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X-O Manowar (2012)
Икс-О Воин. Том 2. Ниндзяк атакует
Арик из Дакии прилетел на Землю – и теперь у самого смертоносного агента МИ-6 появилась новая цель. По заданию секретного правительства расы Лоза, скрывающегося на Земле, Ниндзяк был послан вернуть броню ВОИН любой ценой. Но что же произойдет, когда самый выдающийся в мире специалист по оружию столкнется с самым мощным оружием во вселенной лоб в лоб? И даже если Ниндзяк обойдёт защиту брони, есть ли у него шансы против свирепого воина, управляющего ей? Грубая сила против скрытности и хитрости во втором захватывающем томе ИКС-О ВОИНА – вселенная Valiant уже никогда не будет прежней.
Во второй том вошли выпуски ИКС-О ВОИН №5-8 от автора многих бестселлеров по версии New York Times Роберта Вендитти («Суррогаты») и именитого художника Ли Гарбетта («Бэтмен & Робин»)
Во второй том вошли выпуски ИКС-О ВОИН №5-8 от автора многих бестселлеров по версии New York Times Роберта Вендитти («Суррогаты») и именитого художника Ли Гарбетта («Бэтмен & Робин»)
108 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
23 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Robert Venditti
697 books392 followersRobert Venditti is a New York Times bestselling author of more than three hundred comic books and graphic novels. Some of his works include the monthly comic book series Justice League, Superman ’78, Hawkman, and Green Lantern for DC Comics, X-O Manowar, Armor Hunters, and Wrath of the Eternal Warrior for Valiant Entertainment, and the graphic novel Six Days, inspired by the story of his uncle’s participation in D-Day. He has also adapted Rick Riordan’s global bestselling Percy Jackson and the Olympians and The Heroes of Olympus novels, as well as Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia and Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz. His graphic novel The Surrogates was adapted into a feature film by Touchstone Pictures, and his work on The Flash was the basis for season three of the CW television series.
Venditti lives in Atlanta, where he both writes and serves as a storytelling consultant for some of the most recognizable entertainment brands in the world.
Venditti lives in Atlanta, where he both writes and serves as a storytelling consultant for some of the most recognizable entertainment brands in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 16, 2019
The first volume was just sort of so-so for me, but I've got several friends who think that X-O Manowar is the best thing ever, so I'm giving it a second chance to grab my attention.
And this volume was a lot more interesting to me, but to be perfectly honest, I think a lot of that had to do with the Ninjack crossover.
So far?
Ninjak - yes!
Manowar/Aric - ehhhh.
I lovelovelove Ninjak, but Aric is just sort of (as of now) unlikable. Guess we'll just have to see how it plays out.
The gist is that Aric has made his way back to Earth and is just now discovering he's been gone hundreds of years. Of course, that means everyone he loves is dead. He's not taking it well, to say the least. He and Ninjak work together to suss out who is human and who is Vine in the intelligence community - all while trying to figure out how deep the conspiracy goes.
If nothing else, this definitely solidified me as a Ninjak fan.
And this volume was a lot more interesting to me, but to be perfectly honest, I think a lot of that had to do with the Ninjack crossover.
So far?
Ninjak - yes!
Manowar/Aric - ehhhh.
I lovelovelove Ninjak, but Aric is just sort of (as of now) unlikable. Guess we'll just have to see how it plays out.
The gist is that Aric has made his way back to Earth and is just now discovering he's been gone hundreds of years. Of course, that means everyone he loves is dead. He's not taking it well, to say the least. He and Ninjak work together to suss out who is human and who is Vine in the intelligence community - all while trying to figure out how deep the conspiracy goes.
If nothing else, this definitely solidified me as a Ninjak fan.
May 30, 2022
“I have a fifth century barbarian in an alien battle suit on my side, I’ll take my chances” – Ninjak
This second volume of collected singles by writer Robert Venditti and a team of talented illustrators did not disappoint.
