Eternal Warrior #1 Discussion

[BugsySig]

Here's my dilemma with the book:

If you were a first time reader and not a Valiant fanatic, does that story leave you with enough oomph to make you spend four books on the next issue? I don't really know the answer to that question since I already have a lot of love for the character and will buy it regardless.

I thought this first issue was just OK. I'm going to give the entire first arc a chance, but if I was a first-time reader of Valiant I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy further issues of this title based on this first release.

the guys immortal and fights for the Earth...what else do you need to know Its hard to look at it from the perspective of a new reader, but I would think, "OK. Here's a bad *SQUEE* immortal dude who walked away from all the fighting and war in the world. He had this crazy daughter...oh snap she's still alive! And who are these guys coming after them!?! Cant wait to find out more in the next issue. Hopefully he's not just another Wolverine knock-off."

[CylonSteve]

This issue was good, but it was alright. It felt kinda above average nothing spectacular. I will pick up issue #2 but my question is will this book continue to be average? Will this be a series to invest into? This being said I am curious where #2 is going to go. But this did not have that push for me to buy #2. I could be wrong, but my love for Valiant will most likely pick it up. I am hoping this book isn't Shadowman in a book that is alright. (To me Shadowman is Vanilla Ice Cream with Vanilla Sauce. I really wanted to like it and may pick it up again). I actually liked the artwork though.

I found Gilad's Kids interesting and I liked the contrast of points of view between the two. It was cool!

I wonder if Gilad's Daughter is immortal, is his son too? Or is he dead?

[mrwoogieman]

This was less a debut for Gilad than one for Xaran. She is one tough broad, holy elephant stomp!

She's just become my favorite new character!

[jmatt]

the guys immortal and fights for the Earth...what else do you need to know Its hard to look at it from the perspective of a new reader,

I'm just wondering if when Valiant approaches pitches for #1 issues, are they are plotting and scripting for people who know what the character is all about (like us) or are they trying to look at it through the eyes of someone who has never heard of the character before?

Because I have to say that if this was the first Valiant comic I ever read I'm not sure I'd be shelling out $4 for #2. Not that the book was bad, but honestly from a story perspective, nothing happened. An inconsequential battle with no context and a guy trying to get away from it all on the African savanna. Okay, we were introduced to two characters, Gilad and Xanax ( ) and the notion that they're immortal. Fin.

Perhaps they're better off not trying to split EW stories into a multi-page flashback and present day activity in one issue. Because it leaves very little room for anything to happen in either sphere.

This decompression thing is really bad for storytelling.

[bygranddesign]

I thought it was nicely crafted piece of storytelling

The battle wasn't inconsequential - it was mainly used as an introduction to Xaran - probably one of the more interesting new characters that VEI has created and showed her extreme nature including KILLING her own brother. I think that's one of the more pivotal moment in Gilad's long life

And I thought the Gilad inner monologue was very well written and really gave a nice glimpse inside his head.

Yes, it wasn't packed with a ton of story like the typical A&A issue ... but I think new readers would really enjoy this because it doesn't overwhelm you with too much information.

[mrwoogieman]

No coveting my new avatar!

[bygranddesign]

No coveting my new avatar!

lol ...you can have her.

She is probably the type of girl you can have a lot of fun with ... but you better sleep with one eye open

[mrwoogieman]

No coveting my new avatar!

lol ...you can have her.

She is probably the type of girl you can have a lot of fun with ... but you better sleep with one eye open

It would probably be more like a praying mantis thing where you wouldn't be alive afterwards.

[CallMeBloodshot]

Not a bad first issue by any means, just not on the same level as X-O, Bloodshot or Quantum & Woody as far as first issues go.

The writing was good, but I felt it went by kind of fast. Usually a good issue takes me 10-15 minutes to read, while taking my time looking through the art. But this was pretty straight forward (story as well as art) and it felt like I was done with it rather quickly. Not that that's a bad thing necessarily, just a fast read. So take that for what you will.

