Valiant; $3.99
A lot happened in this kickoff issue of Bloodshot U.S.A. #1, so let’s start with some introductions. Bloodshot is a nanite-infused living weapon, who also goes by the name Ray Garrison. Kay McHenry, a Geomancer and former mystic, helped Garrison regain the Bloodshot power and now she’s becoming Deathmate. Project Rising Spirit, run by CEO Morris Kozol, is a paramilitary corporation that created Bloodshot and Deathmate and wants more money.
In issue 1 (of 4), Kozol lays out an absolutely nefarious plan. He wants to infect New Yorkers with nanites, turning them into Bloodshots. Why? Personal gain, of course. Bloodshot has been marooned on an island with other former Bloodshots and is in need of rescuing. Agent Festival and Magic are being imprisoned by Project Rising Spirit after their plan is underway. Ninjak, the spy and mercenary, is on a mission to find Bloodshot and his comrades while Livewire, the leader of Unity who can actual control microcircuitry with her mind, is in New York trying to stop the spread of madness.
Phew.
If it sounds intense and confusing, you are half right. Jeff Lemire wrote one heck of a first issue, which feels more like the second to last issue when the climax is about to happen with a huge battle for all of humankind. In short, it’s awesome. The story has already started going in several directions with plenty of fertile ground for future issues. And the awesome action does not mean that the issue is light on dialogue. It’s written well and intelligently for all parties concerned.
As far as being confusing, if you are a newbie to Valiant’s cast of characters, have no fear. The issue is clear with adequate summaries before the issue begins, so don’t let that hold you back, because this is shaping up to be a great miniseries.
Doug Braithwaite’s art propels the story forward, kicking the action and intensity into high gear. The Bloodshot crew are strong, the infected are frenzied, and the villains are appropriately craggy. Whether in exposition or action, Braithwaite created easy to follow panels. On colors, Brian Reber makes the issue even more exciting. The technological energy, the explosions, even the requisite pale skin of the Bloodshots pops. They knocked it out of the park.
-Amanda Sheriff
