HARBINGER #9 DISCUSSION

[KXXX]

Just kidding... I haven't read it yet. It's probably going to be a few days before that happens, but I figured I'd be a nice guy and set this up for us anyway.

While I'm here, I'd like to talk to you about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Just kidding again.

Enjoy your Harbinger.

[bribri]

Fantastic book. These last four issues that include everyone's "origin" story have been incredible. Faith is the best.

Nice shout out to Turok...

[kevinbastos]

Nice shout out to Turok...

I noticed that, too.

Great, great book. This thing keeps getting better and better. It feels like every issue, the book keeps building up so much more character throughout. The writing is bold - and each character is deeply flawed. I talked with my daughter about that in the last podcast. Every character is so deeply flawed - and problematic. None of them are any real kind of hero archetype - and this issue keeps exploring it.

Most of the comic revolves around Faith's problems - but instead of keeping close to her weight and dating issues - it really explores her challenges of her life - and her willingness to overcome them.

The section about the comics - and her grandmother - hit me squarely and personally. Both as a Dad of girls - and one who has roped his daughter to some degree - into loving these comics... Wow. This is my legacy to my kids, right? In however many days - I hope that my kids can have the same level of connection with me and each other that we had in these comics.

Last Faith panel, too... Brilliant.

[grendeljd]

Incredible issue. Man... I'm gonna be reading this one multiple times.

A very touching backstory for Faith, and yet with a light dash of tragic humour to it. The poor girl - I didn't know she was going to have been without a family at the time she comes into the story. I have the feeling she will truly be an epic character this time around - her ability to remain positive in the face of anything is a true gift, and I think it will be vital in this cast of Renegades.

I loved how she ties all her memories to which of her favourite movies & shows came out, that really resonated with me. I've noticed I have a lot of memory associations tied to what comics I was reading at the time, and it usually puts a more positive spin on some bad times from the past. Maybe that sounds lame, but it helped me through life growing up.

Favourite lines from this issue;

'Actually, cornering is hard'
'This doesn't happen in Torquehalla, man! Is.. is that Aunt Linda's dress?'
'Did I get any of y'all?'
'They're called Long Boxes'
'Ahhh, skittles!'



Great developments with Tull - such an interesting character, for a blank personality... Very cool to hear Kris postulate on whether PRS is actually already compromised by Harada, and/or was always working for him whether they knew it or not. Another telling sign of how broadly powerful Harada really is in the world, if its true. I honestly suspected this possibility right from the 1st issue!

Other cool stuff - Faith is finally in the white outfit! So cool! I guess the others hadn't yet thought of the idea to pose as Harada's people to generate some bad press & bring attention to what they're up to... but they still might, which would be a solid idea, I think.

Also cool to see it confirmed that the new Torque is projecting himself as a powerhouse. As I think I said in the discussion of #8, this is a great idea and flows better with the running concept of all psiot powers being based on mind over matter in some way.

[Donovan]

I missed the Turok reference - can someone spell it out for me?

[lorddunlow]

So I haven't read it yet, so I have not read any of the posts here, but I wanted to post here to say:

Kevin Bastos tweeted about something other than beer! Good for you!

[grendeljd]

I missed the Turok reference - can someone spell it out for me?

Look at the comics she is reading when she is sitting on her bed... there's also a nod to 'The Dark Knight' - which could also [most likely] be a reference to the original VH1 Harbinger 'Faith issue'...

[Donovan]

Ahhhh! I read it on my iPhone, so I missed the small details! Thanks! Very cool!

[iwantvaliant]

Great issue!!!!! I can't wait until this story is wrapped up in the next part so I can read them all again.

Faith is a great character.

[cavemold]

http://www.comicvine.com/harbinger-/37- ... w_id=35218" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

my review

[kevinbastos]

So I haven't read it yet, so I have not read any of the posts here, but I wanted to post here to say:

Kevin Bastos tweeted about something other than beer! Good for you!

Ouch. Need to start actually using twitter again.

[somewhatlazy]

http://www.comicvine.com/harbinger-/37- ... w_id=35218

my review

Short & sweet.

[somewhatlazy]

Every time I read a new Valiant issue I have a new favorite comic.

[Bubba]

Great issue! All character development and no action. Love faiths tragic story.

[SJS4]

Loved seeing more about Faith, and really digging her new outfit. Can't wait to see the team again next issue.

[BugsySig]

Great issue! All character development and no action. Love faiths tragic story.

And your first VALIANT appearance, Bubba! Congrats

I did not want this issue to end. So good.