With Aric of Dacia wearing the alien Vine sacred armor, and with his Visigoth ire up, fueled by 16 centuries of lost time – he’s a handful to say the least and the modern Italian miliary does not hold him long.
So the Vine infiltrated forces that be go after him and also bring in mercenary Ninjak to even the score.
Venditti and team pull this all together very well and I’m in. This is such a great story, Aric and Ninjak are intriguing characters and there is LOTS of action. While the idea of a surreptitious alien infestation is not new, this story is fresh and exciting.
For those disillusioned by DC and Marvel these days, a cool visit to Valiant may be just the thing.
This second volume of collected singles by writer Robert Venditti and a team of talented illustrators did not disappoint.
With Aric of Dacia wearing the alien Vine sacred armor, and with his Visigoth ire up, fueled by 16 centuries of lost time – he’s a handful to say the least and the modern Italian miliary does not hold him long.
So the Vine infiltrated forces that be go after him and also bring in mercenary Ninjak to even the score.
Venditti and team pull this all together very well and I’m in. This is such a great story, Aric and Ninjak are intriguing characters and there is LOTS of action. While the idea of a surreptitious alien infestation is not new, this story is fresh and exciting.
For those disillusioned by DC and Marvel these days, a cool visit to Valiant may be just the thing.
May 20, 2018
Another solid fun adventure with the Barbaric warrior Alec and his special X-O Manowar armor!
So how do we up the stakes? We have our hero in modern time trying to fit in but that's not going well. The aliens that enslaved his people have taken over most of the world's government and now beginning to launch a army on earth to take it over because of Alec returning. However, that armor is no joke, so the aliens tell the humans to hire someone to take the armor from him. Who do they call? Oh you guessed it, NINJAK! Enter the Ninja to face off against Ironma-- I mean, X-O Manowar!
Good: The fights are a lot of fun. From Ninjak's bloody kills to X-O Manowar fucking up pretty much anyone coming at him. The dialog is pretty solid with a few jokes from Ninjak which I really enjoyed actually. Also, the pacing is very fast paced. One of the best parts is it's never boring.
Bad: The art is okay. I wasn't very impressed by it. Not bad but feels just "average" throughout. Also X-O seems pretty much unbeatable. Maybe too strong? He's starting to feel it.
Overall a lot of fun. I wouldn't say it's great but I was never bored. I'd go with a 3 out of 5!
So how do we up the stakes? We have our hero in modern time trying to fit in but that's not going well. The aliens that enslaved his people have taken over most of the world's government and now beginning to launch a army on earth to take it over because of Alec returning. However, that armor is no joke, so the aliens tell the humans to hire someone to take the armor from him. Who do they call? Oh you guessed it, NINJAK! Enter the Ninja to face off against Ironma-- I mean, X-O Manowar!
Good: The fights are a lot of fun. From Ninjak's bloody kills to X-O Manowar fucking up pretty much anyone coming at him. The dialog is pretty solid with a few jokes from Ninjak which I really enjoyed actually. Also, the pacing is very fast paced. One of the best parts is it's never boring.
Bad: The art is okay. I wasn't very impressed by it. Not bad but feels just "average" throughout. Also X-O seems pretty much unbeatable. Maybe too strong? He's starting to feel it.
Overall a lot of fun. I wouldn't say it's great but I was never bored. I'd go with a 3 out of 5!
September 27, 2013
Ninjak attacks!
Manowar is back!
Second book rocks!
Not a bit shocked!
Valiant school DC
on how to do a reboot
It’s quality not quantity
Art over loot
Ninjak and Manowar team up to fight the Vine
‘cos aliens invading is crossing the line!
A ninja with a k, a warrior out of time
Them fools don’t stand a chance
It’s alien stomping time!
You sick for a comic?
This is your tonic!
Keanu Reeves was in Johnny Mnemonic!
Time to read the next one
‘cos Manowar is awesome
I gotta read ‘em all like it’s Pokemon season!
