Archer & Armstrong, Vol. 3: Far Faraway

Archer & Armstrong (2012)

by Fred Van Lente (Writer), Pere Pérez (Artist), Clayton Henry (Artist)

Castaways in the Faraway!

Mary-Maria, Archer’s arch-nemesis/love interest/adopted sister, is back and dead-set on taking over the Sect by any means necessary. What better way to seize control of the most secret of secret societies than by unlocking their most secretive of secrets inside the secretest place on Earth? Now, as Mary-Maria sneaks her way inside Area 51 to claim a long-hidden prize, Archer & Armstrong are about to discover the forbidden history that binds America’s blackest black-ops base to the time-lost lands of the Faraway – and wind up fighting their way through each of its tightly guarded mysteries, one punch at a time.
By New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (Amazing Spider-Man) and artists Clayton Henry (Incredible Hercules) and Pere Pérez (Harbinger Wars), follow Valiant’s conspiracy-busting adventurers from the pages of their saga-smashing zero issue and into their most dangerous mission yet, right here in the next epic volume of the series that IGN calls “the most fun you’ll have in a ‘superhero’ comic”.

Collecting: Archer & Armstrong 0, 10-13

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Humor, Comic Book, Adventure

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2013

About the author

Fred Van Lente is the New York Times-bestselling author of comics as varied as Archer & Armstrong (Harvey Award nominee, Best Series), Taskmaster, MODOK's 11, Amazing Spider-Man, Conan the Avenger, Weird Detective, and Cowboys & Aliens (upon which the 2011 movie was based), as well as the novels Ten Dead Comedians and The Con Artist.

Van Lente also specializes in entertaining readers with offbeat histories with the help of his incredibly talented artists. He has written the multiple-award winning Action Philosophers!, The Comic Book History of Comics, Action Presidents! (all drawn by Ryan Dunlavey), and The Comic Book Story of Basketball with Joe Cooper (Ten Speed September 2020).

He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Crystal Skillman, and some mostly ungrateful cats.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaurs and Aliens.<--it does not get better than that, my friends.



I don't even know how to explain this volume of Archer & Armstrong to someone who hasn't been keeping up with the title. But for those of you who have, you'll get a bit more of the origin story of these guys.
Added bonus: Dinosaurs and Aliens!
Read it.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

If things weren't crazy enough in this book before, Van Lente cranks it up to 11 by sending Archer & Armstrong to the Faraway, a time pocket where time periods collide and no one grows old. I was surprised Valiant brought back the Lost Land since they no longer have the rights to Turok, but Van Lente makes it work wonderfully. There's a lot of fun wackiness and adventure (General Redacted who has his speech balloons redacted is a favorite.) along with more poignant moments. Van Lente obviously has bigger plans as we get allusions to events that haven't happened yet. The larger Valiant universe is starting to make inroads as well with Project Rising Spirit from Bloodshot getting involved along with Ivar.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two words: Dinosaurs and aliens.

“Bazinga!”

Fans of Valiant Entertainment’s Archer and Armstrong know how good this title is, what a novel concept and how well this works in their already tons o’ fun universe.

This one, collecting single issues 0, 10-13, is even special on top of all that.

I was telling my friend Joey at my fav comic book store, Grand Adventure Games and Comics in Murfreesboro, TN – the problem with much of Marvel titles, and some DC too, really most of comics these days, is that they take themselves too seriously. It is, after all, a comic book, might as well have some fun.

I’m not saying they have to devolve into absurdist theater – COUGH COUGH GRANT MORRISON COUGH COUGH – but a wink and a nod, an ever so slight breaking of the fourth wall to look into the camera and let the reader know that you know, that this is fun.

And I don’t think there was any breaking of the fourth wall here, just a story that is unafraid of lacking inhibition, a writer who is OK with – straight faced – telling us about aliens and dinosaurs.

Mix in some subtle pop and classic references and I’m interested.

Throw in a low brow bawdy limerick and I’m hooked.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought everything in the previous two volumes was insane, but this one really takes the cake.

