My Problem with XO and Why I am Excited for #4

[BugsySig]

So here's the horrible dilemma I face and have struggled to admit...I don't love XO Manowar. Yet. While the first issue was pretty good, and will always stand as the book that relaunched the Valiant Universe, I have been underwhelmed thus far by the story and here may be why:

1. Decompression - A common complaint with this book for some, my problem is through 3 issues we are only a few pages into the original first issue and only reached the character's core concept in the final few panels of issue 3. Personally, while I understand and accept the differences in modern comics, I was disappointed not to see Aric in the armor at the end of an "extra-sized" first issue, and not on Earth again by the end of issue 2. I feel the other character development we have had could have been achieved through flash-backs while moving along the main plot of the book.

2. Will read better in trade - A side-effect of decompression, thus far XO (and maybe Bloodshot) feels like it will read better as a completed arc and therefore I don't feel compelled to run for each monthly issue. Harbinger on the other hand (and A&A for me), makes me cringe with anticipation for each new issue...I have to read it NOW.

3. Of the 4 books, XO has deviated the least from the original material so far. I am sure that will change, but I also wonder how much it can? Harbinger has shown some vast differences already in characterization and modernization. Bloodshot is basically starting from scratch, even including some new additions to his power set. And Archer & Armstrong, while the same concept of mismatched heroes at heart, is taking a decidedly different direction with the Sect, the Boon and the characters' origins. But how much can you change XO? Not that you should necessarily, but what will we see that we can't get reading classic XO? Because there's not much so far.

All that being said, I am very excited for XO #4. I think this issue will establish the status quo for Aric in the Valiant U and XO Manowar as a book. It is in the present that Vditty can really start to play in the sandbox with all of Valiant's toys and make XO the flagship book it is meant to be. We already know this is happening with the introduction of Ninjak, which I am also very excited for.

Sorry for the but I just had to get that off my chest. Whew...I feel much better now

[betterthanezra]

we re glad you got that off you're chest

-Brian

[manga4life]

I don't care about "decompressed" storytelling because it will eventually all play out and while it may be written for TPB I think it reads well in single issues too. In fact, X-O has been top notch in my eyes and probably still remains my favorite book in the Valiant Entertainment line with Harbinger coming in a very, VERY close second. I love the story of Aric and his escape from the Vine Soldiers and how he came across the armor, the whole storyline has me buzzing and I can't wait to get the next issue in my hands, I never thought I would feel this way about a line of comics again since the passing of Crossgen back in 2004 but I do.

Issue #4 should be a blast, especially now that he's in the modern time and I can't wait to see his altercation with Ninjak, I'm sure it's going to be a knockdown/drag out battle that will satiate the appetites of the Valiant faithful. X-O has just been top notch in my eyes.

[Aram]

I have a somewhat similar issue, but my problem mainly stems from not reading comics for half a decade at least and then starting back up with collections and tpbs. The month long wait between issues is just mind numbing. I don't think waiting is an option though. I've made it this far without reading xo 3, harby 3 or bs 2... But each day gets harder to wait.

[BugsySig]

I have a somewhat similar issue, but my problem mainly stems from not reading comics for half a decade at least and then starting back up with collections and tpbs. The month long wait between issues is just mind numbing. I don't think waiting is an option though. I've made it this far without reading xo 3, harby 3 or bs 2... But each day gets harder to wait.

I fall in a similar category having mostly been trade waiting for a few years. So as you say that may be a contributing factor.

I think my biggest gripe is #3 from my post, but if I were a new reader like Manga it wouldn't be an issue at all. The book is still good, but hasn't deviated much from the original, so I guess I am just waiting for the modern interpretation to begin.

[manga4life]

I have a somewhat similar issue, but my problem mainly stems from not reading comics for half a decade at least and then starting back up with collections and tpbs. The month long wait between issues is just mind numbing. I don't think waiting is an option though. I've made it this far without reading xo 3, harby 3 or bs 2... But each day gets harder to wait.

I fall in a similar category having mostly been trade waiting for a few years. So as you say that may be a contributing factor.

I think my biggest gripe is #3 from my post, but if I were a new reader like Manga it wouldn't be an issue at all. The book is still good, but hasn't deviated much from the original, so I guess I am just waiting for the modern interpretation to begin.

I'm starting to think that a good amount of the readership of Valiant Entertainment is older fans but I'm also thinking that the new Valiant has grabbed some new readers who are new to these characters as well, so the gripes you have with the series probably aren't felt by too many people outside of this forum. If I was a returning reader than I would probably feel the same way, but since I'm new to Valiant's impressive library of characters I haven't found a single outstanding issue yet. I'm just loving it all!

[erwinrafael]

Well, Aric's origin story is pretty much like Spider-man's: there's not much point in chaging it because it is already very integral to the character. I'm actually quite confused that people complain that X-O Manowar does not read like old X-O Manowar (by the end of the first issue hs should already be in the armor!) while at the same time complaing that it reads too much like X-O Manowar (there is not much change in the story, give us a modern interpretation).

