X-O Manowar by Matt Kindt is reminiscent of Valiant Comics helmed by Jim Shooter. At a time when independent comics were taking the comic world by storm, Valiant was the thinking readers alternative to the overly glossy and shallow work that Image was producing. Bringing back characters from the early Gold Key comics, Valiant for a time surged.

Storytelling is what separates this comic from the rest. The investment in characters, setting and story cannot be lauded enough. In a genre that relies far too heavily on scantily clad women and fast action, it is refreshing to read a book that actually tells a story.

Another strong storyline in the continuing saga of X-O Manowar.

A quick note on this comic. This is a series that I continue to enjoy. It is definitely a great read and a refreshing alternative from the usual DC and Marvel fare.


After his previous victory, Aric of Dacia rises in rank and power. He now commands armies as a general. In his new mission, he also has to play diplomat in solving a territorial dispute in order to preserve an alliance. The comic blends action and some intrigue with great art reminiscent of other classic comics. This is definitely a great series and one I will keep reading. I highly recommend it.

'X-O Manowar Volume 2: General' by Matt Kindt with art by Doug Braithwaite continues the story of our reluctant hero Aric as he fights to stay alive on a strange planet.

Aric still resists the pull of his armor and wears it as a ring. He fights on a planet with 3 warring races and at some point finds himself on all sides. He just wants to survive, and everything around him seems to be determined to kill him. When things get really tough, can he resist using the armor?

This volume felt a bit less epic than the first one, but the art is still stunning, and I think this feels like a middle story. The first volume was a struggle to survive. This one has Aric thriving on the planet. There are political and moral issues, but it's hard to pick a side. I think this is a pretty great SF comic series though, and I look forward to whatever is next.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Valiant Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

Yet again we get fobbed off with half a book when we are supposed to be here to deliver a full verdict. Well, I thought the [---] was a little absent but on the whole this was [---] and had a little [---].

To begin with, the artwork is fantastic! It really brings the alien world and species to life.

The story is well written. The battle scenes work well with the artwork. The continuing survival and rapid rise of Aric through the ranks of this alien army continues. After being drafted and surviving a suicide mission in Volume 1. Aric's stock has risen--as has the animosity of his superiors.

Aric's code of personal honor is tested. His loyalties are tested. His resolve to never wear the armor again is tested.

I am looking forward to Volume 3.

Volume two of this new series picks up right where volume one left off. Aric, aka X-O Manowar, is caught up in the middle of a war between three different races on an alien planet. There is a bit of political maneuvering as each side tries to use him for their own purposes.

I loved the art in this book. The very first image sets the scene of this other world and is just gorgeous. Every time the "camera" pulls back to show a wider view of the planet it is stunning. I wasn't always a huge fan of the character faces as they are drawn here, but those did not detract one bit from my enjoyment.

The other thing that struck me most about this story is Aric. It delves a little into his background to give newer readers a glimpse of who he is and where he came from. But it is his relationship with the armor, Shanhara, that elevated this book for me. There is a battle of wills between them that is almost as treacherous as the war Aric is involved in and the tribes that are manipulating him.

This book gives the bombastic scenes and attitudes that I would expect from an X-O title and layers it with some good character development. The volumes in this series are an issue short of what readers might expect from a trade paperback. That I balanced by a tightly written story that felt neither rushed nor dragged out.

I have always had a soft spot for X-O Manowar and it's great to see it back with stellar art work, penciling and colouring. Story line is well written and plotted out, and such a tease waiting for him to go full-on X-O ARMOR!
A worthy title for Valiant.
---Ronb

X-O Manowar V.2 is a good start to what may be an interesting story. At the end of this volume you've barely scratched the surface of the background of the characters. If read without any background on the series, I'd think the reader would leave somewhat confused. I've read some of this series and even I'm left a wanting more information and background on the characters. Not to say that it wasn't good - just felt like it lacked some depth which I'd hope would come in subsequent issues in the series.

I really enjoy the Valiant Universe comics. The artwork is always vivid and colourful, and the storylines are always energetic with lots of drama and battles.

There is a richness to the characters of the Valiant Universe. They are always complex, sometimes vulnerable, generally brave and always up for a fight. In other words they make great comic book superheroes.

It took me some time to figure out where this current series fits in the X-O Manowar world. This seems to be a completely new story arc for 2017. It has the energy, the drama and the action of the main series arc with a different world and different battles, but the armour and Aric are alive and well.

If you are an XO fan then this is a must read and if you are like me and happy to dip into the Valiant Universe now and again then this is a very good read.

A rugged, battling hero, conspiracies and subterfuge, a new world and the armour - all of it not to be missed.

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Only half an arc. How am I supposed to review half a story?