Secret Weapons #1

Writer: Eric Heisserer Artist: Raul Allen Publisher: Valiant Comics Release Date: June 28, 2017 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 27 User Reviews: 14
8.4Critic Rating
8.8User Rating

Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Eric Heisserer (Arrival) joins Harvey Award-nominated artist Raúl Allén (Wrath of the Eternal Warrior) for Valiant's next prestige format limited series, starring Livewire and an extraordinary new team of heroes! The government has dispatched Amanda McKee - the technopath codenamed Livewire - to investigate the ruins of a secret facility formerly run by Toyo Harada, the most powerful telepath on Earth and her former mentor. In his quest for world betterment at any cost, Harada sought out and activated many potential psiots like himself. Those who survived, but whose powers he deemed to have no value more

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Levi Remington Apr 27, 2017

    The first issue succeeds on every major level. It's so promising that I wish the book could last for longer than its solicited 4 issues. Your heart will melt in-between smiling fits, your eyes will grow spoiled rotten from Raul Allen and Patricia Martin's visual splendor, and Eric Heisserer's character work will have you clutching the nearest pillow, yearning for more. Secret Weapons unknowingly fulfills a prophecy set forth by its title, coming out of nowhere and dominating from the start with a creative team that you never knew was a dream collaboration. This issue proves that Valiant's own secret weapon is an onslaught of brilliant stories from great talents, and while this issue is just the beginning, I miss the series already. Read Full Review

  • 10
    All-Comic - Amy Okamoto May 3, 2017

    Livewire's gun hands are locked and loaded for Secret Weapons #1. This captivating story embraces science fiction while feeding our need genuine emotion and human connection. Do not miss out on this stunning book. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comics: The Gathering - Thegreatmagnet Jun 28, 2017

    Straight up, this is a very strong issue and a very promising start to the series. The art is next level, the stakes are real, and the characters are very engaging and sympathetic. This book feels different than everything else that Valiant is putting out, and I think it could be accessible to a wider indie audience who might like an unconventional, grounded take on the superhero genre. And ultimately, I think that this title will have major ramifications to the overall universe, especially with Harbinger Wars 2 on the horizon. There’s a lot here for everyone to enjoy. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Outright Geekery - Eric Ogar Baumgard Apr 27, 2017

    Overall, this is a great setup for these characters and this story. Long-time Valiant fans will find a lot to love in these pages, and new readers will be able to easily jump on-board without needing to do a bunch of research to understand what's happening. The art is strong and clean and the writing is clear and compelling. This is an issue I would recommend to any comic reader, Valiant fan or not. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith Jul 2, 2017

    This is a really great premise for a book and takes lead on the age old question: what if I had superpowers? Secret Weapons might be the most fun and original debut of 2017. Pick up this book, you wont be disappointed. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    411Mania - Jonathan Durden Jul 6, 2017

    I anticipate the next issue, and I would recommend this book to people who like sci-fi movies and/or comics, or have never read a Valiant comic before. This seems to be a decently constructed jumping-on point. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Jul 4, 2017

    So it's an interesting start to the new series - I'm curious to see where it goes from here. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Graphic Policy - Alex K Cossa May 1, 2017

    Secret Weapons #1isn't the explosive issue that will draw you in with a bang right from the first page, but it is the comic that sets up what looks to be one hell of a story – and based on one issue of each, looks to be the superior story starting with the word Secret that's being released this year.Secret Weapons #1is an intelligently crafted, beautifully illustrated opening chapter in what looks to be another home run for Valiant. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Jun 24, 2017

    A strong opening issue that has relatable characters and sharp as hell art. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The GCRN - Daniel Clark Jun 27, 2017

    Secret Weapons #1 keeps it simple and never attempts to set the world on fire by doing too much too soon. Instead, Eric Heisserer and Raul Allen do what good comics should and tell a great story with tremendous potential. If you are going into this book thinking you will be reading the comic book version of Arrival you will be sorely disappointed. This shares very little in common with that film, nor should it as creators should not be limited to whats familiar. If you ever had an interest in Variant comics this works as the perfect jumping on point. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Justin Partridge Jun 27, 2017

    Taking cues from misfit team books like the West Coast Avengers and Valiant's own Generation Zero, this debut issue takes Harada's "disappointments" and puts them on the road to stardom with a charming, heartfelt debut that also just happens to be a blast to read. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Geekery Magazine - Andy Hall Jun 28, 2017

    Despite these flaws, the book is an exciting read. Dealing with the continued fallout of Harada's fall, Secret Weapons looks at those who have been made the most vulnerable in the aftermath. It ends on a great cliffhanger that will leave you wanting the next book right away. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Spartantown - Enrique Rea May 2, 2017

    Secret Weapons #1 is another winner for Valiant with a beautifully told and illustrated debut that speaks to the heart of what makes a hero a hero. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    IGN - Jeff Lake Jun 28, 2017

