Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps #19 Discussion

[Keith]

Gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I wasn't overly crazy with the first issue of this arc, but this one turned out to be great combo of action and character development. Actually kinda give a damn about Vagabond now, and surprised to see that maybe Granite has a thing for Kozol!

And sneaky sneaky Bloodshot... why do I think a typical "hero" would have taken Oreck out, rather than going for the more selfish cure? I like that. The fine Valiant tradition of shades of grey heroes who don't just shut off their own self-interests.

Otherwise, only complaint is the Sears art and overly heavy inking at times.

[BugsySig]

I agree. This was one of my favorite issues since the new direction. We got some very good battle scenes, great background on Vagabond, insight into Granite, another Messiah complex inducing event for Disciple and a lead in to HARD Corps #0. The Sears art was also pretty good.

Bloodshot had a chance to shine a bit more here, too. HE's moving toward his split from PRS and back to a status quo operating solo and looking into his past.

[bygranddesign]

Yeah, I thought this was one of the stronger issues since Gage/Dysart took over.

Some really good and interesting scenes.

- The Vagabond scene with Chernobyl was nicely done - it gave some interesting background on Vagabond and inter-weaved it into a good kill.

- The way Bloodshot defeated Big Boy by shutting down the Cybernetics that were keeping him alive.

- And then the reveal by Oreck that the PRS is keeping Bloodshot under their thumb by alleviating the effects of the flaw in his nanites but have no intention of curing him. Bloodshot letting Oreck live for the cure was a nice twist.

Solid issue - but I'm really looking forward to HARD CORPS #0. Its looking really good.

[SJS4]

Really good issue. IMHO it was the best issue since before Harbinger Wars. Definitely seeing a path for Bloodshot to go back to being solo, which i think will be a major improvement.

[pixierosa]

I agree with the consensus here. This book felt meatier than earlier ones, too, even though I had read the previews. Seemed longer somehow.

The Vagabond storyline was one of the best they've had in a long while. Nice character development. That he still possessed enough brain cells and insight to recognize that the way to defeat the enemy wasn't force was a bit of a surprise, too. His is probably the best developed character background of any left on the team. The only other that we got to know much about was Superstar, and that was for his swan song.

So glad they let us see more of Bloodshot's character. Less Go Joe! mission. It was good to see that he is still on track in regards to uncovering his past and starting over.

Even the "bad guys" were more than one dimensional *SQUEE* kickers this time out. I approve. It's probably not the last that we will see of them.

Wonder how that cure will affect Bloodshot's memory? Him asking "why do you care?" to Palmer wasn't an effect of the drug, but it underscored the abandoned used needle in the foreground.

I'm looking forward to the crossover with A&A.

[hunter_peterson]

I agree with the consensus here. This book felt meatier than earlier ones, too, even though I had read the previews. Seemed longer somehow.

The Vagabond storyline was one of the best they've had in a long while. Nice character development. That he still possessed enough brain cells and insight to recognize that the way to defeat the enemy wasn't force was a bit of a surprise, too. His is probably the best developed character background of any left on the team. The only other that we got to know much about was Superstar, and that was for his swan song.

So glad they let us see more of Bloodshot's character. Less Go Joe! mission. It was good to see that he is still on track in regards to uncovering his past and starting over.

Even the "bad guys" were more than one dimensional *SQUEE* kickers this time out. I approve. It's probably not the last that we will see of them.

Wonder how that cure will affect Bloodshot's memory? Him asking "why do you care?" to Palmer wasn't an effect of the drug, but it underscored the abandoned used needle in the foreground.

I'm looking forward to the crossover with A&A.

I think the needle makes sense as both a possible weapon and a possible enticement to use on Bloodshot. Oreck knew he was coming after him and so carried something that would be useful in one way or another against the threat. That's just good strategy.

Loved this issue, especially Vagabond's kill. Great character work there. I wasn't so surprised that he could think of that due to them mentioning that the weed and alcohol don't affect his cognitive abilities beyond the high due to the implants, but it was still cleverer than I would have thought. Interesting.

Genius' near-fatal sacrifice was interesting too. He appears to be a good guy, which makes his mental deficiencies and what he's willing to go through to compensate for them much more tragic. But he'll probably get a TON of almost-died sex from Flatline.

I also hope we see the surviving Specialists. Big Boy and Sharpshooter seem to have escaped, so maybe they'll be a Bonnie and Clyde type threat for Bloodshot in the future? That'd be cool. Poor Chernobyl, though...

[Donovan]

Fantastic issue - possibly my favourite of the entire Bloodshot run! Chernobyl's death was beautifully written.

[mateo107]

I agree, this was my favorite issue of the series so far. every character had a moment to shine.

[MarrowMan]

Was a great issue. Was pleasantly surprised.

[KXXX]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but bleh.

The whole gag with the nanite cure just reeks of old-timey comic cliches and the art is so-so.