The one liners here were great:
"Hoooly Jebus!"
"Ahw Skittles!"
But my favorite was prone Torque, "This sucks."

And Tull was awesome here...I got a very "Agent Smith" vibe from him having that convo with Pete, like the monologue to drooling Morpheus.

Can't wait to see next issue and how it will lead into Harby Wars!

[pixierosa]

Wonderful writing. Just love Faith, and you realize just how special her perspective is after you hear about her early life. "She never really matched the others, profile-wise." -- Indeed.

Kris was great. Love the whole Tull interaction and Tull in general. Wonder what will become of him. Enjoyed all the little touches, like Tull reflecting upon himself and a new start while looking up at the stars, then cut to Faith looking up to that same sky, contemplating her own first leap.

Excellent book.

[jmatt]

Wow, what an awesome book. Josh Dysart is a great writer, no doubt about it.

Action is fun, but character is king. So much great characterization in this issue. Ended way too soon, I wanted it to go on and on.

Ang you guys mention nods to Turok, etc but there was Josh's second omage to Joss Whedon. I think he's picked the director he wants.

So many great lines and moments, Mingo trying to torch people while she's hiding under the car was hilarious.

And again, Dear Valiant, please keep this paper and cover stock! The books look fabulous!

[hawkeyeps]

I teared up a little reading the sequence of Faith recounting her past and mustering her courage then donning the white Harbinger outfit.

Out of a month of great Valiant books, this one was the best.

Favourite dialoge- "They throw themselves into the void for strangers without a second thought. They hold the line of compassion for other human beings in a world built on chaos."

Favourite panel- Faith in her dork Magnus costume staring at the Harbinger uniform with the big grin on her face like "Oh yeah, I'm doin this"

[Blood of Heroes]

Also cool to see it confirmed that the new Torque is projecting himself as a powerhouse. As I think I said in the discussion of #8, this is a great idea and flows better with the running concept of all psiot powers being based on mind over matter in some way.

I'm curious about this aspect of Torque's powers. Does this mean that when he isn't using his powers he is a bed ridden cripple? Can you use your powers 24/7?

[erwinrafael]

Can we keep Pere Perez as the regular artist? If the parade of artists in the past issues is an audition, he would be top on my list.

[grendeljd]

Also cool to see it confirmed that the new Torque is projecting himself as a powerhouse. As I think I said in the discussion of #8, this is a great idea and flows better with the running concept of all psiot powers being based on mind over matter in some way.

I'm curious about this aspect of Torque's powers. Does this mean that when he isn't using his powers he is a bed ridden cripple? Can you use your powers 24/7?

I'm looking forward to seeing how this aspect plays out too - I also wonder if he could maintain the projection ad infinitum as well... A wheelchair bound Torque may be where we see a nastier side of his personality come out, which would be yet another really great update to the original character concept...

[sonicdan]

Can we keep Pere Perez as the regular artist? If the parade of artists in the past issues is an audition, he would be top on my list.

He did a wonderful job. On an incredibly tight deadline even according to is facebook post a couple weeks ago.
DAN

[sonicdan]

This was one of my favorite issues so far. Faith's story was amazing. Anyone who's ever lost someone or been through difficult times can relate.
The costume change was symbolically appropriate. Interesting about Torque and his power. I wonder how that will play out.
He certainly has motivation for vengeance after what happened to his brother.
So the machine that Pete is hooked up to....is it using one of the Bleeding Monk's blood canisters?

DAN

[apainter]

Also cool to see it confirmed that the new Torque is projecting himself as a powerhouse. As I think I said in the discussion of #8, this is a great idea and flows better with the running concept of all psiot powers being based on mind over matter in some way.

I'm curious about this aspect of Torque's powers. Does this mean that when he isn't using his powers he is a bed ridden cripple? Can you use your powers 24/7?

I'm more curious at his "uniform". Can he just "think" himself a new outfit, or even an entirely new appearance, or is he kind of locked into this one form? What about that cap he wears? Can he take it off, drop it somewhere, and pick it up again, or would it disappear as soon as he lets go of it? I think about these kind of things too much.

I loved the issue. Probably ranks higher for me than the Kris issue (mostly because I like Faith more than Kris). I'm glad to see how Faith escaped from Harada. Back in issue 5, Amanda and Stronghold had a discussion that Harada planned to kill Faith. I've been curious about that. Could it be that Harada doesn't mind-wipe those that don't join him, but just straight out kills them? I also think Faith doesn't fit Harada's Eggbreaker profile, and that's why she was chosen for Pete's "experiment". Maybe they weren't planning on keeping her no matter what.

Art