This one is amazing. It could really be the turning point of the universe. Start with Zircher's art throughout - which is compelling and exciting. Great blend of realism alongside the cartoonish blend. Then, the black cover. Stunning. Beautiful homage to the old-school Valiant SOLAR 10 - but in its own new tale, as well. Nice 1:20 - and 1:50. The Johnson cover goes over into the cartoon world too far - and the Sinkiewicz is a beautiful hark back to older school sketches - almost a sketch variant without being one. The story nicely rounds itself out. Easy to follow - and told in the two timelines. By the way - great homage back to the old-school Acclaim Universe. Really gives me confidence that the Valiant launch will homage back to the best parts of both universes. Nice. The story? Fantastic. Plenty revealed and hidden - as I am quick to see within so many Valiant books. The arcs are longer throughout - and as I read them, I feel myself comparing issues in the past to arcs in the present. Great groundwork - clearly laying a new standard in the universe. Gracious compliments.
Character drives
This is what became what made Marvel tick. The essence of the characters within these books are what made Valiant - and I believe - what made Shooter's vision work within the comic word. So much is laid out into these books. The characters have powers - and in many cases are limply explored at first. This is the great turning point of this comic. BIG upswing - or perhaps a continuing upswing - in this book. The characters are still fighting their previous demons (har har), but the characters - and especially his sister confronting her own personal demons - starts to drive the story around. It makes every part of the story work.