PopCultHQ received an advanced review copy of X-O MANOWAR #16 from Valiant Entertainment. Available June 27th, 2018, the creative team for this series features writing from Matt Kindt, art from Trevor Hairsine with Brian Thies, coloring from Diego Rodriguez and Jose Villarrubia, and lettering from Dave Sharpe.
Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…
X-O MANOWAR (2017) #16
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Trevor Hairsine with Brian Thies
Colors by Diego Rodriguez and Jose Villarrubia
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Cover A by Lewis LaRosa
Cover B by Jim Mahfood
Interlocking Variant Cover by Veronica Fish
X-O Manowar Icon Variant by Philip Tan
Pre-Order Edition by Shane Davis
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | On Sale JUNE 27th
As HARBINGER WARS 2 rages…witness the birth of “BARBARIANS”!
Long ago, on the bloodstained battlefields of centuries past, Aric of Dacia cut a swath through the armies of the ancient world as a brash but cunning warrior – and all without the X-O Manowar armor. Now, the untold story of Aric’s swashbuckling youth – and how it unknowingly forged his fate as the defender of 21st century Earth – can finally be told as the man who would be X-O Manowar leaves the Visigoth homeland behind to infiltrate the Roman Empire’s gleaming capital from within!
VARIANT COVERS
PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
X-O MANOWAR #16
Aric of Dacia has fought many a foe. From aliens to psionic powerhouses to government projects, this hero garbed in gold and blue has seen it all. In the latest issue of X-O Manowar, though, his mythos grows as his sapient armor guides him through his past to prepare for his future!
Writing:
Matt Kindt builds on the mythology of Aric’s past, drawing on the rich history of the conflicts the Visigoth’s faced. Whilst Aric races across the Roman empire, escaping the Huns, the mysterious Sabbas approaches from an opposing shore to chase destiny. Unlikely alliances are formed as common foes are faced in this book.
Kindt weaves his tapestry that he’s been forming since issue one. With his fondness for history and the cultures it holds, he shows the brutal world by which Aric and Sabbas are formed. As each of them approaches the cities of Rome, they are beset by opposition from without and within and the fate they share is about to reach a boiling point.
Art:
X-O is Valiant’s premiere character and as such, the presentation is always a treat to behold. Trevor Hairsine, a veteran of the comics industry has grabbed the reins of this title and run with it. He is by no means new to this universe, or to working with Kindt’s storytelling as they have collaborated on the Divinity crossover events.
The synergy between the two creatprs definitely shows as the characters’ dynamic movement and expressions brings life to the page. You can take one look at a character and gather a hundred stories from them. Aric and Sabbas are great contrasting points in this, as Sabbas is always smiling and Aric wears a constant scowl. This creates a great visual contrast between characters and how much they let their situations affect them.
The real treat, artistically, of this book is a gorgeous two page spread, inspired by ancient storytelling pieces. Through the art and the words presented by a poet that Sabbas encounters, the tales of the previous books in this run are on display. This is of great service to both new readers to build intrigue and to longtime fans. If Valiant printed a poster of this, I guarantee it would be on my office wall.
PopCultHQ’s Overall Assessment:
The tale of Aric’s history, prior to wearing the legendary X-O Armor, continues to grow. This book is preparing him for what must be done in the current crossover, Harbinger Wars, going on right now! This is a brilliant book to read, but the question that I’m starting to ask is, when are we going to see Aric back in his armor? This book will remain in my subscription box though to find out!
PopCultHQ’s Rating:
4.5 Out of 5 Stars
X-O MANOWAR #16 can be purchased on comiXology
and at your LCS and online retailers beginning Wednesday, June 27th!
Be sure to follow the creative team online!
Writer – Matt Kindt
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Artist – Trevor Hairsine
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Artist – Brian Thies
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Colorist – Diego Rodriguez
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Colorist – Jose Villarrubia
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Letterer – Dave Sharpe
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Publisher – Valiant Entertainment
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