Now for the art: I have to say I think Hairsine is a fine artist for the most part, and a spot on choice for this book, but I couldn't help but shake a familiar feeling looking at Gilad on that first page (second panel). And then I realized, it's Hairsine's faces. Or maybe the odd way he draws his eyes. But the reason I felt it looked familiar is because it looks EXACTLY like his cover picture of Charlie Palmer from Harbinger Wars 3. Look at it yourself, they are the exact same faces lol.

So I guess I notice the same issue with Hairsine that I did with Khari Evans. Their faces can be very "copy and paste", and are little in the way of variety, at least from what I've seen so far. Maybe it's because they have such distinct styles, but either way I still like both of these artists a lot, but it definitely takes me out of the story a bit as I have to stop and be like "Oh *SQUEE*, it's Charlie Palmer!". So that hurts the rating for me a bit.

All that aside, I have to say this might be one of Valiant's best covers. This cover alone (along with the big "#1" stamped on it) should pull in new readers.

I give it a 3.5/5. Pretty good issue. But it was rather light on story. Not to be unfair, but Quantum & Woody fit tons of stuff in that first issue and it worked great. So I guess I expected more. Anyway, I'm still fairly excited for issue 2.

[CallMeBloodshot]

Here's my dilemma with the book:

If you were a first time reader and not a Valiant fanatic, does that story leave you with enough oomph to make you spend four books on the next issue? I don't really know the answer to that question since I already have a lot of love for the character and will buy it regardless.

I thought this first issue was just OK. I'm going to give the entire first arc a chance, but if I was a first-time reader of Valiant I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy further issues of this title based on this first release.

the guys immortal and fights for the Earth...what else do you need to know Its hard to look at it from the perspective of a new reader, but I would think, "OK. Here's a bad *SQUEE* immortal dude who walked away from all the fighting and war in the world. He had this crazy daughter...oh snap she's still alive! And who are these guys coming after them!?! Cant wait to find out more in the next issue. Hopefully he's not just another Wolverine knock-off."

Exactly.

I was reading what you said and it all sounded like an Unforgiven-style Wolverine. I really don't want that kind of story, it's been done too many times. "I used to be a killer, but thats all behind me now" (all the while we patiently wait for him to inevitably "snikt his claws" and go berserk). Sound familiar?

[BugsySig]

Here's my dilemma with the book:

If you were a first time reader and not a Valiant fanatic, does that story leave you with enough oomph to make you spend four books on the next issue? I don't really know the answer to that question since I already have a lot of love for the character and will buy it regardless.

I thought this first issue was just OK. I'm going to give the entire first arc a chance, but if I was a first-time reader of Valiant I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy further issues of this title based on this first release.

the guys immortal and fights for the Earth...what else do you need to know Its hard to look at it from the perspective of a new reader, but I would think, "OK. Here's a bad *SQUEE* immortal dude who walked away from all the fighting and war in the world. He had this crazy daughter...oh snap she's still alive! And who are these guys coming after them!?! Cant wait to find out more in the next issue. Hopefully he's not just another Wolverine knock-off."

Exactly.

I was reading what you said and it all sounded like an Unforgiven-style Wolverine. I really don't want that kind of story, it's been done too many times. "I used to be a killer, but thats all behind me now" (all the while we patiently wait for him to inevitably "snikt his claws" and go berserk). Sound familiar?

Well, in all fairness he was always kind of a Wolverine knock off, but who could blame them given the popularity of the character at the time?

[jmatt]

I thought it was nicely crafted piece of storytelling

The battle wasn't inconsequential - it was mainly used as an introduction to Xaran

Right. But whether they won or lost is neither here nor there, and we have no idea why it was being fought. Inconsequential, for now. Perhaps they will flesh it out more but I doubt it, we didn't even get the name of 'the wizard'; I'm assuming it's a geomancer.

- probably one of the more interesting new characters that VEI has created and showed her extreme nature including KILLING her own brother. I think that's one of the more pivotal moment in Gilad's long life

And I thought the Gilad inner monologue was very well written and really gave a nice glimpse inside his head.

I'll grant you that; the book had good characterization.

[jmatt]

And then I realized, it's Hairsine's faces. Or maybe the odd way he draws his eyes.

That was a peeve for me, the faces. There's one panel where I stop every time I've seen it and say "That's Gilad?"

