Harbinger 3 - Discussion Thread

[bribri]

I'll start with this:

Holy *SQUEE*.

[kevinbastos]

Do you mean 3? Or Bloodshot 2?

[bribri]

Damn it. I really screwed that up, didn't I?

Harbinger 3

[bribri]

How the hell do I update the topic?

[kevinbastos]

How the hell do I update the topic?

Edit the first post.

[bribri]

That did the trick. Thanks for the help.

Anyway, just read through Issue 3 for the second time (digital copy).

There's a lot of good stuff in there... For example, the Bleeding Monk is back, Livewire is black, and Pete is the "Great Destroyer"! (I'm using an extra layer of protection for these notes in case someone accidentally stumbles upon this thread.)

I love this issue, and this title is really is getting into a groove.

[MarrowMan]

That did the trick. Thanks for the help.

Anyway, just read through Issue 3 for the second time (digital copy).

There's a lot of good stuff in there... For example, the Bleeding Monk is back, Livewire is black, and Pete is the "Great Destroyer"! (I'm using an extra layer of protection for these notes in case someone accidentally stumbles upon this thread.)

I love this issue, and this title is really is getting into a groove.

No mention of Faith's cameo? are you nuts?

[Xtianhardy]

That did the trick. Thanks for the help.

Anyway, just read through Issue 3 for the second time (digital copy).

There's a lot of good stuff in there... For example, the Bleeding Monk is back, Livewire is black, and Pete is the "Great Destroyer"! (I'm using an extra layer of protection for these notes in case someone accidentally stumbles upon this thread.)

I love this issue, and this title is really is getting into a groove.

No mention of Faith's cameo? are you nuts?

"Ichinensei! You are nothing!"

(I probably butchered that line. Don't have the issue right in front of me at work.)

[400yrs]

This is the spoiler area so everything below is a spoiler. Warned!

Fantastic issue. Livewire being black threw me a bit. The heirarchy of the students and the school is pretty cool. I really liked the whole psychologist / Darpan scene. Gotta wonder if the Bleeding Monk is being held captive in there or if he is there of his own free will.

The art was great. None of the problems from the first issue came back at all. They are really hitting their stride now.

My only very minor gripes - The one panel where Ion explained what he was doing was a little bit 60s comicky. The different names that were used for the levels of students and in the little black text boxes...... I need those included in the front cover of the next issue so I can remember. Otherwise, I won't remember and it may confuse me down the line if I'm just trying to read a comic and enjoy a story. If you are going to use terms that aren't regular vernacular, you have to give a cheat sheet to retain reader focus.

[BugsySig]

Spoiler section, so I don't give a 'cause me wants to talk some Harby #3!

1. The art is super solid here...I espescially noticed the details Evans included from the image of the van in the floating camera lens to the reflection of Pete and Harada in the window. I have theorized that the issues in #1 may have been from Evans rushing to get those pages in for all the previews, etc VEI wanted them for, but here's another theory (though I am probably over thinking): what if the nature of the first pages/issue were designed purposely sloppy to show Pete's drugged state of mind?

2. First Stronghold, now Livewire...two fairly important VH1 characters have now been reintroduced. So she's black now...I am usually not cool with changing characters for the sake of "diversity", espescially with VALIANT where there was always more diversity than other publishers (particularly the number of Asian characters, but Black as well). In this case it doesn't bother so mich me because the character is not an A-Lister or even that well known at all (not like Nick Fury for example).

3. We have now had two references to Pete/in Harbinger that could be related to Solar: the name of the first arc is "Alpha and Omega" and now Pete in the "Great Destryer." Not sure where this might be going, and there may not be a connection at all, but once is an accident, twice is a coincidence and three times is a trend...waiting for number three.

4. FAITH! Can't wait for Dysart to assemble the team, and see this integral character return. My only gripe? Faith would hate Justin Bieber. Hunger Games? Sure. Firefly? Absolutely. Bieber? I don't think so.

5. Could the Bleeding Monk be playing Harada? He says Harada is welcome inside his head, so I don't think he's a captive, but I'm not sure I fully buy the image he was projecting for him. If the future is not set, then couldn't he see multiple futures? Or could he see Pete as the Great Destroyer of Harada and the Harbinger Foundation, and Harada sees what he takes that to mean?