    An entertaining premise and strong character works drives this enjoyable debut. Eric Heisserer turns out a script that remains accessible despite its shared history, his focus on early development making quick stars of his leads. Raul Allen and Patricia Martin provide the book's visual investment, pairing detailed art and creative paneling with evocative color work. Read Full Review

  • 8.7
    Multiversity Comics - Ken Godberson III May 8, 2017

    A fascinating and emotional start to a hopefully fantastic mini-series. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze Jun 28, 2017

    Secret Weapons is the book Livewire has deserved. By the end of this issue I felt someone who wasn't just being the face of the superhero community or the founder of Unity. This is a psiot who got a hard reality check into the life she was living and wants to rescue these others who deserve more than the danger they were thrown into. This creative team tapped into the potential from a problem in the Valiant Universe that went too long without being addressed. Not every psiot is created equal and it is time for them to have their chance. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    The Fandom Post - Chris Beveridge May 10, 2017

    With just a four-issue run, Secret Weapons sets up the basics pretty well here. A lot of the appeal for me is with Nikki and her bird-talking ability simply because of the conversations she has and naming two of them Waldorf and Statler. The bigger idea here is a good one with the way that there will be a lot of targeting of the ineffective psiots out there as they're easy to take out and you can see people being empowered by that through their own fear. Heisserer has some good setup here but so far the stakes are simple and low (relatively speaking) and the basic element is survival, which can and is done well here. But it lacks something for me as a new reader to this part of the Valiant universe to feel really invested into it in a big way. Yet, the lack of big stakes is definitely a big plus so that it's not overkill. I'd definitely check it out though as this team has put together a great looking book that's smooth reading with lots of potential. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Hulking Reviewer - Kareem Ali May 21, 2017

    Secret Weapons #1 is an intriguing start to the series because it successfully takes lesser psiots and creates an engrossing story where the stakes matter. The character development is entertaining, and it's easy to care about them because they care about each other. It's easy to enjoy battles between high-powered psiots. However, this series is on track to show that even psiots discarded by Harada have an interesting future. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Weird Science - Columbus Comics Corner Jul 1, 2017

    A solid introduction to the mini-series and shows the story has a lot of potential. Perfect collaboration of storytelling and brilliant artwork.  Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Crusaders - Johnny "The Machine" Hughes May 4, 2017

    I have mentioned before that, at times, I don't see the attraction of Valiant Books. I feel that some of the characters have passed their shelf life, hence them vanishing from the comic racks in the past. Still, I do recognize that the Valiant powers that be are trying hard to give their line some momentum with Divinity and the X-O reboot. This book certainly fits the mold of mature superheroes, done in a mature manner. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    You Don't Read Comics - Jason Dincauze Jul 5, 2017

    Fumbles aside, this is a strong start, carving out a quirky niche that marries elements of Fractions Hawkeye, Morrisons New X-Men and BKVs Runaways, as well as some good old classic horror, to create something unique among Valiants line and comics in general right now. Plus, with hints that it will have big effects on Valiant down the line, this is definitely a must-read for Valiant fans. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Bleeding Cool - Dan Wickline Apr 25, 2017

    Secret Weapons feels a little bit like the original New Warriors graphic novel crossed with the first issue of Harbinger. The characters are compelling and you get pulled into the story very quickly. Allen's art grounds the book, making it feel more realistic than a normal superhero story. This is the type of book Marvel used to do so well, the group of misfits and rejects pulled together to become heroes. Put this one on your pull list, you won't be disappointed. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    SciFiPulse - Oral Frier Jul 5, 2017

    Some of the best stories are about unsung heroes, but what if you weren't heroes to begin with? Secret Weaponsseems to be addressing that very idea. In a world where people can lift battleships with their mind, where do you fit in if you can just make things glow? It is an idea that is often overlooked, yet could be full of rich storytelling. This series may prove that point wonderfully. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    CourtOfNerds - Kevin Carley Jun 28, 2017

    I'm not saying this is a great book, because something that is this derivative shouldn't be considered great unless it truly excels in all areas. But it is a good book. One worth buying if only to see where this story might be going. It could just be going into familiar territory, but if it is done well... who really cares? Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Nerds On The Rocks - Dan Crotty Jun 30, 2017

    Strong opening issue, great jumping on point for new readers, and first-rate art that crackles with energy. Pick it up " your eyeballs will thank you. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Bastards - Ben Snyder Jun 28, 2017

    While not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, Secret Weapons #1 does enough to merit its worth and offers hope for improvement in further issues. If Heisserer continues to expand on the mythos and answer questions, Secret Weapons should improve and prove to be an enjoyable read. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Geek-O-Rama - Lucas Jul 8, 2017

    Part of me wants to like Secret Weapons, but I just really cant get into it. Again, if youre already a fan of Valiant, then maybe youll like it, the art is solid and in combination with the writing it can create what seems like could be pretty powerful moments, but for people unfamiliar with Valiant, I really cant recommend this comic. Read Full Review

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