Valiant Entertainment 2016
Written by Jeff Lemire
Illustrated by Clayton Crain
Lettered by Dave Sharpe
Straight out of Divinity III comes Komandar Bloodshot and I have to say I was kind of excited about it. His appearance sparked some great interest and that we’re getting to see more of him and what kind of role he could possibly play in the full story is great stuff. Plus it’s a chance for Jeff to rewrite everything we’ve known about Bloodshot from a completely new angle. How many chances do you get to keep writing one character and change him into a basically new character?
I am a great admirer of Clayton’s work and what he delivers here is phenomenal! From his two page spread to the use of backgrounds to that first shot of Komandar Bloodshot the work really takes you to such a powerful place. The use of page layouts through angles and perspective really bring this to life beautifully. There’s a grace and power here that is undeniable and strong.
I love the use of the characters that we know but are seeing in new ways. With Festival, Kozol and Magic all playing roles in this issue and Bloodshot going through the paces of once again being a puppet of a regime not only reminds me of how he was when this all started back up but makes me appreciate what Jeff’s managed to do with the character in his own series.
This version of Bloodshot control by a communist regime is fascinating to me. How they are using him as nothing more than a blunt weapon against their enemies is extremely well done. While I hope before it’s all said and done he regains his memories a life before this new reality took hold it’s still one that would fabulous to see further explored.
Unlike the two previous Divinity stories that this one is going to encompass so much more opening up another avenue for the creators to stretch their wings and show off more of what they can do is great. I love the impact that a being, of as of yet unknown origin, can rewrite Earth’s history and that of it’s greatest heroes in such a way. Not only that but with the introduction of new characters that could potentially bleed over into the “regular” universe when this is over has another kind of excitement attached to it.
Sometimes we forget just how powerful Bloodshot is or can be and it’s nice to have that reminder once again. Though the act without thinking Bloodshot isn’t the man we want it’s one that exists and seeing him again in this manner really is a nice treat. It just makes the evolution of the character that much more impressive. Plus with all the nuggets Jeff has thrown into this issue just makes me giddy with excitement.
With strong writing, characterisation and subject matter all but in these beautifully illustrated pages Valiant once again takes an idea and makes blossom into something extraordinary.