This was a great issue...Harbinger is quickly becoming my favorite series. Another month wait...BLAST!

[manga4life]

Wow, this issue really was quite a fantastic read and the most in depth issue to day for Harbinger. We get to see Peter settle down into this "school" he's now a part of and we get to see him struggle to really take in everything that's going on, and after a bad session of reliving old memories and a fight in the cafeteria Peter is just about ready to hightail it out of the place. Lot's of great stuff in this issue and a real turning point for the book now that we are focusing on Harada's building and some of the higher up's within it. Also, an interesting ending that looks like it will be introducing up to a new character in the series, a slightly plump blonde chick who appears to be talking to Harada (?) on the internet via AIM.

My ONLY complaint about this book so far is that it's so focused on Peter and I was kind of hoping that a real team would be forming and that the book would eventually end up a true team book instead of a Peter Stancheck book with a light supporting cast, but there is still time as it's only on it's 3rd issue and I suppose things could/will change.

[BugsySig]

Wow, this issue really was quite a fantastic read and the most in depth issue to day for Harbinger. We get to see Peter settle down into this "school" he's now a part of and we get to see him struggle to really take in everything that's going on, and after a bad session of reliving old memories and a fight in the cafeteria Peter is just about ready to hightail it out of the place. Lot's of great stuff in this issue and a real turning point for the book now that we are focusing on Harada's building and some of the higher up's within it. Also, an interesting ending that looks like it will be introducing up to a new character in the series, a slightly plump blonde chick who appears to be talking to Harada (?) on the internet via AIM.

My ONLY complaint about this book so far is that it's so focused on Peter and I was kind of hoping that a real team would be forming and that the book would eventually end up a true team book instead of a Peter Stancheck book with a light supporting cast, but there is still time as it's only on it's 3rd issue and I suppose things could/will change.

Manga, your Classic Valiant innocence is endearing. Like a new born puppy experiencing the world for the first time. So as not to ruin your experience I will just say that Faith should become an integral character in this New Valiant Universe. I will add that Dysart has said the first arc will focus on the Pete/Harada relationship and how that leads to the central conflict in the book. The second arc will focus on putting together the team of Renegades who will follow Peter as it moves toward being a team book.

[MarrowMan]

My review of Harby #3

Pro - It took longer than 5 minutes to read =

Con - It ended.

Thank you very much.

[manga4life]

Wow, this issue really was quite a fantastic read and the most in depth issue to day for Harbinger. We get to see Peter settle down into this "school" he's now a part of and we get to see him struggle to really take in everything that's going on, and after a bad session of reliving old memories and a fight in the cafeteria Peter is just about ready to hightail it out of the place. Lot's of great stuff in this issue and a real turning point for the book now that we are focusing on Harada's building and some of the higher up's within it. Also, an interesting ending that looks like it will be introducing up to a new character in the series, a slightly plump blonde chick who appears to be talking to Harada (?) on the internet via AIM.

My ONLY complaint about this book so far is that it's so focused on Peter and I was kind of hoping that a real team would be forming and that the book would eventually end up a true team book instead of a Peter Stancheck book with a light supporting cast, but there is still time as it's only on it's 3rd issue and I suppose things could/will change.

Manga, your Classic Valiant innocence is endearing. Like a new born puppy experiencing the world for the first time. So as not to ruin your experience I will just say that Faith should become an integral character in this New Valiant Universe. I will add that Dysart has said the first arc will focus on the Pete/Harada relationship and how that leads to the central conflict in the book. The second arc will focus on putting together the team of Renegades who will follow Peter as it moves toward being a team book.

Thanks for the update man, and I wouldn't say you're spoiling anything more so than you're helping to guide a newcomer to Valiant. With that said, you know that I'm strictly VEI and I am truly looking forward to more characters coming into the fold to complete this team, but so far I've definitely grown to like Peter and think of him almost as a friend. This happens to me in comics, a book comes along with writing so good that I start to grow friendship-like feelings for certain characters and that's definitely a hat tip to the creative team.

