Overall, "Archer and Armstrong: Archer" #0 is a sharp story that leaves the reader nicely prepped for the "Mission: Improbable" crossover with "Bloodshot and Hard C.O.R.P.S." #20. Despite the "facts only" presentation through the caption boxes, Van Lente makes Archer a sympathetic character, but telegraphs a potential for unpredictability. This is yet another solid read from the fine creative teams at Valiant Entertainment and one of the best, most concise and informative origin tales ever. "Archer and Armstrong: Archer" #0 gets a double bonus in that regard for not even requiring the entirety of the issue. Truly they deserve a triple bonus for keeping the origin contained to ONE issue where other publishers would feel compelled to make a collection-length tale out of this. Those other publishers should take a good, hard look at this issue and try to absorb the proper way to handle zero issue origin stories. Read Full Review

Archer & Armstrong #0 is a great example of what a zero issue should be: self-contained but tying into the main series, the information here expands on and enriches the core mythos of the Valiant Universe. The shared universe is a key aspect of the Valiant books and this book exemplifies the strength of the shared universe concept as bits of story from many places that can stand perfectly well on their own add together to make a sum that is greater than those pieces taken individually. Read Full Review

Pere Perez is so freaking good. His clean, smooth style is always a treat. This issue is one of his best looking in recent memory. The characters are expressive and dynamic. There's no real action to speak of, but Perez still manages to inject a sense of fluid grace into the entire issue. There's nota single wasted line here, not one out of place shadow. Any time you see Pere Perez's name on a comic, you know it's at least worth a look. The dude can draw, without a doubt. Read Full Review

It's a hell of a thing Van Lente accomplishes, and it is all the better with artist Pere Perez onboard. Last issue, I talked about how the book suffered with a less fitting artist on it during the "Sect Civil War" arc, and with Perez back onboard we're given a perfect partner-in-crime for Van Lente that hits the comedic moments (of which there were few here) and completely nails the character ones. This is a very good issue, and sets up the new status quo while building up one of the titular character's past. A clever, well-crafted issue. Read Full Review

Van Lente and Perez make the most of this opportunity. It's great to see creators having fun on corporate properties, and its great to see a corporation allow their creators to have so much fun. Read Full Review

In the end this was a well constructed tale that sets up Archer and Armstrong to go up against Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps when Mission Improbable begins. Again showing just how big this world is becoming when you could see both teams interact. That is the one thing you should take out of this most and when they send HA.R.D. Corps after you, that means you are a big threat. Just another reason why you may want to pick up this book, and stay tuned for that event. Read Full Review

With few jokes or satire, this one's just another grim and gritty book, albeit a well-written one. Read Full Review