"Planet Death" overall thoughts and discussion.

[retrovideogameaddict]

I just re-read Planet Death and the prelude again for about the 5th time through and while I don't think it was a "modern epic" like Valiant wanted to make it out to be I felt it was a very strong story and one of the funnest arc's of any comic book I've read in a while. I felt the art was a bit wonky from time to time and that the story wrapped up a bit quick, but overall I was enthralled by what was going on and really bonded with Aric and the Vine priest over the course of the story. Even Alexander grew on me a bit by the end and watching Aric tear through Vine was an enjoyable affair, but like I said before.....I think it fell a bit short of what Valiant was really shooting for here. I think they wanted Planet Death to be a definitive arc that fans would be talking about for years to come, similar to Batman: Year One, or Spider-Man's Maximum Carnage or something, but just because it seemed to not be a true "modern epic" doesn't mean that it wasn't an amazing story filled with amazing characters (it was).

What were your thoughts on Planet Death?

[Heath]

No planets died. I want my money back.

[leonmallett]

I found it pretty underwhelming to be honest, but then X-O Manowar is low on my ranking of VEI books.

The talking up of Planet death alluded to something bigger that was delivered, and I do think that if an 'epic' was what they wanted to tell, then 4 issues these days just does not do that.

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

I'll say this. I was entertained by Planet Death, but I agree that it was not an epic in the way that it was intended. However, the fallout from Planet Death is really what we need to keep any eye on. Because of Planet Death, this arc basically shapes the Valiant Universe. Everything from the continued run on X-O, to Unity, and many of us are thinking Armorines. Might not have had the IMMEDIATE impact we were all hoping for, but so much will be coming directly out of the actions of that arc. Just keep your eyes peeled!
Plus, I think X-O 15 and 16 were BRILLIANT!

[leonmallett]

I'll say this. I was entertained by Planet Death, but I agree that it was not an epic in the way that it was intended. However, the fallout from Planet Death is really what we need to keep any eye on. Because of Planet Death, this arc basically shapes the Valiant Universe. Everything from the continued run on X-O, to Unity, and many of us are thinking Armorines. Might not have had the IMMEDIATE impact we were all hoping for, but so much will be coming directly out of the actions of that arc. Just keep your eyes peeled!
Plus, I think X-O 15 and 16 were BRILLIANT!

I don't disagree about the impact, but the tale of getting there felt did not live up to the hype for me.

That said, i am more than aware that for many others it was a great story.

[Carson]

The armor's origin was as epic as it gets. Yes, some of the rest if the issue felt sketchy, but Cary did a phenomenal job telling the origin. I thought by the end of the arc he had settled nicely into inking his own work (he hadn't inked before this arc).

The story was well done, but I'd agree it wasn't as impact full as I'd hoped. Planet Death really set some wheels in motion though. The real climax is still to come with the Unity arc!

[Savant]

I found it pretty underwhelming to be honest, but then X-O Manowar is low on my ranking of VEI books.

The talking up of Planet death alluded to something bigger that was delivered, and I do think that if an 'epic' was what they wanted to tell, then 4 issues these days just does not do that.

I found it underwhelming, also. Just felt somewhat empty.......Some important things were shown, such as more backstory on the armor, but there simply wasn't enough.

I didn't rank X-O as low as you did before Planet Death. I quite liked the Ninjak arc, for instance.

[Peter]

I really enjoyed it, perhaps I am too easily pleased.

The brief origin of the X-O suit was sufficient whilst not giving away everything, and was accompanied with beautiful artwork, as seen in Carson's art pages (lucky).
We find out a lot more about the Vine society and the capabilities of the X-O suit.
I also find Aric trying to take on more responsibility for not only misplaced peoples but also for those among the Vine who seek another way, plus of course some great battles.

I guess Aric is at a time where he is trying to come to terms with what has happened to him, and sort of going with the flow. I think his invincibility may make the battle scenes a bit too one sided, but hey, his suit is really the pinnacle of advanced weaponry and I hope we will still be finding out more about it 100 issues from now.