[MarrowMan]

Wow, this issue really was quite a fantastic read and the most in depth issue to day for Harbinger. We get to see Peter settle down into this "school" he's now a part of and we get to see him struggle to really take in everything that's going on, and after a bad session of reliving old memories and a fight in the cafeteria Peter is just about ready to hightail it out of the place. Lot's of great stuff in this issue and a real turning point for the book now that we are focusing on Harada's building and some of the higher up's within it. Also, an interesting ending that looks like it will be introducing up to a new character in the series, a slightly plump blonde chick who appears to be talking to Harada (?) on the internet via AIM.

My ONLY complaint about this book so far is that it's so focused on Peter and I was kind of hoping that a real team would be forming and that the book would eventually end up a true team book instead of a Peter Stancheck book with a light supporting cast, but there is still time as it's only on it's 3rd issue and I suppose things could/will change.

Manga, your Classic Valiant innocence is endearing. Like a new born puppy experiencing the world for the first time. So as not to ruin your experience I will just say that Faith should become an integral character in this New Valiant Universe. I will add that Dysart has said the first arc will focus on the Pete/Harada relationship and how that leads to the central conflict in the book. The second arc will focus on putting together the team of Renegades who will follow Peter as it moves toward being a team book.

Thanks for the update man, and I wouldn't say you're spoiling anything more so than you're helping to guide a newcomer to Valiant. With that said, you know that I'm strictly VEI and I am truly looking forward to more characters coming into the fold to complete this team, but so far I've definitely grown to like Peter and think of him almost as a friend. This happens to me in comics, a book comes along with writing so good that I start to grow friendship-like feelings for certain characters and that's definitely a hat tip to the creative team.

Don't do that if you read The Walking Dead.

[manga4life]

Wow, this issue really was quite a fantastic read and the most in depth issue to day for Harbinger. We get to see Peter settle down into this "school" he's now a part of and we get to see him struggle to really take in everything that's going on, and after a bad session of reliving old memories and a fight in the cafeteria Peter is just about ready to hightail it out of the place. Lot's of great stuff in this issue and a real turning point for the book now that we are focusing on Harada's building and some of the higher up's within it. Also, an interesting ending that looks like it will be introducing up to a new character in the series, a slightly plump blonde chick who appears to be talking to Harada (?) on the internet via AIM.

My ONLY complaint about this book so far is that it's so focused on Peter and I was kind of hoping that a real team would be forming and that the book would eventually end up a true team book instead of a Peter Stancheck book with a light supporting cast, but there is still time as it's only on it's 3rd issue and I suppose things could/will change.

Manga, your Classic Valiant innocence is endearing. Like a new born puppy experiencing the world for the first time. So as not to ruin your experience I will just say that Faith should become an integral character in this New Valiant Universe. I will add that Dysart has said the first arc will focus on the Pete/Harada relationship and how that leads to the central conflict in the book. The second arc will focus on putting together the team of Renegades who will follow Peter as it moves toward being a team book.

Thanks for the update man, and I wouldn't say you're spoiling anything more so than you're helping to guide a newcomer to Valiant. With that said, you know that I'm strictly VEI and I am truly looking forward to more characters coming into the fold to complete this team, but so far I've definitely grown to like Peter and think of him almost as a friend. This happens to me in comics, a book comes along with writing so good that I start to grow friendship-like feelings for certain characters and that's definitely a hat tip to the creative team.

Don't do that if you read The Walking Dead.

I tried The Walking Dead comic and didn't like it at all, but I somewhat enjoy the show and try to catch it when premieres are on. But yeah, I love when I can relate to a character or when a character grips me so much that I feel like I'm friends with them.

[MarrowMan]

I felt that way about spidey, until Joe "I can do whatever I want" Quesada rammed a huge dildo up in ASM's continuity.

[The Dirt Gang]

5. Could the Bleeding Monk be playing Harada? He says Harada is welcome inside his head, so I don't think he's a captive, but I'm not sure I fully buy the image he was projecting for him. If the future is not set, then couldn't he see multiple futures? Or could he see Pete as the Great Destroyer of Harada and the Harbinger Foundation, and Harada sees what he takes that to mean?

I had wondered if this image could even just be Pete's initial fight and separation from Harada before forming his renegades. I mean is Pete going to wear yellow hoodies the rest of his life.