But one little thing, before I forget
Ah fuck it I forgot it
Just go read it!
Manowar is back!
Second book rocks!
Not a bit shocked!
Valiant school DC
on how to do a reboot
It’s quality not quantity
Art over loot
Ninjak and Manowar team up to fight the Vine
‘cos aliens invading is crossing the line!
A ninja with a k, a warrior out of time
Them fools don’t stand a chance
It’s alien stomping time!
You sick for a comic?
This is your tonic!
Keanu Reeves was in Johnny Mnemonic!
Time to read the next one
‘cos Manowar is awesome
I gotta read ‘em all like it’s Pokemon season!
But one little thing, before I forget
Ah fuck it I forgot it
Just go read it!
April 17, 2018
I'm having a lot of fun with this series so far. Venditti doing some good work.
July 2, 2021
This was another great volume. As Aric is adjusting to life on earth in modern times he is hunted by a group led by Alexander Dorian whose also vine but he subdues them but then enter Ninjak and he is after him and he will hunt down Aric. Their fight is epic, the tricks the ninja uses to knock down his opponent is tricky. And then their is subterfuge, double crossing and what not, chase, another fight and the n team up to take down MI-6 and all the revelations and aftermaths that follow!
I liked this volume and how it had so many things from betrayals and all and cool fights and choosing planet over people and some really great scenes and moments in the past with Aric and we learn about Ninjak whose such a cool character and I really like the art and coloring. Simple and crisp showing the two warriors in great way and the approaching Vine! Invasion is coming and the valiant universe will never be the same! It is a must read series for sure.
I liked this volume and how it had so many things from betrayals and all and cool fights and choosing planet over people and some really great scenes and moments in the past with Aric and we learn about Ninjak whose such a cool character and I really like the art and coloring. Simple and crisp showing the two warriors in great way and the approaching Vine! Invasion is coming and the valiant universe will never be the same! It is a must read series for sure.
May 4, 2015
Okay, if it wasn't already cool enough having a Barbarian in (what is basically) an Iron Man suit...we now have a Ninja assassin thrown into the mix too.
Oh yeah, and there's an alien invasion going on as well.
Are you freaking kidding me? Barbarians, Ninja, alien invasions, and secret society's? Together? In one book? It's like someone saw my Christmas wishlist and made the best ever spiked punch at an office party, and its all for me.
Okay, Okay. I've never worked in an office before. Never had an office party either.
But I reeeeally like punch, as well as this comic.
Soooo...Bottoms up!
Oh yeah, and there's an alien invasion going on as well.
Are you freaking kidding me? Barbarians, Ninja, alien invasions, and secret society's? Together? In one book? It's like someone saw my Christmas wishlist and made the best ever spiked punch at an office party, and its all for me.
Okay, Okay. I've never worked in an office before. Never had an office party either.
But I reeeeally like punch, as well as this comic.
Soooo...Bottoms up!
January 3, 2017
Ninjak rules! As I knew he would of course! He's a ninja. Therefore, cool.
July 27, 2016
Valiant's flagship title continues in this second collection of the next four issues of the title. Carrying right on from where we left off, X-O is on the run in a world he doesn't understand, and the operatives of the Vine will do anything they can to recover the mystical Shanhara armour that he acquired from them - including hiring Ninjak, the world's greatest weaponsmith. Add in a Vine traitor and the threat of an imminent invasion and you've got arc 2, Enter: Ninjak!
If you think this is going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight for four issues, you'd be wrong. There's not that much of a fight between the two 'heroes', and this is for the best since you can tell right away that both characters are above that kind of thing. In fact, they find common ground quite quickly, with the help of Alexander Dorian, who's almost more interesting than Aric and Ninjak themselves.
