XO Manowar [vol.2] #1 discussion

[hondobrode]

I liked it, but, I need some clarification.

This continues after # 50, right ?

Continuity is still intact (?) but there's obviously substantial time between then and now.

This is a maxi-series.

Aric's hand ? Why isn't it regrown ?

Why didn't Aric use the Good Skin way earlier than the end of the issue ?

Are they rebooting, cause that wasn't my impression ?

I know this issue has done very well, and I'm glad for that, but I need some answers as far as continuity and these points.

DC and Marvel can do their whatever things, but I like that Valiant 3.0 has kept everything in continuity. If it's not, that's fine, but make it clear that it's not. Even the Divinity / Stalinverse stuff, which feels like Elseworlds, is in continuity, which is cool.

[nonplayer]

This continues after # 50, right ?

One year after 50

Continuity is still intact (?) but there's obviously substantial time between then and now.

This is a maxi-series.

Aric's hand ? Why isn't it regrown ?
The armor doesn't fix wounds it replaces. It's a parasite taking over the body replacing it.

Why didn't Aric use the Good Skin way earlier than the end of the issue ?

It's comics.
Maybe he thought he had this. Now it's more serious.

Are they rebooting, cause that wasn't my impression ?

It was my impression that was the case.
Re booting is the way to make money in the industry, so unfortunately it does pays to do a reboot.
But
Valiant is doing it extreamly well. Case in point bloodshot from 2012 to current. It was flawless transitioning over " the Valiant" to bloodshot Reborn then to bloodshot Usa.

I know this issue has done very well, and I'm glad for that, but I need some answers as far as continuity and these points.

DC and Marvel can do their whatever things, but I like that Valiant 3.0 has kept everything in continuity. If it's not, that's fine, but make it clear that it's not. Even the Divinity / Stalinverse stuff, which feels like Elseworlds, is in continuity, which is cool.[/quote]

[Sunlight on Snow]

I liked it, but, I need some clarification.

This continues after # 50, right ?

Continuity is still intact (?) but there's obviously substantial time between then and now.

This is a maxi-series.

Aric's hand ? Why isn't it regrown ?

Why didn't Aric use the Good Skin way earlier than the end of the issue ?

Are they rebooting, cause that wasn't my impression ?

I know this issue has done very well, and I'm glad for that, but I need some answers as far as continuity and these points.

DC and Marvel can do their whatever things, but I like that Valiant 3.0 has kept everything in continuity. If it's not, that's fine, but make it clear that it's not. Even the Divinity / Stalinverse stuff, which feels like Elseworlds, is in continuity, which is cool.

To start from the end... the way Stalinverse has ended it is only borderline in continuity and one could argue whether it all makes perfect or any sense at all but it's the Stalinverse - who gives a *SQUEE*!?!

I guess it's too early too answer all your question regarding XO 2017. We have yet to find out what happened in all those year in between the two series. It is a renumbering, a new series, but not a reboot. According to Valiant and Mr. Kindt this is in continuity to the previous volume. Aric still is the same Aric but he's 20-25 years older now.

Good Skin? The alien suit is called Shanhara!

Shanhara has become self-aware in the meantime. "She" can talk now and even likes to argue with Aric, however, Aric doesn't really care and is hiding "it". Perhaps he couldn't bear the responsibility anymore and just wanted to a farmer and live a normal, peaceful life. In his past this wasn't possible and Shanhara is the constant reminder to the past, a past in which he had fought lots of battles. However, when he is now thrown in just another battle he becomes the Visigoths warrior once again because when he has to fight (for survival) he damn well will fight (to survive and live another day), and when he sees what he is up against he reaches out for Shanhara to "suit up" for the occasion.

Aric's hand ? Why isn't it regrown ? - Good question. Shanhara can heal him and we saw it healing and re-growing his hand in the past. The hand should be there but it isn't. There are also giant scars on his chest now. Perhaps he told Shanhara to stop healing him because he wanted to feel more human again and less suit?

Maxi-series. Valiant never really said anything about it being a limited series. They just announced the release dates of the next 12 issues as part of the marketing strategy behind XO 2017. Of course they could have simply called it Vol. 2. We'll see in 2018.

I liked it a lot, too! XO is off to another great start.

[hondobrode]

Old habits... yes Shanhara

I hope it's in continuity. It kind of feels like DC One Year Later from about 10 years ago, or the Legion of Super-Heroes 5 Year Gap back in the 90's.

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

[Sunlight on Snow]

Old habits... yes Shanhara

I hope it's in continuity. It kind of feels like DC One Year Later from about 10 years ago, or the Legion of Super-Heroes 5 Year Gap back in the 90's.

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

Stepping on dead bodies really was the best way to get across that minefield.

[TheeBaldMoose]

Old habits... yes Shanhara

I hope it's in continuity. It kind of feels like DC One Year Later from about 10 years ago, or the Legion of Super-Heroes 5 Year Gap back in the 90's.

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

Stepping on dead bodies really was the best way to get across that minefield.