As Archer and Armstrong attempt to find out the secret of Archer's powers they end up in Area 51, and before they know it they're trapped in an alternate dimension full of dinosaurs, cavemen, racist army generals, and an Archer-worshipping cult. Trippy, huh?

I like the mixing up here; getting Archer on his own for a while lets him reflect on what's been happening to him, which we haven't had yet, and also means we get Armstrong with a different Archer instead (which doesn't end well at all). The revelations once we get to the last two issues of the book are very interesting, and promise good things going forward - and unlike other comics universes, I actually feel like they might deliver on these, which is amazing.

The only thing I don't really like about this volume is the fact that Mary Maria doesn't seem to be her own character. She now has the spirits of her parents inside her head, who tell her what to do, but the line between their influence and Mary Maria as her own character is extremely blurred, so I'm not sure whether we should trust her or not, or even if she's aware of the influence that her parents are having on her.

Pere Perez draws the main storyline in this volume, while Clayton Henry returns for the #0 issue. Once again Valiant picks a signature art style for a series and sticks with it, and even a year into the book the style remains consistent. Valiant are making a lot of good decisions, and I'm really glad I've gotten myself involved in this universe.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Archer & Armstrong series has always been a bit silly, but this one takes the cake. Aliens and dinosaurs? A religious cult? Those are just the tip of the iceberg.

There is so much that I like about this volume. It starts to examine Archer's past in more depth while setting up things to come in some very explicit ways. The story ties in some elements from the previous volumes too. The appearances by some historical figures are great, but the significance could be lost on people that aren't familiar with them. Plus, the book made me laugh out loud a few times.

I really enjoyed the art this time around too. It meshes well with the silliness of the series. The creators are able to push things a bit more with the way the art works because it can deviate a bit more than it could in a more serious book.

[Cale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume ups the insanity and the action, taking Archer and Armstrong (and other Archer) into a hidden world with dinosaurs, dodos, Algonquins, and an unhinged General. The humor (and pathos) get amped up here, and the action as well, including an impressive aerial battle against little green men. Significant story exposition takes place (including a 0 issue, which is actually very helpful in setting the overall story in place), and lots of loose ties from across the previous issues get tied together, all while teasing future volumes. Really, this is a remarkably good volume all-around, and really lives up to the quotes on the first volume's cover.

[Wing Kee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and ridiculous.

World: The art is fine, I enjoy it but it's not fantastic. The world building is strong this arc and there are actually a lot of reveals and pieces that tie into the rest of the Valiant Universe. They are great and the pieces connecting together is done so well and seamlessly that I am very impressed.

Story: The story was ridiculous and amusing. Expected but amusing. Pacing was good as was the banter. The situation they found themselves in was interesting and the outcome was expected but satisfying. Moving forward I like where this duo is going.

Characters: Fun that they can play on each other. Still want more time to interact though, quiet moments. But this series has been so fast paced, much like the rest of the Valiant Universe. Good but I want more depth.

Good and fun.

Onward to the next book!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best comic I've ever read

Character development, story development, action, genuinely funny and new questions raised. Simply the best comic out there. Cannot wait for more.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 stars rounded down)

Archer & Armstrong volume 3 really goes all out. Starting with an origin issue that cleverly ties into real world history, things progress to fights with aliens and dinosaurs, the lost colony of Roanoke, time travel, and the surprise appearance of several historical figures. Van Lente masterfully weaves together a bunch of different elements and delivers a fast paced, action packed story that is both smart and funny. The artwork is a great compliment to it all. And as many of the Valiant books have done, the lettering aids in making it a top notch experience. My one complaint is with the way this trade is put together. Instead of feeling like a cohesive volume, it comes off as a bunch of single issues stapled together. The bonus previews, letter pages, and extra content does not belong in between each issue. It should be at the end, or at least done in a way that feels less abrupt. It does not ruin the story overall, but it does hinder the experience some.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the wackiest, most audaciously imaginative shit I've ever read. Read and reviewed as part of Archer and Armstrong: Deluxe Edition 1

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shouldn't work as well as it does. There's so much randomly thrown together in this volume - Area 51, dinosaurs, time-displaced Algonquin warriors, the Bermuda Triangle, Grey aliens, Ambrose Bierce, satire of US militarism ... and on top of that, our heroes, the gregarious, immortal party guy Armstrong and his partner Archer, the deadly assassin raised by Christian fundamentalists and whom may eventually become the world's greatest spiritual leader.