The story then takes a swift left turn as Ninjak and X-O team up to take the fight to the Vine for a change, and this builds up to the following storyline, Planet Death, which sees X-O travel the Vine homeworld to try and stop the Vine once and for all. I'm surprised that this has happened so early - I thought the threat of the Vine would last a lot longer, or at least this iteration of them, so having an assault on their homeworld for the third volume is an interesting way to end the first year of the title.
The artwork by Lee Garbett is a bit heavier on the eye than his usual work, probably due to thicker inks from Stefano Gaudiano than usual; it's visually consistent with Cary Nord's work in volume 1, but with a little more emphasis on detail.
Onwards to Planet Death!
If you think this is going to be a knock-down, drag-out fight for four issues, you'd be wrong. There's not that much of a fight between the two 'heroes', and this is for the best since you can tell right away that both characters are above that kind of thing. In fact, they find common ground quite quickly, with the help of Alexander Dorian, who's almost more interesting than Aric and Ninjak themselves.
The story then takes a swift left turn as Ninjak and X-O team up to take the fight to the Vine for a change, and this builds up to the following storyline, Planet Death, which sees X-O travel the Vine homeworld to try and stop the Vine once and for all. I'm surprised that this has happened so early - I thought the threat of the Vine would last a lot longer, or at least this iteration of them, so having an assault on their homeworld for the third volume is an interesting way to end the first year of the title.
The artwork by Lee Garbett is a bit heavier on the eye than his usual work, probably due to thicker inks from Stefano Gaudiano than usual; it's visually consistent with Cary Nord's work in volume 1, but with a little more emphasis on detail.
Onwards to Planet Death!
July 2, 2015
Find this and many other reviews over at Geekritique!
Robert Venditti continues his winning streak with X-O Manowar, his first monthly comic, by introducing yet another of Valiant's excellent legacy characters. Ninjak, the tech-savvy, and exceptionally level-headed ninja, was such a fun addition to the already ridiculous adventure introduced in the series' first volume: By the Sword. One might begin to wonder, though, why a character as strong as Ninjak didn't just get his own series from the get go. 'Enter: Ninjak' covers issues 5-8 of the X-O Manowar run. Some spoilers follow.
X-O Manowar is the story of an ancient Visigoth warrior kidnapped from his time by an alien race known as the Vine who worship an incredbly powerful suit of seemingly sentient armor known as Shanhara. No Vine has ever been worthy of wearing the armor, but their prisoner Aric of Dacia was chosen to be worthy. He escaped and with his newly augmented abilities, thanks to the X-O armor, he goes back to earth... 1600 years later. As the bumbling barbarian he is, he ends up freaking out, and unthinkingly begins causing havoc in a modern day Rome.
Volume 2 goes into the fact that the Vine have been seeding humanity with their own kind for years, replacing human children with copies that are human in every way except thought. I liked the idea that they were instantly capable of transmitting thought via a mental projection towards each other around the world. In the search for the X-O armor (or Shanhara), a militant group of the Vine are heading to earth to destroy Aric of Dacia and to reclaim the armor. Some of the Vine seeds littered around earth have infiltrated high positions in the government. MI-6 is almost entirely overrun by Vine infiltrators, and it's they who send Ninjak out to bring Aric in.
Although the comic does get a lot right in this short arc, it feels like X-O Manowar was quickly placed as a secondary character. The story does revolve around him and his beef with the Vine, but too much of it is told through the perspective of either Ninjak, or a Vine turncoat named Alexander. It doesn't do the character, who is still in his infancy here in it's rebooted second volume, much justice to relegate him as a secondary character. Also, how on earth does he communicate with the people in modern day earth? No matter where he seems to go on the planet he seems capable of understanding the common tongues of the time, with or without his armor.
Another thing the volume did little to address is how he'll ever be seen as anything but a terrorist in the eyes of the people. Although he's capable of winning over Ninjak, he's taken more lives than he's actually spoken with since he's been back. Not a great rep.