I also don't think it's fair to compare X-O Manowar's first story arc to the old X-O Manowar#1 because the story that Venditti is telling is the VH1 X-O Manowar #0 up to the first half of X-O Manowar#1. if you think of it that way, it's not that decompressed. Personally, I like decompressed storytelling because it allows the art to tell the story and the writer to communicate more emotional depth. Like I said before, I did not feel the tragedy of Aric's character in the original X-O Manowar during the first six issues. Because of the decompressed storytelling in the VEI version, I already feel sorry for him midway through the second issue. The death of Gafti in the third issue just made it more tragic that you could feel him break when he lashed out at the Vine soldiers.

[BugsySig]

Well, Aric's origin story is pretty much like Spider-man's: there's not much point in chaging it because it is already very integral to the character. I'm actually quite confused that people complain that X-O Manowar does not read like old X-O Manowar (by the end of the first issue hs should already be in the armor!) while at the same time complaing that it reads too much like X-O Manowar (there is not much change in the story, give us a modern interpretation).

I also don't think it's fair to compare X-O Manowar's first story arc to the old X-O Manowar#1 because the story that Venditti is telling is the VH1 X-O Manowar #0 up to the first half of X-O Manowar#1. if you think of it that way, it's not that decompressed. Personally, I like decompressed storytelling because it allows the art to tell the story and the writer to communicate more emotional depth. Like I said before, I did not feel the tragedy of Aric's character in the original X-O Manowar during the first six issues. Because of the decompressed storytelling in the VEI version, I already feel sorry for him midway through the second issue. The death of Gafti in the third issue just made it more tragic that you could feel him break when he lashed out at the Vine soldiers.

I fully admit the problem is all my own. Overall, I think VeI has done an amazing job relaunching and reintroducing the Valiant universe.

[jmatt]

I think the difference so far is that compared to VH1, we've had ample time to bond with Aric but almost no time to bond with the character X-O Manowar. If that makes any sense. But it's about to be remedied big time now that he's in possession of the armor and back on Earth.

[missjay]

I think for me, I'm excited to see the differences!
I stopped a few issues after Pol-Bekhara showed up (I think X-O#1 came out so I stopped with the old for a bit!)

So far, I am diggin' the direction that Vditty (hehe!) is taking it.
I love the pacing- I ate that issue up so fast, I went back for seconds!

[Carson]

The book is still good, but hasn't deviated much from the original, so I guess I am just waiting for the modern interpretation to begin.

I couldn't agree more. They are doing a good job of laying the XO foundation for new readers, telling the origin and all, but it's so similar to what us 1990s Valiant readers have already read, I don't feel like there's much new in issues 1-3 for us to sink our teeth into.

I totally understand why they wanted to lead in with the origin (for new readers), but it's left me less satisfied than Harbinger or Bloodshot, which seem different enough to not be overly redundant for long time Valiant fans.

Like you said though, now that he's hit the ground in Rome, things should be fresh and new.

Does anyone else think Ninjak going up against XO is LAUGHABLE?!! The cover with him throwing ninja stars at XO kills me.

Ever hear the saying don't bring a knife to a gun fight?

How about don't bring ninja stars to an alien exo-armor plasma blaster fight?!!

[kevinbastos]

I don't know. It could be told via a remove the armor battle. That could work.

[jmatt]

I don't know. It could be told via a remove the armor battle. That could work.

Ax did something like that, where he attached a device to the armor that made it so sluggish Aric had to remove the armor in order to move. Then he picked up an ax and cracked the faceplate of Ax's armor.

[kevinbastos]

Not that the covers MEAN anything, but both the regular and pullbox for 5 have the helmet off.

[manga4life]

The way VEI has setup Aric"s origin has really made me get to know him more so than if they rushed the story through and placed him in the armor before the ending of the first issue, I personally LOVE the way they've gone about his origin story. I felt the blow of seeing his friends die in the escape, I felt the rush of adrenaline when Aric made the first move to get away from the Vine Soldiers and lead his friends to possible safety, and I felt his heart sink knowing that it's been years since he's seen his wife, it was all so emotional and if VEI did things any differently than the result may have been different (on my part).

I'm happier than a kid in a candy shop with Valiant, especially X-O!

[Carson]

The way VEI has setup Aric"s origin has really made me get to know him more so than if they rushed the story through and placed him in the armor before the ending of the first issue, I personally LOVE the way they've gone about his origin story. I felt the blow of seeing his friends die in the escape, I felt the rush of adrenaline when Aric made the first move to get away from the Vine Soldiers and lead his friends to possible safety, and I felt his heart sink knowing that it's been years since he's seen his wife, it was all so emotional and if VEI did things any differently than the result may have been different (on my part).