As I said, there's a lot going on - so much that it's hard to describe it with a straight face. It's to Van Lente's credit that not only does it all make sense together, it all fits together seamlessly and with such a madcap sense of fun.

[T.L. Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one goes up to eleven! Hilarious, chock full of conspiracy references, and zany action, it is in this volume that Van Lente really hits his stride. I loved every wonderful panel of this one. From Gray "aliens" with the mind of 7th graders to Ambrose Bierce and his Dodo, Hearst, there are so many great things about this volume. General Redacted is the funniest and most satirical villain I may have ever seen in a comic. Without doubt or hesitation: a 5+ star book. Anyone who loves conspiracies, science fiction, humor, adventure or just clever writing should check this out.

[Des Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best A&A book yet, with wonderfully consistent art and a great story with excellent pacing and a lot of fun moments. Everything here is solid from the dialogue to the character development and all of that is perfectly punctuated by Perez's pencils. The #0 issue ties in perfectly, not only leading us into the next story arc, but doing some clever exploration of the Anni-Paddas' early years. This volume is very clever and written passionately; I can only hope we're being set up for the inevitable "Timewalker" reboot.

[Anchorpete · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I tried to explain the events of this book to someone, they would look at me like I was either a light bulb short in the pack, or high.

So, I am not going to try and explain this. What I will say is that the rebooted Valiant Universe is wonderful, and this book might be the prime example.

I thought I had some sort of sick need to tie everything together, but Fred Van Lente is able to wrap the entire (wonderful) Valiant universe around this one book.

I just want more.

[Roman Colombo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, after reading the Harbinger Wars event, I definitely needed this to rekindle my faith in Valiant. The story is great, a lot of fun, and the art is wonderful. And man, I love all the hints given for future events in the last issue. This is why I fell in love with Valiant to begin with.

[Bob Solanovicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nakon čitanja prvog Eternal Warriora Grega Paka i Trevora Hairsinea, za kojeg je rečeno da će dodatno pojasniti pozadinu Archera & Armstronga, skužio sam koliko je Van Lente bolji scenarist - i iako mi i dalje nije pretjerano drag, A&A se barem čitaju lakše od Warriora. Kužim da je poanta serijala izvući sve teorije urote ikad i pomiješati ih u koherentnu cjelinu, i to je sve u redu, ali nekakav razvoj likova, makar minimalan, ne bi bio nimalo naodmet. S druge strane, dopala mi se određena količina koherentnosti u građenju jednog dijela povijesti Valiantovog univerzuma kroz sva tri albuma što tek u ovom trećem postaje očigledno.

[Nate]

Archer and Armstrong go after Project Rising Spirit in Area 51. They get trapped in the Faraway, a time pocket with dinosaurs, historical figures, and aliens where the Boon was originally found. Bonkers stuff follows. It occurred to me during the fourth issue that this story could only be told in comics. No other medium could tell it this well or make it this entertaining. There’s so much packed in here, and while it can get a little convoluted, the imagination and fun factor shine through. The wackiness works in a series like this one.

[Capital Fetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

0 issue is a nice retake of the Gilgamesh story and features all three brothers: Armstrong, Gilad, and Ivar.

The main story brings Ivar in but doesn't really do a lot with him. Hope to see more of him later on.

This story takes place in the Faraway and is a bit of step down from the previous two volumes but still has some funny moments and some important character developments. It also ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger.

Now on to The Eternal Warrior.

[Judah Radd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun.

Slightly more tedious than the last, but only slightly. Still had plenty of fun. There was a bit if a Doctor Who vibe which was kind of interesting. Or like... a Rick & Morty vibe.

The art was cool. Some fun background on Gilad, Armstrong and Ivar, and some really fun sci fi elements. I definitely liked it, but I was a bit anxious for them to leave The Faraway.