As sadistic as this sounds, it gives you the safest path. Think about it, bodies drop, if there is no explosion, then it's safe to say that there is no mine under that body. To the left or right of that body is unknown, but directly under that body is pretty safe.

[Keith]

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

I think the important question, taking all that into account, is what happened that he would flat out refuse to use the armor despite all that?

And has there been any clarification as to exactly how much time has passed since the end of the prior series? I see folks saying that it's been <insert range here> years, but has there been anything official said or are we merely speculating at this point?

[TheeBaldMoose]

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

I think the important question, taking all that into account, is what happened that he would flat out refuse to use the armor despite all that?

And has there been any clarification as to exactly how much time has passed since the end of the prior series? I see folks saying that it's been <insert range here> years, but has there been anything official said or are we merely speculating at this point?

No, nothing official. I am pretty sure that's the way they want it. My question is why does it matter? 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.... He left Earth, arrived here for an (as of yet) unknown reason. If the story wants to tell us, it will, in given time.

[Sunlight on Snow]

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

I think the important question, taking all that into account, is what happened that he would flat out refuse to use the armor despite all that?

And has there been any clarification as to exactly how much time has passed since the end of the prior series? I see folks saying that it's been <insert range here> years, but has there been anything official said or are we merely speculating at this point?

No, nothing official. I am pretty sure that's the way they want it. My question is why does it matter? 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.... He left Earth, arrived here for an (as of yet) unknown reason. If the story wants to tell us, it will, in given time.

In the back of issue #50 it says "MUCH LATER" and Aric does look much older than just 5 years.

There is no mention of the time, or his age, in the extra pages of the pre-order edition either.

[Keith]

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

I think the important question, taking all that into account, is what happened that he would flat out refuse to use the armor despite all that?

And has there been any clarification as to exactly how much time has passed since the end of the prior series? I see folks saying that it's been <insert range here> years, but has there been anything official said or are we merely speculating at this point?

No, nothing official. I am pretty sure that's the way they want it. My question is why does it matter? 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.... He left Earth, arrived here for an (as of yet) unknown reason. If the story wants to tell us, it will, in given time.

This was the quote that was lingering in the back of me head:

Over the next year, “Where is X-O Manowar?” will be one of the central questions running through every Valiant title. Aric’s absence will be felt - and explored - while he’s off-planet. We're already seeing it in Bloodshot U.S.A. #2.

So if that's the case, then he hasn't been gone all that long. I find it hard to swallow that we'll be going though years of stories without X-O being a part of the mainstream VU.

[Sunlight on Snow]

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

I think the important question, taking all that into account, is what happened that he would flat out refuse to use the armor despite all that?

And has there been any clarification as to exactly how much time has passed since the end of the prior series? I see folks saying that it's been <insert range here> years, but has there been anything official said or are we merely speculating at this point?

No, nothing official. I am pretty sure that's the way they want it. My question is why does it matter? 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.... He left Earth, arrived here for an (as of yet) unknown reason. If the story wants to tell us, it will, in given time.

This was the quote that was lingering in the back of me head:

Over the next year, “Where is X-O Manowar?” will be one of the central questions running through every Valiant title. Aric’s absence will be felt - and explored - while he’s off-planet. We're already seeing it in Bloodshot U.S.A. #2.

So if that's the case, then he hasn't been gone all that long. I find it hard to swallow that we'll be going though years of stories without X-O being a part of the mainstream VU.

I didn't pay too much attention to Capshaw's "X-O's not responding" line when I read it but I didn't know what Simons had said back then. Interesting.... and slightly confusing. Does this mean Aric didn't even return from escorting the Vine to their new planet? What could possibly have happened?

With only six books per month it doesn't seem to be such a big deal that Aric won't show up in any of the other five. At lease he's got his own ongoing series.

[agent_graves]

This starts out with him as a farmer. I get that and like that, but it still bugs me that it this attack was this desperate and Aric had Shanhara available to him and didn't use it or have it ready. Pretty sure he knew war was coming. Was he that confident that he was going to survive the minefield, monster, etc., without Shanhara ?

I think the important question, taking all that into account, is what happened that he would flat out refuse to use the armor despite all that?

And has there been any clarification as to exactly how much time has passed since the end of the prior series? I see folks saying that it's been <insert range here> years, but has there been anything official said or are we merely speculating at this point?

No, nothing official. I am pretty sure that's the way they want it. My question is why does it matter? 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.... He left Earth, arrived here for an (as of yet) unknown reason. If the story wants to tell us, it will, in given time.

This was the quote that was lingering in the back of me head:

Over the next year, “Where is X-O Manowar?” will be one of the central questions running through every Valiant title. Aric’s absence will be felt - and explored - while he’s off-planet. We're already seeing it in Bloodshot U.S.A. #2.

So if that's the case, then he hasn't been gone all that long. I find it hard to swallow that we'll be going though years of stories without X-O being a part of the mainstream VU.

I wouldn't say years, but probably a year, year and a half. Maybe he comes back in time to help out during HW2. Summer 2018. I love it actually, people want continuity tight, here it is. He's off planet .