If you think where he is at the start of the arc, basically destitute, no home, no family, no hope, to what he is at the end, a man with a purpose, people to look after, and a bit of hope, and of course he still has kick-a$$ X-O suit, I think the events that transpired in between was 'epic' in that he liberated a planet and usurped a regime, whilst leaving it in better hands than he found it.
It seems this thick skulled, strong-minded barbarian can compromise, especially when he has no other option and is basically forced to.

I wasn't overwhelmed, but I definitely wasn't underwhelmed either, just really enjoyed it.

[Carson]

Thanks for verbalizing that Peter. I couldn't have said it better. This was no small story. Aric accomplished great things and came away a changed man.

[kjjohanson]

If you think where he is at the start of the arc, basically destitute, no home, no family, no hope, to what he is at the end, a man with a purpose, people to look after, and a bit of hope, and of course he still has kick-a$$ X-O suit, I think the events that transpired in between was 'epic' in that he liberated a planet and usurped a regime, whilst leaving it in better hands than he found it.

The problem for me (I'm basically with the majority here, and glad to see that others felt the same) is that there's no great struggle that Aric needs to go through to get from point A to point B. That's what makes a great epic.

[Carson]

Other than being enslaved, having his hand cut off, aliens torturing his best friend (and bringing about his death), being displaced in time (causing him to be disconnected from everything he knew and loved).... You think he needs to struggle more?

Aric has been through hell and back. Just because he makes it look easy because he's bull headed and cocky doesn't mean it is easy.

[jmatt]

Without getting into it too much, I thought it was very good overall. I played devil's advocate in another thread and think the arc's title was a little over-the-top, but in retrospect I'm pretty pleased.

[Peter]

Thanks for verbalizing that Peter. I couldn't have said it better. This was no small story. Aric accomplished great things and came away a changed man.

Thank you very much Carson,

I can also juggle

[Peter]

If you think where he is at the start of the arc, basically destitute, no home, no family, no hope, to what he is at the end, a man with a purpose, people to look after, and a bit of hope, and of course he still has kick-a$$ X-O suit, I think the events that transpired in between was 'epic' in that he liberated a planet and usurped a regime, whilst leaving it in better hands than he found it.

The problem for me (I'm basically with the majority here, and glad to see that others felt the same) is that there's no great struggle that Aric needs to go through to get from point A to point B. That's what makes a great epic.

I feel that a lot of these events transpired very quickly for Aric, perhaps too quickly and perhaps it may seem that there is no struggle, sure he learnt a few things and was hurt in battle, then victorious in battle, but he did achieve a lot in a relatively short period of time.
I think though, the true struggle he will face is in winning the peace, which I think we'll be seeing over the next whatever months.

The repercussions from Planet Death will be felt for a long time, this is just a start of course, as many people do feel this arc was maybe less spectacular than it could have been, or not an 'epic', I can definitely understand and respect other people's opinions about this, but for me, I had absolutely no problems with it at all.

[kjjohanson]

If you think where he is at the start of the arc, basically destitute, no home, no family, no hope, to what he is at the end, a man with a purpose, people to look after, and a bit of hope, and of course he still has kick-a$$ X-O suit, I think the events that transpired in between was 'epic' in that he liberated a planet and usurped a regime, whilst leaving it in better hands than he found it.

The problem for me (I'm basically with the majority here, and glad to see that others felt the same) is that there's no great struggle that Aric needs to go through to get from point A to point B. That's what makes a great epic.

I feel that a lot of these events transpired very quickly for Aric, perhaps too quickly and perhaps it may seem that there is no struggle, sure he learnt a few things and was hurt in battle, then victorious in battle, but he did achieve a lot in a relatively short period of time.
I think though, the true struggle he will face is in winning the peace, which I think we'll be seeing over the next whatever months.

The repercussions from Planet Death will be felt for a long time, this is just a start of course, as many people do feel this arc was maybe less spectacular than it could have been, or not an 'epic', I can definitely understand and respect other people's opinions about this, but for me, I had absolutely no problems with it at all.

My comments were in reference to the Planet Death arc specifically. Obviously Aric has been through a lot. I agree that the title "Planet Death" was a little over the top for what transpired. I felt that the war itself should have been a lot more complicated. As it was it was mostly Aric pounding the Vine with a minor setback. What's to come, I think, should be far more interesting than what's just passed. I really hope that the situation in Romania is not a single-arc story, but rather continues as a story line for some time, even if it's not in the forefront.