Still love this series.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully weird continuation where Archer and Armstrong find themselves trapped in "The Faraway" -- the world in which the device that gave Armstrong his immortality was found. Prominently featured is a wonderfully scene-chewing Douglas MacArthur/Curis LaMay-esque chararacter known as "General Redacted" (love that) who is intent on saving aliens from the evils of communism.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our characters are trapped in some synthetic time pocket full of rock jungles, dinosaurs, alien spaceships, and laser beams, as Archer and Armstrong face threats from past, present, and future all at once. There's prophecies, new secret cults, evil asshole military dudes, downed planes, shooting guns while riding dinosaurs, and a bunch of other fun stuff.

[Fraser Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Who's the leader of the international communist conspiracy?"
"According to my parents, it's an Indonesian Muslim named Barack Obama, but I'm not sure they're a reliable source."
That's the kind of humor that makes this book fun. Even plunged into a stock setting — Bermuda Triangle realm mashing up dinosaurs, Amelia Earthart and Grays — the characters and the fun make it memorable.

[ISMOTU · Rating 5 out of 5]

More great stories, the discovery of Ivar in the faraway, Armstrong screws up big time, and the foul mouthed General Redacted.

[Megan Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t that crazy about the artwork, but the story line was amazing. Loved the opening issue.

[Ernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good pulpy fun, lost folks from history, grey "aliens", and a crazy evil cold war American general make for a good comic.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Collects Archer and Armstrong issues #10-13, and #0

This title continues to be a fun ride, however there are some plot points that I'm still a little confused on. Specifically, I'm unsure of the motivation of the character Mary-Maria, and how much (if any) of what she does is of her own accord.

There's some really good science fiction in this title, and some of the explanations for why things are happening seem very plausible (within the context of a science fiction story, that is).

SPOILERS:

-Issue #0

-We find out that Armstrong wrote the Epic of Gilgamesh, and based it on the story of how him and his two brothers originally gained possession of the Boon.

-Issue # 10

-The possessed Mary-Maria runs into Archer and Armstrong at Area 51. A&A are looking for answers to what made Archer the
way he is, but they end up being sucked into a portal with Mary-Maria. The portal takes them to Faraway.

-Issue #11

-It turns out that Faraway is the future. Humans have evolved, and they now look like (what we describe as) gray aliens. A general from the 1950’s lives in the future and leads these aliens (who have the intelligence of 7th graders). General Redacted thinks that Archer is a Sage from the future because he is dressed like them. It turns out that the Far Faraway is filled with people and creatures who accidentally traveled from their present-day Earth to this future Earth. That’s why there are dinosaurs, as well as people from all different time periods. A nice cowboy brings Archer to the Seven Sages, and they are dressed just like him with a similar haircut. They call Archer the Grandmaster, and say that things are happening just as was foretold. They are the keepers of the timeless word, and they tell him that it is his word…maybe they mean a future version of Archer.

-Issue #12

-Here’s what we find out. In Archer’s not too distant future, he will write some religious/philosophical things. The writings will have a great impact on human happiness and contentment. He will become known as the Charles Darwin of the soul. His writings have been preserved, and now these Sages protect and live by them. His writings seem to speak of non-violence. Don’t try to save the world, because what you think is good may not actually be good. Archer doesn’t agree with the belief system of the people he will help to create, so he looks for a weapon to save the people of Faraway since General Redacted is attacking. He ends up finding and freeing Armstrong’s brother, Ivar, who has been trapped in the timestream. Ivar hints at things that are going to happen in Archer’s future, such as Archer destroying Bloodshot. The Sages warn Archer that by trying to save the world, he will actually break the world, and he too will be broken. The final shot of the issue shows the possessed Mary-Maria starting to fall for Armstrong because of his power.

-Issue #13

-Ivar and Armstrong are reunited, and he mentions that Armstrong’s nanite body looks just like his old one.