[agent_graves]

That’s where the epic fantasy-style battle will take place, and it’s why we need Ninjak, Punk Mambo, and the Geomancer to get involved. We’d have X-O Manowar too if I could get him – trust me, they would love to have him on this mission! But he’s busy elsewhere!

Continuity!

[Gafti]

Did it occur to any of the critics that perhaps, getting all the answers in issue #1 might not be the best sales strategy. Nor is it an entertaining way to tell a story. I mean, come on.
These are books, and just like literature, things are alluded to or forshadowed in early chapters, and answered in later chapters. Relax.
These guys know what they're doing. Master story tellers
I can't wait for issue #2.
Can we talk about the art? Wow. It is amazing.

[jmatt]

Mmm. I don't see too much complaining that 'all the answers aren't laid out in issue #1'. It looks more to me like people who intimate with the canon mulling over the questions the issue raises.

[Keith]

Mmm. I don't see too much complaining that 'all the answers aren't laid out in issue #1'. It looks more to me like people who intimate with the canon mulling over the questions the issue raises.

Indeed. I loved the issue and can't wait for all to be revealed. I'm just trying to figure out in my own brain how long Aric has been gone and if he's really aged or just an artist interpretation.

[ShadowTuga]

Mmm. I don't see too much complaining that 'all the answers aren't laid out in issue #1'. It looks more to me like people who intimate with the canon mulling over the questions the issue raises.

I have to reread this but it has a lot of wtf? stuff for readers of the previous run.

Excellent art, really fitting of an epic space tale.

[Sunlight on Snow]

Did it occur to any of the critics that perhaps, getting all the answers in issue #1 might not be the best sales strategy. Nor is it an entertaining way to tell a story. I mean, come on.
These are books, and just like literature, things are alluded to or forshadowed in early chapters, and answered in later chapters. Relax.
These guys know what they're doing. Master story tellers
I can't wait for issue #2.
Can we talk about the art? Wow. It is amazing.

Welcome to the board, Gafti!

Some of the other guys are so worried about continuity that they can't give the creative team the benefit of the doubt. Even if Kindt said "it's 100% canon" they wouldn't (want to) believe it just now. The main concern is Aric dumping Saana and his people and talking like they don't mean *SQUEE* to him anymore. This is huge potential to conflict. Valiant readers are very loyal people! You better not mess with their family.

[grendeljd]

intimate with the canon

To the quotes thread!

[Gafti]

Thanks or the kind welcome. It's cool to find a place where people actually want to discuss this stuff.

It's funny. Since my original post, I went back and read all the canon since 2012. Great Stuff. Planet Death was ridiculous. Anyway, I understand some of the consternation a bit more. However, I do trust Kindt as a story teller, and really this entire company as a whole. It was interesting as hell hearing them at Summit 2017 discuss the story telling process, and how planned out in advance it all is. Doing it that way, really gives the writer the opportunity to lay a lot of hidden ground work early in the story, only to have it pay off big-time later. I think Kindt is going to do justice to the character, and Aric's development as a person is pretty fascinating.

Anyway, I was wondering if it ends up that Aric was somehow exiled to Gorin. Maybe kind of a planet hulk scenario.
There are a lot of interesting questions to be answered. Can't wait for next week's issue.

[nonplayer]

Mmm. I don't see too much complaining that 'all the answers aren't laid out in issue #1'. It looks more to me like people who intimate with the canon mulling over the questions the issue raises.

Indeed. I loved the issue and can't wait for all to be revealed. I'm just trying to figure out in my own brain how long Aric has been gone and if he's really aged or just an artist interpretation.

Valiant did a panel they said a single year.

[nonplayer]

The Valiant summit the crew said there is an easter egg that later people will look back and say Omg there it was the whole time.
Any idea wtf they are referring to?

[jeremycoe]

The Valiant summit the crew said there is an easter egg that later people will look back and say Omg there it was the whole time.
Any idea wtf they are referring to?

I think we'll figure it out later.

[greg]

The Valiant summit the crew said there is an easter egg that later people will look back and say Omg there it was the whole time.
Any idea wtf they are referring to?

Not really, I guess it could be anything.

Here are some possibilities:
- None of these aliens are speaking an "alien language" (usually indicated by the translation being in <brackets>)
- Shanhara speaks with a specific font, which reminds me of Sunlight on Snow's font
- The home and the landscape look similar to the world in 4001 A.D.: War Mother #1
- The enemies in the armor look more human than the mixed-species opposition that forces Aric to fight
- Archer & Armstrong #0 (2013) shows "blue guys" riding dinosaurs with mechanical additions in the Faraway <=== that one's my favorite

[Keith]

The Valiant summit the crew said there is an easter egg that later people will look back and say Omg there it was the whole time.
Any idea wtf they are referring to?

Dinesh was saying similar stuff on Twitter prior to the summit, pretty sure it's the same thing:

Oh snap. We tweeted out the most spoilery page from the X-O Manowar #1 Pre-Order Edition!