I really liked some of the more subtle details in the art by Lee Garbett. The cover art was unfortunately either very generic action poses, or deliberately misleading shots that don't actually deliver. Other than those small complaints, 'Enter: Ninjak' is another excellent story arc in the X-O Manowar reboot. In turn, the character is shaping up to be one of the best characters Valiant has to offer. I look forward to reading more of the run in future trades.
Robert Venditti continues his winning streak with X-O Manowar, his first monthly comic, by introducing yet another of Valiant's excellent legacy characters. Ninjak, the tech-savvy, and exceptionally level-headed ninja, was such a fun addition to the already ridiculous adventure introduced in the series' first volume: By the Sword. One might begin to wonder, though, why a character as strong as Ninjak didn't just get his own series from the get go. 'Enter: Ninjak' covers issues 5-8 of the X-O Manowar run. Some spoilers follow.
X-O Manowar is the story of an ancient Visigoth warrior kidnapped from his time by an alien race known as the Vine who worship an incredbly powerful suit of seemingly sentient armor known as Shanhara. No Vine has ever been worthy of wearing the armor, but their prisoner Aric of Dacia was chosen to be worthy. He escaped and with his newly augmented abilities, thanks to the X-O armor, he goes back to earth... 1600 years later. As the bumbling barbarian he is, he ends up freaking out, and unthinkingly begins causing havoc in a modern day Rome.
Volume 2 goes into the fact that the Vine have been seeding humanity with their own kind for years, replacing human children with copies that are human in every way except thought. I liked the idea that they were instantly capable of transmitting thought via a mental projection towards each other around the world. In the search for the X-O armor (or Shanhara), a militant group of the Vine are heading to earth to destroy Aric of Dacia and to reclaim the armor. Some of the Vine seeds littered around earth have infiltrated high positions in the government. MI-6 is almost entirely overrun by Vine infiltrators, and it's they who send Ninjak out to bring Aric in.
Although the comic does get a lot right in this short arc, it feels like X-O Manowar was quickly placed as a secondary character. The story does revolve around him and his beef with the Vine, but too much of it is told through the perspective of either Ninjak, or a Vine turncoat named Alexander. It doesn't do the character, who is still in his infancy here in it's rebooted second volume, much justice to relegate him as a secondary character. Also, how on earth does he communicate with the people in modern day earth? No matter where he seems to go on the planet he seems capable of understanding the common tongues of the time, with or without his armor.
Another thing the volume did little to address is how he'll ever be seen as anything but a terrorist in the eyes of the people. Although he's capable of winning over Ninjak, he's taken more lives than he's actually spoken with since he's been back. Not a great rep.
I really liked some of the more subtle details in the art by Lee Garbett. The cover art was unfortunately either very generic action poses, or deliberately misleading shots that don't actually deliver. Other than those small complaints, 'Enter: Ninjak' is another excellent story arc in the X-O Manowar reboot. In turn, the character is shaping up to be one of the best characters Valiant has to offer. I look forward to reading more of the run in future trades.
Grab this in:
Trade Paperback
March 8, 2014
X-O Manowar continues to blow me away with its dense plotting and surprisingly clever concepts. This volume sees to the reintroduction of the classic Valiant assassin Ninjak, tying him into Aric's mythos by way of the British Secret Service. The central conflict and continuation of Aric's flashback assisted character arc creates something special here, with some brilliant and concise scripting. The transition from Cary Nord's pencils to Lee Garbett's is seamless, creating less than a hiccup in the story telling. X-O Manowar continues to be one of the best comics on the market right now, and anyone with a love for sci-fi funny books needs to be reading it.
November 21, 2013
Tomo muy recomendable y entretenid. Las cosas escalan, los bandos se forman, las alianzas se crean y se destruyen al gusto y las lealtades serán puestas a prueba. Sangre, decapitaciones, katanas, armadura del copón, servicios de inteligencia corruptos y en general todo lo apropiado para pasar un rato majo leyendo un puto tebeo, que es de lo que se trata. Yo me voy directo a leer “Planet Death”, que es el siguiente tomo de la serie.