-Archer learns a ton from Ivar: there is an architecture of time; the sentient cities inserted Faraway into the timestream which causes ripples, or “Arcs”; these Arcs dragged people from all across time into the Faraway; people don’t age there if they are brought out of their own time

-Amelia Earhart shows up because she was sucked into the Faraway.

-Archer loses it at the end because Armstrong slept with his love, Mary-Maria. He uses a chart showing the Timearcs to escape Faraway, but purposely leaves Armstrong, Mary-Maria, and Ivar behind.

[Fizzgig76 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reprints Archer & Armstrong (2) #0, 10-13 (May 2013-September 2013). Archer and Armstrong are after Archer’s origins and it means breaking into Project Rising Spirit’s computers in the legendary Area 51. Area 51 is a home to secrets beyond belief and Archer, Armstrong, and Mary-Maria find themselves pulled into the world of Faraway where they find themselves under attack from military and alien forces. Archer gleams information about his future, and Armstrong finds he might betray his friend and ally.

Written by Fred Van Lente and illustrated by Pere Pérez and Clayton Henry, Archer & Armstrong 3: The Far Faraway follows Archer & Armstrong 2: Wrath of the Eternal Warrior. This collection is also included in the Archer & Armstrong Deluxe Edition Volume 1.

I love Archer & Armstrong. The series is fun and has enough action to get that comic book feel but almost with a wink to the reader while doing it. Fred Van Lente nails the tone in this comic and Archer & Armstrong 3: The Far Faraway has some of the best of this series.

I like the kick off issue of the comic which shows Armstrong’s ties to the legendary story of Gilgamesh. Not only does the story show more interaction between Armstrong and his brothers, but it shows how the Boon came into their possession while setting up the Faraway for the future issues.

I like the ’50s sci-fi nature to this story. You get the Area 51 stuff (far more fun than Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) and you get the Faraway filled with dinosaurs, aliens, Amelia Earhart, Ambrose Bierce, and a dodo. It is weird and fun at the same time but not so off the wall that it falls into “wacky” territory (I’m not a fan of wacky).

In this volume, a big change comes at the end that affects the next volume. Armstrong “betrays” Archer by sleeping with Mary-Maria. Though it does seem like a callous thing to do, it does raise some interesting questions about how Armstrong views the world since he is for the most part immortal and you can question if Armstrong is fully responsible since Mary-Maria is possessed by Archer’s parents…which is kind of gross in itself.

Archer & Armstrong continues to be one of the best titles out there now and for being one of the best titles, probably one of least read. I always worry about the comic manufacturers that aren’t Marvel, DC, and Image and worry that I’ll wake up and find them gone with no resolutions or good conclusions to their stories (like CrossGen). Hopefully the rebirth of Valiant won’t end like the first Valiant, and Archer & Armstrong will have a nice long run. Archer & Armstrong 3: Far Faraway is followed by Archer & Armstrong 4: Sect Civil War.

[Adam Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book almost gets four stars for audacity of concept. It's occasionally funny, the art is excellent, and the story appears more focused in its madness than the previous two volumes. Unfortunately, it gets undone by some klunky cliches near the end. The cliches serve to move the plot to its conclusion but two of them really took me out of the story.

When this book focuses on humor, it's great but the supposed emotional beats don't come across as believable. I'm still invested enough t keep reading though, as I'm intrigued as to how this is going to cross into the larger Valiant Universe.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Valiant's loss of the Turok rights, I never expected to see the Lost Land or its dinosaurs again, but here they are, and that's just the start of this terrific arc. There is so much wackiness that you can't help but love it, plus we get the introduction of Ivar, plus some great relationship between Archer & Armstrong. It's overall at least as strong as the first arc and really speaks well for the continuation of this series.

[Devero · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Italiano, la lontana lontananza.
Prosegue su un registro surreale la commedia con risvolti drammatici di Armstrong, che nel finale fa un grosso sgarro all'amico Archer. E l'evoluzione di Archer è forse la cosa più simpatica di queste storie; è ben lontano dal calmo, preciso e pacato pacifista della vecchia Valiant. Inoltre finalmente il terzo fratello, Ivar-Anne-Padda, fa la sua comparsa e vengono spiegate molte cose.