Valiant Entertainment 2013
Written by Matt Kindt
Illustrated by Jose Luis, Sandro Ribiero, Alisson Rodrigues & Jefte Palo
Coloured by Andrew Dalhouse
Welcome War-Monger to the Valiant Universe hope you enjoy your stay. From the looks of things she’s been around longer than Gilad or his siblings and she’s pretty much been able to really hone herself in the ways of war. I actually kind of like her and her origin story starts around 1900 ish B.C.E..
If her story is to be believed she’s literally the daughter of a demon, possibly a fallen angel such as Lucifer. At eight years old she was already wielding weapons of wood and stone and using them against grown men smashing their skulls and such and relishing the experience. She doesn’t mince her words she loves her life story and isn’t the least bit ashamed of it in fact she’s proud of who she is and what she’s accomplished in her life.
Why she told that part is beyond me but it does shed light on her earliest years and it does sort of set the pattern for the rest of her story. She does do something extraordinary though and that’s introduce us to the fact that in various points in human history there are bands of men who gather together to fight the wrongs of the world. The one we get focused on now is one i’d like to see explored more in the future. Kwain meets one of the Vine and slays him taking his sword and suddenly there’s more to this man that i’d love to learn about.
Those who become his companions are as equally interesting. Blaster a wizard and his story of how he came to be where he looking like he does and deal with a demon is at the heart of it. Again who is that demon and how does he play in to today’s heroes i’d love to have explored. Then there’s Marinette, she’s blue in the story but of African ancestry and she believes in science. There’s something incredibly creepy about her and it’s like a cross between Shadowman and Doctor Mirage happening with her. So naturally i’d love to see her lineage progress and unfold.
Amazing what Matt’s doing here is widening the Valiant Universe in ways i’ve never seen before. Granted without Harbinger around we need more books that focus on groups that unique, fun, interesting and dangerous and he’s given us just that potential here. This is just one example War-Monger is giving us as she’s seen at least once a generation heroes seem to find each other and form a team.
As their story unfolds it becomes clear they are in this area for her so she goes to her castle to oblige them in battle. She’s arrogant, cocky and self-sure so she doesn’t fear loss though she should. These new abilities they possess are something she’s never come across before and she learns a valuable lesson. One she’s ready to pass on to the person she’s currently telling this tale to.
Ninjak’s been listening to her story and doesn’t understand what it’s for. He quickly learns the error of his ways however and now the reader can understand what she’s doing here as well.
With a myriad of artists bringing each story to life this tale we are introduced to a whole new aspect of the Valiant Universe that only Matt can do. This is why I get excited over this book it explores and opens up things we’ve never seen before and can’t wait to see more of.