March 9, 2015
SPOILER ALERT
Nada como uma conspiração alienígena e uma invasão iminente para aguçar o interesse. A isto acresce um visigodo a recuperar de um jet lag de 16 séculos, um ninger danado para estrelas venenosas e catanada assassina, acompanhados por um alien traidor que ninguém parece muito interessado em deixar vivo.
Um mimo ^^
Nada como uma conspiração alienígena e uma invasão iminente para aguçar o interesse. A isto acresce um visigodo a recuperar de um jet lag de 16 séculos, um ninger danado para estrelas venenosas e catanada assassina, acompanhados por um alien traidor que ninguém parece muito interessado em deixar vivo.
Um mimo ^^
March 1, 2021
Ninjak is a Ninja Assassin/Mercenary. He has been hired to capture Aric and bring back the armor.
Who is Ninjak? Imagine Batman, Deathstroke and a Ninja were combined. You'll get Ninjak.
Intriguing, right?
We see the alien species Vine in more detail in this volume and I liked what I read so far.
Who is Ninjak? Imagine Batman, Deathstroke and a Ninja were combined. You'll get Ninjak.
Intriguing, right?
We see the alien species Vine in more detail in this volume and I liked what I read so far.
May 3, 2020
Again another fun but not amazing story. I actually preferred Ninjak
June 3, 2022
Even better than volume 1. The entrance of a ninja bounty hunter named Ninjak throws a monkey wrench in Aric’s plan of attack against The Vine. He and Vine planting Alexander Dorian convince Ninjak to form a three man alliance to dismantle the Vine presence within MI-6.
It’s wild, grandiose and crazy awesome. Once the groundwork is laid in volume 1, volume 2 really gets the ball rolling with some vigor.
I’m very excited to keep going into this series. I know there’s a Ninjak run, as well. I’ll surely be adding that to my list.
It’s wild, grandiose and crazy awesome. Once the groundwork is laid in volume 1, volume 2 really gets the ball rolling with some vigor.
I’m very excited to keep going into this series. I know there’s a Ninjak run, as well. I’ll surely be adding that to my list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2020
but if humanity is to survive the destruction you've brought down upon it... it will need you both.
i love the man-out-of-time stuff with aric but ninjak stole the show in this volume. i'm trying to follow the reading order but i'm also just tempted to go ahead and read his series because he's my favorite of the universe so far
April 25, 2018
I continue to be completely whelmed by this series, and will likely continue reading. I like the alien invasion angle and how Aric is the inadvertent author of his own misfortunes by absconding with the Shanhara.
Ninjak is bad-ass, though his first encounter with Aric is in an outdoor space so he doesn't exactly enter so much as arrive... But I quibble...
Ninjak is bad-ass, though his first encounter with Aric is in an outdoor space so he doesn't exactly enter so much as arrive... But I quibble...
December 24, 2024
(3.5 stars rounded up)
X-O Manowar volume 2 is a solid continuation of the quality established in the first volume. It is a fun story with great artwork. Seeing the Valiant universe expand with returning characters like Ninjak is also cool. Venditti's vision for this character is very promising, and if you liked the volume one, this should satisfy as well.
X-O Manowar volume 2 is a solid continuation of the quality established in the first volume. It is a fun story with great artwork. Seeing the Valiant universe expand with returning characters like Ninjak is also cool. Venditti's vision for this character is very promising, and if you liked the volume one, this should satisfy as well.
May 4, 2018
Robert Venditti - writer
Lee Garbett - illustrator
Stefano Gaudiano - inker
Moose Baumann - colorist
I loved this graphic novel! The story really hums along with taught drama and dynamic action. There are some nice character development moments for Aric and Ninjak, but the most interesting character to me is Alexander Dorian. The art is much improved from volume one. I'm not one to talk trash, but it's clear that Lee Garbett is a superior illustrator - character work, action scenes, background detail ... everything is improved on from volume one.