[Peter]

If you think where he is at the start of the arc, basically destitute, no home, no family, no hope, to what he is at the end, a man with a purpose, people to look after, and a bit of hope, and of course he still has kick-a$$ X-O suit, I think the events that transpired in between was 'epic' in that he liberated a planet and usurped a regime, whilst leaving it in better hands than he found it.

The problem for me (I'm basically with the majority here, and glad to see that others felt the same) is that there's no great struggle that Aric needs to go through to get from point A to point B. That's what makes a great epic.

I feel that a lot of these events transpired very quickly for Aric, perhaps too quickly and perhaps it may seem that there is no struggle, sure he learnt a few things and was hurt in battle, then victorious in battle, but he did achieve a lot in a relatively short period of time.
I think though, the true struggle he will face is in winning the peace, which I think we'll be seeing over the next whatever months.

The repercussions from Planet Death will be felt for a long time, this is just a start of course, as many people do feel this arc was maybe less spectacular than it could have been, or not an 'epic', I can definitely understand and respect other people's opinions about this, but for me, I had absolutely no problems with it at all.

My comments were in reference to the Planet Death arc specifically. Obviously Aric has been through a lot. I agree that the title "Planet Death" was a little over the top for what transpired. I felt that the war itself should have been a lot more complicated. As it was it was mostly Aric pounding the Vine with a minor setback. What's to come, I think, should be far more interesting than what's just passed. I really hope that the situation in Romania is not a single-arc story, but rather continues as a story line for some time, even if it's not in the forefront.

I can see your point there, in both that the title referenced to being more, and you and many others felt that it should have been more complicated. Perhaps they would have needed two arcs to cover sufficiently, but then I suppose there may have been others who would have felt he should be getting back to Earth. I really get where you are coming from but on the other hand, I am glad it didn't get too bogged down.

I reckon we are both going to get our wish in regards to the situation in Romania continuing further than one story arc, especially if they are covering it in Unity as well. The only way that could end quick is if there are no people left to settle....oops, I hope it is not going to be that cut and dried either.

[erwinrafael]

Not really related, but here's a preview of the next level of evolution of Cary Nord's art in X-O Manowar.





Can't wait.

[Peter]

very nice.

[erwinrafael]

So, it looks like VEI is maximizing Nord's exclusive contract by asking him to color his own book as well. Is this what he's referrting to when he said:

"Something awesome is about 98% almost certain to happen. This excites me."

[lorddunlow]

Those images are pretty awesome.

[AnthonyF]

I'm really digging his XO teasers. Hope they keep his colors intact when it's published. Painted Valiant comics, VH1 style'n!

[Carson]

I'm sure they will. They wouldn't let him burn the time on it and then let some colorist come behind him and muck it up. Cary is awesome with the pens and markers. I've had this $80 headshot commission as my iPhone wallpaper for a year now.

[ShadowTuga]

I really want to know wth are these, they're beautiful. Moose Baumann said he was off X-O for a while in his FB account, so maybe CN is coloring the book after Unity tie-ins?

[Carson]

I think Cary is coloring THE unity tie in... Right? Didn't valiant hint at that on their Facebook page?

[String]

Those pics look great.

So, everyone's only real nitpick is the title of this arc may be misleading?? I think the term 'Planet Death' holds great symbolism here. Loam, homeworld of the Vine, is the planet of death for Aric, the death of his dreams, the death of his people, and his casting adrift on the seas of time.

I loved this arc, improving and expanding on the previous arcs. While it may not have been all-out interstellar war, the action scenes were terrific. But I liked how Vendetti focused more on the aspects of faith as seen through the major players. Aric, a man out of time, bereft of family and home, now finds a remnant of his people alive. He may have come to Loam initially to bring death, instead he finds life and a renewed purpose.

The Vine priest also renews his faith by his insistence on the worthiness of Aric and the fulfillment of religious prophecy. Even when the cold truth that may lie at the heart of their religion is exposed, the Priest doesn't waver, for his faith has given him a renewed purpose. The circle is complete.

Toss in the pain, anguish, and ultimate sacrifice by Gafti, and you have a one helluva good story. Very well-done by all.