'X-O Manowar, Vol. 3: Emperor' by Matt Kindt with art by Clayton Crain and Renato Guedes is the third volume in this space epic that takes the character away from Earth and his armor (at least up to this point).

In the issues leading up to this, Aric has had to kind of relearn who he is without the armor. Now the armor is back, and he's out to defeat the Emperor of Gorin. Aric realizes that even with his armor, things don't always work out. In the final issue collected here, we meet a group of bounty hunters out to kill Aric.

I've read the first two volumes of this series, and I felt like things were a bit more coherent. This time, the story feels a bit choppy and it jumps around. The art is issues 7-9 by Clayton Crain is very nice digital artwork. The issue 10 art by Renato Guedes is even better.

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.

To start with, the artwork was gorgeous. Some pages looked more like paintings than comic book illustrations. The story was pretty good, too. What happens to a general after he wins the revolution? It's not live happily ever after, that's for sure. The consequences of success catch up with Aric. I'm looking forward to volume 4.

Clayton Crain's art is the real winner in this book. Despite being pretty dark at times, it is just gorgeous. This series has been rocking the art from the beginning, so I'm really glad to see that trend continue here.

The story wasn't as good as the previous two volumes. It sort of deals with the fallout of X-O Manowar deposing the former ruler of the largest nation on this alien planet. I think I didn't enjoy it as much because Aric wasn't really taking charge. Instead he spends most of this volume reacting to the things that are happening around him. It's a shift in the character that might be difficult for some readers to adapt to.

I did enjoy the continued world building. I really want to see how this is going to be tied into the rest of the Valiant universe. With the way this series has been going, I am excited to dig into the next arc too.

In this installment of the series, Alric has won the war, and peace may be at hand. He is now emperor, but he soon discovers that governing may not be as easy as making war. Various intrigues to undermine the peace are unraveling, and heavy is the crown on the head of the man wearing it now. Add to this an alien invasion, and Alric will really have to struggle to keep peace and order.


This volume covers issues 7-9 of the comic. This continues to be a great series with strong characters and plots that draw you in. Once you start, you just keep on reading. For me, this series continues to be a pleasure to read and one I am happy to recommend. If you are looking for something good, a good adventure story, this is it.

I was provided this ARC by NetGalley for an honest review.
This was my first comic book and I am not entirely sure if I liked it or not.

The illustrations were very detailed and highly stylized to match the scene depicted in the few words. I kind of felt like I was reading a child picture book and probably will not read another comic. The main character seems to cause more issues than he fixes and I was not a huge fan. Since I wanted to try comics and this one seemed like a normal example, I am going with a 3 star for not wowing me

Aric tries his best to untie the warring tribes but governing in peace time is more complex than he could imagine and it will take more than the armour to help him through this.

Then there are brewing conspiracies and others have their own plans. Nothing is certain for Aric and the true peace he wanted may not be something achievable.

I think this will be a good one for Manowar fans who are following this story. The artwork was too dark for me. The story was ok but didn't really move the series along.

This will be an ok read for fans of the series.

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Note to self - don't bother starting a Valiant book until you skim to the end to see if it's finished or not before you start reading. It's happened three times in a row now with this title alone, and it sucks big time. Note to others - the artwork here is fine, but the story naff - one minute it's fighty fighty smash smash then he's suddenly turned from a fabulous warrior to a naff emperor with no understanding. And then it stops being coloured and lettered, so who knows what's happening?!

Excellent. The story of revolution and corruption and betrayal is riveting. The artwork is great, as well. Quite well worth the read.