Overall, this is an excellent graphic novel- it really feels like the series begins to hit it's stride in this volume. 5/5, Highly recommended.
Lee Garbett - illustrator
Stefano Gaudiano - inker
Moose Baumann - colorist
I loved this graphic novel! The story really hums along with taught drama and dynamic action. There are some nice character development moments for Aric and Ninjak, but the most interesting character to me is Alexander Dorian. The art is much improved from volume one. I'm not one to talk trash, but it's clear that Lee Garbett is a superior illustrator - character work, action scenes, background detail ... everything is improved on from volume one.
Overall, this is an excellent graphic novel- it really feels like the series begins to hit it's stride in this volume. 5/5, Highly recommended.
November 8, 2014
Should it be concerning that the second volume of the comic is already treading on the crossover character to carry it? Granted, it works in the confines of the story - bringing a stealthy ninja character to take down a lumbering warrior is effective, and the plot is surprisingly nuanced, as villains turn out to be allies, and the stakes are raised for the entire world. Aric actually manages to be the least interesting character in the book; the Manowar armor still isn't really detailed, and he is described as a bull in a china shop, which seems accurate. Ninjak is much more interesting, as is traitorous vine member Alexander Dorian. The book focuses on the Vine's attempts to reclaim the Manowar armor, and the destruction of all humans (because apparently the armor choosing a human host after killing Vine warriors for millenia is a wound their pride can't accept) is looming over the whole book. There's a few good action scenes (the attack on MI-6 especially), and lots of posturing and political wheeling and dealing. It makes for an interesting story, with more depth than the first volume had, but it's still not anything life-changingly good. Not even really better than average. I don't regret reading it, but it's not something I'd go out of my way for to read more of.
March 18, 2015
Even better than the first volume, X-O Manowar, Vol. 2 continues to provide a high octane mix of first-rate science fiction and superhero action. Aric of Dacia is like no other comic book character I've encountered: Part Conan the Barbarian and part Iron Man, he's a refreshing departure from the characters I've come so accustomed to reading in the pages of the "Big Two" (DC Comics and Marvel).
Pitting Aric and the Manowar armor against Ninjak (the world's deadliest Ninja assassin) provided great contrast; brute force vs. stealth. It was even more fun to watch them work together to take down the sleeper agents of The Vine. The writing and art in this comic are brilliant. It's filled to bursting with action and intrigue. Never a dull moment.
With The Vine invasion looming, I can't wait to follow up on Aric's adventures in Vol. 3. I'd also love to see more of Ninjak in the future. Count me as a fan of the Valiant Universe!
Pitting Aric and the Manowar armor against Ninjak (the world's deadliest Ninja assassin) provided great contrast; brute force vs. stealth. It was even more fun to watch them work together to take down the sleeper agents of The Vine. The writing and art in this comic are brilliant. It's filled to bursting with action and intrigue. Never a dull moment.
With The Vine invasion looming, I can't wait to follow up on Aric's adventures in Vol. 3. I'd also love to see more of Ninjak in the future. Count me as a fan of the Valiant Universe!
February 10, 2017
This is my second graphic novel from the re-launched Valiant Universe. The first volume of X-O was interesting enough to check out volume 2, and I wasn't disappointed with this one. The story, while standard sci-fi fare, was unique enough to offer something new to the genre. There is a battle between two good guys, X-O Manowar and Ninjak, though "good" is used loosely for Ninjak if you know his backstory or what he does for a living; he's sort of a mercenary/assassin. Anyway, unlike many vs. books, this one does have a couple of decent and lengthy battles between the two main characters, ultimately leading to a somewhat predictable but necessary ending that leads perfectly into the next volume. Though this one was consistently good from beginning to end, I was worried I wouldn't be excited enough to pick up volume 3. I was wrong and can't wait to read it! Overall, worth checking out if you're looking for something outside of DC and Marvel.
