Valiant; $3.99

Aric of Dacia is the X-O Manowar, a centuries old hero who has saved countless but always remembers those who have died in battle. Aric, armed with the sentient armor, Shanhara, stops an object from destroying Earth but gets stranded on an unknown planet. But repowering for a journey home isn’t the only obstacle in their path when another race seeks to take the armor for themselves.

Writers Becky Cloonan and Michael W. Conrad start things with a dramatic first issue that gives off a strong tortured hero vibe. Readers are reintroduced to the hero through important conversations with Shanhara and the action of saving the world and himself from impending doom. The art by Liam Sharp is otherworldly with colors blending together to form mosaics and lines that blur. It’s a unique look that works well for how this book is being set up.

-Amanda Sheriff