I have always admired Valiant's ability to tell individual stories that work within their universe as stand alone stories, but still function in their larger designs as well. This is a more coherent universe than either DC or Marvel at this point. It really is a shame that more people are not taking a chance on these books. Read Full Review

Without stepping into spoiler territory too far, theres a moment in the comic that has echoes of a scene a few issues ago, only with somewhat different results. Kindts not-so-subtle reference to the earlier issue is made all the better by the subversion of your expectations; just because something has happened before, doesnt mean it will again. And by shifting your expectations, he also gives you a glimpse into the other side (again, this is a vague statement to avoid the spoiler hammer) of the coin. Although if youve read the solicitations, youve probably got an idea as to where the outcome of this three part story is heading, I cant wait to see the political journey that sets Aric up forX-O Manowar #14. Read Full Review

In short, Kindt and Bodenheim provide a fantastic new arc, for readers new and old alike. Im looking forward to seeing exactly where they take the story next. Read Full Review

We really enjoyed this issue, the story was exciting from page to page. A great start to this new arc. Read Full Review

It will be interesting to see where the series will go. Will Aric seek to regain his newly acquired empire? Or will he seek revenge while letting the chips fall? My money is on revenge, and I know this creative team will serve it action packed and served cold. Read Full Review

So far the hype has been met through the initial engagement with these bounty hunters through the events of X-O Manowar #11. As an all-new jumping-on point, this creative team hit the mark in starting a new chapter without feeling as though you were missing something. All you needed to know is that Aric has come a long way from where he started. As they said, from soldier to general to emperor, and now outcast. Read Full Review

Writer Matt Kindt and artist Ryan Bodenheim have crafted an issue that is heavy on action and intrigue that stems from the past year's worth of stories they've been telling in Valiant's flagship title, but the issue itself is hugely accessible to new readers, providing an enjoyable and surprisingly rich issue for readers both long-term and brand new. With flawed but well-meaning characters at its core, the palace intrigue and conspiracies on display are compelling. The character-driven stuff is nicely balanced out with solid and well-crafted action and the issue moves with a lightning pace. Read Full Review

Subversion, betrayal, lies" no matter how many suns your galaxy has, there's nothing new under a single one of them. Ryan Bodenheim minimizes landscape and focuses on his wonderfully creative creatures to showcase what Aric's really up against. Overall, X-O Manowar #11 is an exciting dive into Aric's world. Read Full Review

It's not that Ryan Bodenheim's work is bad on its own merits. His pencils are clean and orderly while packing in just enough cartoonish weirdness to carry a sense of style. The problem is that Bodenheim's work is so drastically different from everything that came before. It makes for a very jarring read. Read Full Review

The artwork has really enhanced this series. However, here it takes a step back into mediocrity giving this issue an "8.5" instead of the usual "9.5"

I honestly feel that the series is going downhill since the Emperor arc. Still a good series but I'm not liking the art in this issue and I'm not sure I like the direction of the series.

Up until now, this run has used a painterly art style. This issue incorporates ink lines, which I still like, but much of that fantasy, space opera feel is lost.