firm push in the direction of robot debris filled panels that scream out the summer of 4001 AD came 1,985 years early, thanks to Valiant Comics. Read Full Review

Between Venditti, Clayton and Reber this one-off issue is fun, enjoyable and while not Earth shattering, it does provide some revelations from the first issue of4001 A.D. This is a tasteful little bite off of a much larger event and, frankly, this is the kind of thing we need more of in the world of comics, especially if the whole “event” thing is going to continue amongst the shared universe publishers. This book is not required reading, but it's the perfect pick-up for readers looking to dive a little deeper or for those Valiant diehardswe all know and love that just need to know every little bit of what's happening. Hell, even for those who might not have read X-O Manowar prior to this, this could be the spark to finally get you to pick up the series that, arguably, has been the standout amongst many giant books since 2012. Read Full Review

The issue is a really quick read, but that plays well to the story. It's not what you might have expected, but this is another compelling issue of the event Read Full Review

4001 A.D.: X-O Manowar is an interesting history lesson, using some great points of Valiant's past to help build its future. The art was superb. The overall story was good. Yet, the lack of any characters for the readers to get tied to besides Father and the concept just being breezily gone through makes the book a bit lackluster. It is clear that Venditti was trying to build something here, but had to cram all of it in one issue when this would have made a great miniseries. It's a good read that could have been a great read. Read Full Review

4001 A.D. X-O Manowar #1 is an okay issue that successfully establishes the X-O Manowar armor piloted by Rai but the circumstances aren't truly compelling. The process used for the creation of these behemoth armors is impressive and the need for the Earth's response is made clear. However, the showdown is so lackluster that all the momentum is squandered and it results in it feeling like nothing more than a relic collecting dust. I do enjoy one-shot issues that add to the overall understanding of a major event but this one almost takes away from the impressive conclusion to 4001 A.D. #1. Read Full Review

Though not as explosive or as essential as we were led to believe, 4001 A.D.: X-O Manowar #1 is still a nice bit of gap filling to add context to Valiant's latest event. Read Full Review

Instead, he and Henry deliver great story structure and pacing and eke out a tale of mankind's first -- and perhaps only -- assault on a world-ravaging artificial intelligence. Henry gets plenty of opportunities to deliver clean and stunning visuals, carrying the big-budget vibe throughout the issue. Venditti's script ensures that the story, as well as its attractive artwork, has a purpose beyond just looking great. "4001 A.D.: X-O Manowar" #1 fulfills its intent and doesn't try to be anything more than what it's intended to be and works just fine because of it. Read Full Review

A tie-in that communicates information but does little to elevate it. Read Full Review

I'm ambivalent about this series: on the one hand, I'm intrigued enough to read the second issue. But judging by the dull writing and storytelling missteps in this pilot episode, I don't have a lot of hope for the rest of the series. If you do want to read 4001 AD: X-O Manowar, take my advice: skip the filler and start on page 9. Read Full Review

Gizmo

May 19, 2016

Expands on the history laid out in the main 4001 A.D. comic but doesn't really add much dimension to it. It's interesting and slightly dark, but completely supplementary reading, and maybe that's okay for a tie-in. Unless you are absolutely in love 4001 A.D, your money is probably better spent elsewhere.