X-O Manowar #11
With a genocidal Visigothian rage and destruction in his eyes, Aric brings the fight to the Vine home world. Planet Death begins here! This one’s going to shake the very stars.
Like a bat out of hell, Aric’s like Jules from Pulp Fiction, “…And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers” his brothers are of course his fellow Visigoths who cry out for justice. This issue marks the return of Cary Nord who’s beautiful illustrations got me hooked on this title in the first place. The images of The Vine’s beginnings are just breath taking, panels edged with wild vegetation, plants & vines. Add Moose Baumann’s skilful colouring and the pages come to life as bright & lush drawings.
My only complaint is a minor one. I understand Aric’s motivations, but to completely annihilate a species just to satisfy your lust for revenge, that’s a bit much, just saying.
The Team
Written by Robert Venditti ( The Surrogates Vol. 1, Blue Bloods : The Graphic Novel, The Homeland Directive), illustrated by Cary Nord (Conan : The Spear & Other Stories, Star Wars Tales Vol. 5, Secret Invasion : X-Men) & coloured by Moose Baumann. Published by Valiant.The Pros & Cons
“Eons ago…” That’s always a captivating way to start any comic I always say. I have to admit when opening this issue, I didn’t expect to see the origin of the alien species known as The Vine. I guess it had to happen sooner or later, but I really didn’t give it much thought. Long story short, their creation involves lush green worlds of vegetation and would be conquerors and an eventual rebellion. Writer Robert Venditti cleverly displays Shanhara’s genesis and it makes total sense when you read it. The way he incorporates The Vine’s origin with Aric’s fiery arrival is pure comic book magic.Like a bat out of hell, Aric’s like Jules from Pulp Fiction, “…And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers” his brothers are of course his fellow Visigoths who cry out for justice. This issue marks the return of Cary Nord who’s beautiful illustrations got me hooked on this title in the first place. The images of The Vine’s beginnings are just breath taking, panels edged with wild vegetation, plants & vines. Add Moose Baumann’s skilful colouring and the pages come to life as bright & lush drawings.
My only complaint is a minor one. I understand Aric’s motivations, but to completely annihilate a species just to satisfy your lust for revenge, that’s a bit much, just saying.
The Outcome
A very satisfying beginning to a much anticipated story arc, “Planet Death” part 1 does not disappoint. On a side note, it was recently announced that Robert Venditti will be Geoff Johns’ successor on Green Lantern. After seeing what he accomplished with the Vine’s origin and home world, GL’s alien races & strange worlds seems like a perfect fit and I can’t wait to see where he’ll take it.A Look Inside