The elephant panels were super cool (thought the flat, two-dimensional tusks looked a bit off though).

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

i believe the correct term is "AWESOME SAUCE"!
I really really liked this book! I stayed away from the previews, and had no preconceived notions going in, other than I wasn't a fan of Hairsine's work on X-O. But his art here kicked *SQUEE*! Sure his face looked the same as his other characters, but that's just his style! That's how most artists work. Clayton Crain? Hello? My favorite artist of all time, Mark Bagley draws the same face over and over again! I'm alright with that.
I thought the art was great, and for someone who wasn't such a big EW fan back in the day (I mean, let's face it, it was pretty downhill after Unity) I was really into this book. By NOT over-analyzing it, I really just enjoyed it. The elephants were badass, and so was Xaran.
Confused about the dog thing, sure, but I'm sure all will be explained. Liked the panel with the gray hair. Hee hee.
Very happy with the debut of Eternal Warrior. Definitely in for the next issue!

[lorddunlow]

I'm confused by the lukewarm response. I thought this issue was awesome! Art was great. Xaran is bad-*SQUEE*!

Can't wait to see more!

[mateo107]

I really looked forward to this book (and still do), but it didn't feel like it was a strong #1.

I'll admit, part of it was because I read all the previews and so I felt like I had read almost the whole issue already, which I had. another part was that my excitement for this book was kind of drained by my excitement for Unity.

still, even trying to approach it with new eyes (some of the dialogue had been noticeably re-written, so that helped) I'm still not sure if enough happened in it to hook somebody who wasn't already planning to buy the series. I don't know if there was enough characterization here to let new readers connect with Gilad, it seems like the goal of this series right off the bat is world-building multiple "houses" like the different rings in Green Lantern, but this might be a little too early on for that.

despite my criticisms, I'm still excited about the book and have high hopes for the first arc, as long as things start to happen in the next issue.

[CallMeBloodshot]

Here's my dilemma with the book:

If you were a first time reader and not a Valiant fanatic, does that story leave you with enough oomph to make you spend four books on the next issue? I don't really know the answer to that question since I already have a lot of love for the character and will buy it regardless.

I thought this first issue was just OK. I'm going to give the entire first arc a chance, but if I was a first-time reader of Valiant I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy further issues of this title based on this first release.

the guys immortal and fights for the Earth...what else do you need to know Its hard to look at it from the perspective of a new reader, but I would think, "OK. Here's a bad *SQUEE* immortal dude who walked away from all the fighting and war in the world. He had this crazy daughter...oh snap she's still alive! And who are these guys coming after them!?! Cant wait to find out more in the next issue. Hopefully he's not just another Wolverine knock-off."

Exactly.

I was reading what you said and it all sounded like an Unforgiven-style Wolverine. I really don't want that kind of story, it's been done too many times. "I used to be a killer, but thats all behind me now" (all the while we patiently wait for him to inevitably "snikt his claws" and go berserk). Sound familiar?

Well, in all fairness he was always kind of a Wolverine knock off, but who could blame them given the popularity of the character at the time?

Well he could be a Wolverine knock off or he could come off as his own unique character. I'd rather the latter

[BugsySig]

Here's my dilemma with the book:

If you were a first time reader and not a Valiant fanatic, does that story leave you with enough oomph to make you spend four books on the next issue? I don't really know the answer to that question since I already have a lot of love for the character and will buy it regardless.

I thought this first issue was just OK. I'm going to give the entire first arc a chance, but if I was a first-time reader of Valiant I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy further issues of this title based on this first release.

the guys immortal and fights for the Earth...what else do you need to know Its hard to look at it from the perspective of a new reader, but I would think, "OK. Here's a bad *SQUEE* immortal dude who walked away from all the fighting and war in the world. He had this crazy daughter...oh snap she's still alive! And who are these guys coming after them!?! Cant wait to find out more in the next issue. Hopefully he's not just another Wolverine knock-off."

Exactly.

I was reading what you said and it all sounded like an Unforgiven-style Wolverine. I really don't want that kind of story, it's been done too many times. "I used to be a killer, but thats all behind me now" (all the while we patiently wait for him to inevitably "snikt his claws" and go berserk). Sound familiar?