I'm happier than a kid in a candy shop with Valiant, especially X-O!

That's awesome! I'm glad to hear its resonating so well with new readers. I envy your experience, getting to know these characters for the first time. Welcome aboard the Valiant train. It's one hell of a ride!

Most of us felt the way you do now 20 years ago when xo #0 came out, revealing the xo origin (and featuring amazing Joe Quesada art). Those kinds of comics have us still hooked 20 years later. Hope you have the same reaction!

[grendeljd]

The way VEI has setup Aric"s origin has really made me get to know him more so than if they rushed the story through and placed him in the armor before the ending of the first issue, I personally LOVE the way they've gone about his origin story. I felt the blow of seeing his friends die in the escape, I felt the rush of adrenaline when Aric made the first move to get away from the Vine Soldiers and lead his friends to possible safety, and I felt his heart sink knowing that it's been years since he's seen his wife, it was all so emotional and if VEI did things any differently than the result may have been different (on my part).

I'm happier than a kid in a candy shop with Valiant, especially X-O!

I'm pretty much +1 on everything you're saying, and I was reading XO 20 years(ish) ago. The characterization of Aric pre-and-post armor is stellar, and makes it well worth reading an otherwise fairly similar origin story so far because it helps define the tragic loss that should be at the core of this character.

[teedot42]

I gave a friend of mine all of the current VEI issues to read and then asked him which was his favorite. He liked Bloodshot the best, which was what I expected him to say just knowing his personality, but said that the main issue he had with X-O was that the pacing seemed too slow. I didn't offer up any commentary until after he read them, but I found it interesting that he picked up on the decompression. I'm looking forward to seeing where things go now that Aric is in the present day.

[BugsySig]

So with #4 out next week, who's excited?

I have really high hopes for this issue introducing Aric to the modern day, introducing a new villain and establishing the status quo for the rest of the series.

[Carson]

So with #4 out next week, who's excited?

I have really high hopes for this issue introducing Aric to the modern day, introducing a new villain and establishing the status quo for the rest of the series.

Hell yes I am!

[manga4life]

So with #4 out next week, who's excited?

I have really high hopes for this issue introducing Aric to the modern day, introducing a new villain and establishing the status quo for the rest of the series.

Very excited, just as I am with every new release from Valiant. It's funny, a Dynamite or DC title comes out and I can stand to wait for a week or so until I absolutely must have it or I may get them on new arrivals day and not read them for a few days, but with Valiant I have become so involved that I've made it a point to get to the store on the day of release and to read them as soon as I get home.

[Spagg]

Very excited about X/O #4! Though I have really enjoyed all the issues. The pace hasn't been a problem for me. I also lent all my vei issues to a friend. He actually liked xo the best and bloodshot the least. However the good news is he added all the current and future valiants to his holds!!

[leonmallett]

For me XO has been the weakest launch of the 4.

The problem in my opinion is that in writing a comic book character that many potential readers will be unfamiliar with, even if the high concept can be boiled down easily to Visigoth warrior in a suit of alien super-armour, that they two key elements need to dove-tail within the pages of that first issue. Which they did not, other than the cover. This problem could have been easily circumvented (start with him in armour then flashback up to the present), but the other titles have simply put more solidly set out the 'who' they are and 'what' is happening to their central characters by the end of the first issue.

[BugsySig]

For me XO has been the weakest launch of the 4.

The problem in my opinion is that in writing a comic book character that many potential readers will be unfamiliar with, even if the high concept can be boiled down easily to Visigoth warrior in a suit of alien super-armour, that they two key elements need to dove-tail within the pages of that first issue. Which they did not, other than the cover. This problem could have been easily circumvented (start with him in armour then flashback up to the present), but the other titles have simply put more solidly set out the 'who' they are and 'what' is happening to their central characters by the end of the first issue.

I think that would have been an excellent idea...Open with a spread of the XO armor rising from the colleseum, helmet comes off (shown from behind), flashback. You wouldn't have to give away who's even in the suit or that it is in modern times, but it would have satisfied the Aric in the armor issue in one page.

[erwinrafael]

For me XO has been the weakest launch of the 4.

The problem in my opinion is that in writing a comic book character that many potential readers will be unfamiliar with, even if the high concept can be boiled down easily to Visigoth warrior in a suit of alien super-armour, that they two key elements need to dove-tail within the pages of that first issue. Which they did not, other than the cover. This problem could have been easily circumvented (start with him in armour then flashback up to the present), but the other titles have simply put more solidly set out the 'who' they are and 'what' is happening to their central characters by the end of the first issue.

but you are not looking at it from the point of view of a reader who is unfamiliar with the high concept. you are looking at it from the perspective of somebody who has read and liked the VH1 X-O#1. We have a new reader in this board who likes how X-O is running so far!

The current comic book market has shown that it can sustain storytelling that does not have the hero donning the costume in the first issue. Ultimate Spider-Man did that.