Bloodshot Reborn #3
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Mico Suayan
Ever since Bloodshot Reborn began, it has been one of my most anticipated reads of the month. Jeff Lemire has not only crafted a fantastic story with this series but most importantly, a multi-faceted protagonist. Issue #3 continues this trend while taking every aspect of this comic to the next level. Ray’s inner-turmoil has been driving this series forward and this issue is no different in that. Where it is different is how captivating Ray’s arc is. Lemire begins to explore the theme of identity and the fear humans can have of themselves. Ray is caught between trying to avoid his past as Bloodshot and avoiding his unknown past before. The experiences of being the greatest weapon alive have traumatised Ray and he keeps fighting the desire to return to being Bloodshot. This culminates in an incredible final scene where Ray describes his reaction to killing another man (an essential part of being bloodshot). Lemire’s writing is visceral, emotional and brutal as it perfectly communicates the horrors of murder and its effects on Ray. Thanks to Mico Suayan’s realistic art, we are able to not only see the psychological pains through monologues but through physicality as well. Every piece comes together perfectly to create one of my favourite issues of Valiant comics in recent memory. The art, the characters and the story all work in unison to create an emotionally resonant chapter for a story with the best kind of hero. The vulnerable one.
Artist: Mico Suayan
Ever since Bloodshot Reborn began, it has been one of my most anticipated reads of the month. Jeff Lemire has not only crafted a fantastic story with this series but most importantly, a multi-faceted protagonist. Issue #3 continues this trend while taking every aspect of this comic to the next level. Ray’s inner-turmoil has been driving this series forward and this issue is no different in that. Where it is different is how captivating Ray’s arc is. Lemire begins to explore the theme of identity and the fear humans can have of themselves. Ray is caught between trying to avoid his past as Bloodshot and avoiding his unknown past before. The experiences of being the greatest weapon alive have traumatised Ray and he keeps fighting the desire to return to being Bloodshot. This culminates in an incredible final scene where Ray describes his reaction to killing another man (an essential part of being bloodshot). Lemire’s writing is visceral, emotional and brutal as it perfectly communicates the horrors of murder and its effects on Ray. Thanks to Mico Suayan’s realistic art, we are able to not only see the psychological pains through monologues but through physicality as well. Every piece comes together perfectly to create one of my favourite issues of Valiant comics in recent memory. The art, the characters and the story all work in unison to create an emotionally resonant chapter for a story with the best kind of hero. The vulnerable one.
A Look Inside