Well, in all fairness he was always kind of a Wolverine knock off, but who could blame them given the popularity of the character at the time?

Well he could be a Wolverine knock off or he could come off as his own unique character. I'd rather the latter

Oh, definitely. I just meant that the comparisons are bound to be made. I think Gilad quickly moved from knock off to his own character in VH1, and I don't see that being an issue here either if handled properly. The addition of the Houses and the inclusion of the Geomancers definitely helps to establish Gilad's own mythology. I think in many ways he could be more like a Thor/Ares archetype for VEI.

[jmatt]

I'll admit, part of it was because I read all the previews and so I felt like I had read almost the whole issue already, which I had.

That's why I have sworn off reading the teasers and previews and art page releases. With AA #10, I felt like I had seen the best pages of the book already.

[Peter]

A mighty fine first issue, we are given a glimpse into Gilad's past that is vital to this particular story, and where he is at in the present, let the story begin. Yeah, the houses bit is going to be interesting.

This is just a prologue of course and I couldn't possibly rate it yet until more of the story unfolds, but already can't wait for the second issue. I just hope they can give us a few more pages of story in the next one, as it did seem to be a very quick read. Great battle scenes though.

Little brown shacks seem to be popular in the Valiant universe

[NapoleonBlownapart]

Very solid issue. I love the fact that there was a lot of inner monologue, first with Xaran in the past and then with Gilad in the present.

Lots of interesting stuff and more questions, as you state. I didn't mind the sketchy feel of the artwork. I think it was appropriate for the time period and the battle.

One question about the Nergal...doesn't this curse affect resemble Shadowman? Wonder if there might be some connection, not directly with the Shadowman created by Sandria but perhaps indirectly...? Admittedly, I might be reaching.

I also wonder where the present sequence fits into the timeline of the other books. Does this take place prior to Gilad's encounters with A&A and then X-O? Or is it after?

I'm not 100% positive, but I thought I heard before that this first arc is supposed to be before the A&A #5 appearance.

That would seem to make more sense. He steps away, comes back (in this arc), and then starts dealing with the likes of Aram, Archer and Aric... (A&A&A?!)

Yep... even helps explain how Buck McHenry could be kidnapped. Gilad was off the clock, and not on top of protecting the Geomancer.

What the what?


Anyways, I'll admit that I wasn't too big of a fan of the opening fight against the Nergal and I feel like it went on far too long, but I liked the later 1/3 of this issue where he's chilling out in the Serengeti and Xaran shows up. Either way, this is still way better than Shadowman.

[Peter]

As I have already said, I really enjoyed this issue and really looking forward to more, and here comes the but....

Is it just me or did anyone else find it a bit strange that six thousand years ago Gilad was wearing 20th Century trousers with a belt and a fly in the front

Unless of course Ivar gave them to him.

[BugsySig]

As I have already said, I really enjoyed this issue and really looking forward to more, and here comes the but....

Is it just me or did anyone else find it a bit strange that six thousand years ago Gilad was wearing 20th Century trousers with a belt and a fly in the front

Unless of course Ivar gave them to him.

As a history teacher, the fact he was wearing those, especially the belt with the buckle, jumped out to me right away. He probably shouldn't have even been wearing pants.

[lorddunlow]

As I have already said, I really enjoyed this issue and really looking forward to more, and here comes the but....

Is it just me or did anyone else find it a bit strange that six thousand years ago Gilad was wearing 20th Century trousers with a belt and a fly in the front

Unless of course Ivar gave them to him.

As a history teacher, the fact he was wearing those, especially the belt with the buckle, jumped out to me right away. He probably shouldn't have even been wearing pants.

Penis to the wind, then?

[Elveen]

I'll admit, part of it was because I read all the previews and so I felt like I had read almost the whole issue already, which I had.

That's why I have sworn off reading the teasers and previews and art page releases. With AA #10, I felt like I had seen the best pages of the book already.

I don't ever read or look at the previews.

previews = (at least for me, I know I'm going to be buying the book)