Good writing and art like this make me wish I had got into Valiant sooner. I am about to go back and read the other Rai books. While I have some catching up to do, I want you all to read to jump in to Rai. I sure will be staying on this book. Read Full Review

Now, if there is anything you should take away from this review, it is this: buy this arc! Really, you should be buying the entirety of the 4001 A.D. event, but this arc is the cream of the crop. Matt, Cafu, Andrew, and crew did a great job with this story, adding depth and beauty beyond my wildest expectations. 6 out of 5 stars. Read Full Review

Rai #14 is a standout. Fine storytelling and beautiful illustrations make this one of the best books of the month. Be sure to pick this up even if you are not following the 4001 A.D.event. With its succinct but informative prologue, new users can and should jump on board. Read Full Review

Speaking of designs, I'd like to say how much I love CAFU on this series. Like many of you, I think, I was skeptical about CAFU replacing Clayton Crain as the artist for Rai. Of course I understand why the shift had to take place " Crain's art is so lush that it would be unreasonable to expect two series a month with that level of quality. All that said, CAFU was a stellar choice for the substitution. His other works with Valiant are qualification enough, but throughout these two issues, he has done a marvelous job of interpreting Crain's established designs for New Japan, adapting them to show previous eras, but not looking to different. The new Rai's design is one of my favorites and those energy whips are sick! It's heresy, I'm sure, but I wouldn't mind CAFU taking over for Crain if the need should arise. Read Full Review

I find the concept with Rai one that is very original and an interesting idea I'm excited to see evolve and develop. I'll be waiting for the next issue with great anticipation! I'm going to keep an eye on this one and read try and track down the previous issues. Pick this one up as you won't regret it. Read Full Review

Bottom line is you should give Rai #14 a shot people. I was impressed throughout the book by the writing and story of Matt Kindt. I keep popping in to read his Valiant work for this 4001 A.D. event and find myself enjoying each issue more than the previous.  To be 100% honest, I don't even really have full grasp of what's going on throughout this entire event yet but have enjoyed it for the spectacle of it all alone.  I can't neglect to mention the art team who really emphasize the sci-fi horror vibe this book is putting out for me.  They do a great job of making our heroes standout amongst the masses while the landscapes and backgrounds are as rich as the characters themselves. If you've been hesitant about testing the waters for any Valiant related title you should start to ease those reluctances. Jump in to Rai like I did sit back and have a creepy good time. Read Full Review

Rai #14 is another enjoyable addition to the nuanced take on the line of Rai's and the relationship with Father but lacks the same nuance when it comes to the population-at-large in New Japan. Sai is an intriguing Rai, and it's interesting to see how her rebellion against Father is more about her staying true to her optimistic nature regarding humanity. And the arrival of the new Rai supplies plenty of action while creating an entertaining predicament for next issue. Father's true villainy starts to become clearer, and even though the progression from the hopeful Sai to the present drastic actions isn't as smooth as last issue it still connects to current 4001 A.D. events. Read Full Review

WithRai #14effectively forming both an effective standalone tie-in to the main4001 A.D., as well as the continuation of theRai series with alook at a chapter in New Japan's past. It's a well written comic that can be read independently of the series it's tying in to – if you're already readingRai. If you're not, then this may not convince you otherwise, but for thse of us who are already regular readers this provides an interesting insight into the history of New Japan. Read Full Review

Keeping old fans happy while reeling new ones in is no easy feat " Kindt and CAFU are the blueprint. Read Full Review

I haven't actually read 4001 A.D. yet. I keep meaning to, but I haven't. That said, I can tell you honestly that you don't need to be reading it to understand this story arc of Rai. Instead this continues on its own and gives us an interesting back story of sorts, for Father. Though it does accomplish its mission in making me want to read 40001 A.D. Read Full Review

Rai #14 is a solid entry into the series and a satisfying tie-in to the 4001 A.D. event, even if it's events don't necessarily feed into the direct plotline of either. Fans wanting more meat added to the New Japan world should read this without any hesitation, while those wanting more of a direct tie to the 4001 A.D. event could pass if they felt so inclined. Read Full Review

You really should be reading this arc of Rai. It's a good starting point for new readers, and for those following Rai from the beginning you will love getting to grips with Father's evolution. Be warned though, seeing Father as an animated pool of Livewire is pretty terrifying. It may keep you up at night. Only kidding. Maybe…. Read Full Review

As Father tightens the chains around New Japan, we learn about two other Rais to various effect. Read Full Review