January 15, 2017
It was hard to rate and review the first volume. It was essentially four issues of an origin story but volume 2 found it's groove and gives us non stop action whilst building a story of an upcoming alien invasion. This is the kind of stuff that had people raving about Valiant and with this volume, I can see why. Aric aka X-O Manowar is a really unique flagship type character. He's brash and barbaric, Shoot first ask questions later kind of guy. It really makes for some compelling stuff and also some incredible action scenes. Can't wait to continue reading everything Valiant.
October 4, 2016
En este volumen se va definiendo más la situación, se muestra a los vine como una raza que ha colonizado nuestro planeta desde hace siglos, introduciendo espías en las altas esferas de poder, servicios de espionaje... los vine quieren recuperar la armadura de Shanhara a toda costa y para ello contratan a Ninjak a través del MI-6...
La lucha entre la sutileza de Ninjak y la fuerza bruta de Aric con su armadura será espectacular, pero pasará a un segundo plano cuando los vine decidan que tendrán la armadura, aunque tengan que invadir la tierra.
La lucha entre la sutileza de Ninjak y la fuerza bruta de Aric con su armadura será espectacular, pero pasará a un segundo plano cuando los vine decidan que tendrán la armadura, aunque tengan que invadir la tierra.
June 6, 2021
For deeper analysis, check out the Club Valiant episode on IFLC; it’s a channel I co-host with my friends https://youtu.be/iJPdYoKJNtc
This delights me.
Lot’s of things going for it; conspiracies, alien invasions, spy stuff, unlikely allies, epic fights, ninja stars and badass explosive battles.
But no chicks!! Like... pretty much zero chicks throughout the book. Kinda disappointing.
Whatev. Still cool, and good art too. Will def keep reading.
This delights me.
Lot’s of things going for it; conspiracies, alien invasions, spy stuff, unlikely allies, epic fights, ninja stars and badass explosive battles.
But no chicks!! Like... pretty much zero chicks throughout the book. Kinda disappointing.
Whatev. Still cool, and good art too. Will def keep reading.
June 24, 2015
Más divertido, mejor dibujado y con peleas más entretenidas que el tomo pasado. Ahora sí que el tomo 3 lo voy a leer con menos desconfianza, y si algún día veo por ahí la serie original, seguro le pegue una leída y todo.
August 26, 2018
A very entertaining introduction to Ninjak, no boring points in the story and some quality art included. I can't fault the book in any way, however not quite exciting or gripping enough to deserve a 5 star rating.
January 8, 2023
A ninja like Batman fighting an ancient warrior in an alien armor. Count me in
January 2, 2024
Hay una idea bastante poderosa con esa trama de "héroe fuera de su tiempo" que tan bien aprovechó Marvel con el Capitán América, llevada a mayores posibilidades tanto por la mayor separación histórica del protagonista visigodo como la escala cósmica de la armadura que le otorga sus habilidades como guerrero definitivo. A ratos, es cierto que la historia se toma algunos buenos momentos para que Aric de Dacia esté aceptando esta realidad de siglos alejado de su tierra, amigos y aliados y familia convertidas en polvo y lejanos recuerdos. Pero la posibilidad de tener un depósito continuo de acción por página en una super amenaza perturbando la estabilidad geopolítica (y alienígena), lleva a Robert Venditti a aprovecharlo. Por lo que también se establece el primer crossover de este relanzamiento del Valiantverso cuando se pone a Ninjak tras la caza de XO-Manowar. Estos dos personajes deberán encontrar un momento para informarse de que la humanidad está regida en la sombra por remanentes de la especie alienígena que raptó a Aric y su gente siglos atrás. Porque La Vid tampoco espera mantener este sibilino control cuando su super armadura está en posesión de un terráqueo. Pudiendo simplemente llevar el grueso de su flota para una invasión a gran escala que deje a Aric contra las cuerdas.
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