Valiant; $3.99

Aric of Dacia, a/k/a X-O Manowar, and the assassin Ninjak have been trying to catch Trill, the Vine warrior commander planning to start a war between humans and Vine. This issue begins with X-O Manowar and Ninjak searching for the Vine plants who follow Trill in their war against humans. While some have been easy to dispatch, they learn that there is a stronghold for Trill’s most loyal soldiers. Meanwhile, the new Visigoth homeland in Nebraska is being threatened by frightened locals. While the Armorines try to protect it, the Vine High Priest promises his people that tensions will cease and that they will have a home among the humans. But, Trill adds his war mongering two cents, stirring up fear among the refugees.

This issue was written by Robert Venditti with art by Robert Gill, and colors by Ulises Arreola. Venditti penned a great script, balancing the tension of an action story with a thoughtful morality tale. It’s a good read and there’s plenty of excitement left in this storyline. Gill and Arreola provide beautiful art in vivid colors, separating each piece of the issue, mimicking the tension within.

-Amanda Sheriff