Also, hadn't thought of the ties to Solar. VEI seem to pay so much attention to detail it can't be mere coincidence.

This is quickly becoming my favorite book as well. Issue #2 really blew me away and while this issue slowed things down a bit introducing us to the new school it was still a great read.

400 yrs - I would definitely agree a key in book would really help in keeping up with who ranks where.

Manga - What makes you think it's Harada? Not disagreeing with you but I had not thought of that.

[manga4life]

Manga - What makes you think it's Harada? Not disagreeing with you but I had not thought of that.

Because he seems to be looking for a "special" girl, with the word "special" probably meaning a person with powers. Also, he seems to be eager to meet her which leads me to believe that he's going to trigger her powers somehow and try and recruit her. It's just a hunch though, it could be some internet perv who's trying to get laid and could try to attack her in the next issue causing her to unleash her powers alerting Harada of her presence or something along those lines.

[SJS4]

Loved this issue.

Kind of surprised that Livewire was black, but in concept here and stronghold are still essentially "enforcers" for harada so it should be interesting to see what happens to them in the upcoming years,

I really like the way Dysart is making Pete respond to the school's instructors. Makes me, as a reader, understand exactly why Pete will eventually run away.

Definitely looking forward to next issue, not to mention the next story arc.

[MarrowMan]

Pete isn't really a guy who likes or has been "told what to do" (As everybody up until now is incapable of doing so) But now that Pete is at Harbinger, that Dynamic is gone, and Pete hates it. It's only gonna get worse for him.

[kevinbastos]

Busy day today, but this issue BLEW me away. So much filling in the book, setting a pace and building.

First, so nobody gets upset:

SPOILERS BELOW

Now then. Start with the end. Most important thing about Faith. She is fat. We are talking about a size 14-16 girl here. Not the super-huge kid, but certainly one that would feel the burden of high school. She is alive through her dork-dom. Love it. Social media gives these kids opportunity to interact, and she is. Bold move to put her in underwear, but certainly I could see a kid like this. Real.

The art is now amazing. Goodbye earlier criticisms. Perfectly matched. I love it.

Pete IS high school. Insecurity, lost, alone. I love the return of the thought bubbles, as well as quite a few new characters in the story and school.

The characters are really surrounding the ambiguity of soul. I hope that Faith will represent the great in soul.

This is my fave book now. HANDS DOWN.

[ShadowTuga]

The only thing i'm worried is if they are able to maintain this sense of story-telling, great dialogue and terrific art (I love it, it's weird and different, but quite beauitiful sometimes- and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE COLOURING!) for the rest of the series.

Peter is already a great character, din't expected how well developed he'd be in 3 issues (a street-smart kid, clearly lost, who didn´t bought the corporate aspect of the HF, mostly thinking they were an armed force.
And I sill think they are showing Harada as mostly the good guy/guide here. I wonder when the S*** hits the fan.

4.6/5

My 2 cents

[jmatt]

Manga, your Classic Valiant innocence is endearing. Like a new born puppy experiencing the world for the first time.

+1 I like seeing the Valiant Universe through the eyes of someone who's never been here before. Refreshing.

And I think this is the, uh, plumpest we've ever seen Faith. And that can't be Harada she's chatting with, he'd never toss off a 'woodie' line (pun intended!).

And my qualms with some of the art in #1 are gone. It's a strange cocktail of pretty clean panels but sketchy facial close ups.

[bribri]

Manga - What makes you think it's Harada? Not disagreeing with you but I had not thought of that.

Because he seems to be looking for a "special" girl, with the word "special" probably meaning a person with powers. Also, he seems to be eager to meet her which leads me to believe that he's going to trigger her powers somehow and try and recruit her. It's just a hunch though, it could be some internet perv who's trying to get laid and could try to attack her in the next issue causing her to unleash her powers alerting Harada of her presence or something along those lines.

I don't think Faith is talking to Harada either. Here's why:

FA_Tiger: When can we meet? For real?
HERO_GRL08:It's hard, you know?
FA_Tiger: Yes it is!
HERO_GRL08: No, perv!

I don't think Harada needs to resort to being on Dateline's To Catch a Predator...