It brings back the old X-O friend - even seen today, Bart Sears. I don't think they fall within my favorite realm of most characters - except perhaps Turok. It worked for him, somehow. But here - it seems like a drowned rat grasping for air. Call in the acclaimed artist - admit the failures of recent stories. AND enter the popular guest star. All signs of desperate floundering. The story isn't wretched - it even felt at times like a good Q W story - even past Woody's womanizing, the dark transitions, and great one-liners. And a few were written in. One was even pretty funny. And I liked Vincent appearing, too. But with drawing back before the flip - we've lost the tight continuity - and a few moments of the real Valiant universe, too. Tough. and sad.
The monochromatic red really works.
The story really blended a lot of the old style of the story - telling a background - and getting through the conflict - all while hanging the destination out there. It reminded me of the old Star Wars with the deadline approaching of the Death Star - and needing to beat out the ending. The story wasn't bad - but just disguised the conclusion a little too conveniently. And Tony - get OVER yourself. Yes, buddy. Everyone is going to have a problem or two now and again - but to throw your arms up yet AGAIN like no one could EVER understand the whole burden? Get over it, man. It's too old now.