[dornwolf]

I second everyones comments on Vagabond being nicely filled out. This gives us a least three characters with decent enough backgrounds and info to hold a Hardcorps book. So as mentioned I can see the split coming very soon. The needle and Bloodshot using it along with PRS lying to him wasn't really a huge surprise but letting Orcheck go kinda was.

The one thing I haven't really seen mentioned is this, they did all that in 2 issues. They pushed the plot forward, introduced possible recurring villains, expanded one character, and set up a future arc for Bloodshot in 2 issues. I want more of that.

[Captain Craig]

While I've not had the issues some of you have had with HC taking a more centered presence in the title and enjoyed the title since issue #1 I agree that seeing Bloodshot with some more meat this issue was overdo and done well with his pages/panels.

Did I just say last issue how much a waste of space Vagabond was? Damn it, they then give us this issue where he shines and we get solid background info on him. I'm still not totally sure he's that solid of a team asset but at least now I can root for him some where before he was canon fodder as far as i was concerned.

I'm also curious about just how widespread of a "return to default settings & memory wipe" that Oreck's 'cure' will be. It struck me as interesting how Oreck said, "I won't even make you promise to not come after me." Now we and he can assume that would've been a hollow promise anyway BUT I suspect that Oreck's cure has some backdoor protocols he can activate on BS next encounter. Any takers on that one?

Was I the only one who thought Granite looked really hot floating in the air on that panel? That's all I got to say on that. This is at least the second time she's shown deep loyalty to Kozol but this time there seemed to perhaps be something a tad deeper even perhaps.

While I look forward to the A&A crossover I'm also very curious to see how they story of BS vs PRS/HC goes to return BS to solo title status goes. Wondering how much if any of that will take place in the Armor Wars mini.

[mateo107]

The one thing I haven't really seen mentioned is this, they did all that in 2 issues. They pushed the plot forward, introduced possible recurring villains, expanded one character, and set up a future arc for Bloodshot in 2 issues. I want more of that.

that's a great point, this issue felt loaded. in a good way. pages seemed to be maximized for story without ever seeming too crowded. I definitely want to see more like this.

[hawkeyeps]

This issue was a step up from the last one and I was glad to see BS&HC back in form as the high quality book it has been since Gage and Dysart took over.

The scene with Vagabond and Chernobyl was a classic, one of my favourite VEI moments for sure. Totally didn't see it coming and was like WOW when it happened.

I hope HARD Corps sticks around in some form after this whole shake up, it's been a big success IMO and I definitely want more.

[SJS4]

BTW I really liked the Sears art. Hope we see more from him in the future.

[xodacia81]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but bleh.

The whole gag with the nanite cure just reeks of old-timey comic cliches and the art is so-so.

I'm not a fan of Sears work, but I wouldn't be so quick to judge the "cure" yet, as I think the series, and VEI as a whole, have earned our trust to not just give us a simple "that's it" when something like this is introduced. I feel like there's more to this than an "all done" and if I were a betting man...

[KXXX]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but bleh.

The whole gag with the nanite cure just reeks of old-timey comic cliches and the art is so-so.

I'm not a fan of Sears work, but I wouldn't be so quick to judge the "cure" yet, as I think the series, and VEI as a whole, have earned our trust to not just give us a simple "that's it" when something like this is introduced. I feel like there's more to this than an "all done" and if I were a betting man...

I just can't dig it. This is the most comic-booky this book has ever felt and was one of the least so when it started.

To the best of my knowledge, this nanite issue wasn't a pre-existing problem. The introduction and resolution of a problem in rapid succession is, in my opinion, bad story telling. I also don't think Bloodshot would've just accepted it, even if his nanites were telling him it was real.

[xodacia81]

I guess I'm in the minority here, but bleh.

The whole gag with the nanite cure just reeks of old-timey comic cliches and the art is so-so.

I'm not a fan of Sears work, but I wouldn't be so quick to judge the "cure" yet, as I think the series, and VEI as a whole, have earned our trust to not just give us a simple "that's it" when something like this is introduced. I feel like there's more to this than an "all done" and if I were a betting man...

I just can't dig it. This is the most comic-booky this book has ever felt and was one of the least so when it started.

To the best of my knowledge, this nanite issue wasn't a pre-existing problem. The introduction and resolution of a problem in rapid succession is, in my opinion, bad story telling. I also don't think Bloodshot would've just accepted it, even if his nanites were telling him it was real.

I think either Bloodshot is playing a long game of his own, or there is something going on with PRS and/or Harada. There were things we didn't get to see. I'm fine with eventually explained odd behaviors. Not so fine with sudden, uncharacteristic shifts. It is too early to say it is the latter, or the former. Let's see where things go. If this persists, then there's a problem.

[kjjohanson]

Was I the only one who thought Granite looked really hot floating in the air on that panel? That's all I got to say on that.

I kinda thought it displayed the type of unrealistic body proportions for which we all make fun of Liefeld. It's actually one of the things that bothered me most about Sears's art these issues.

[kjjohanson]

Did anyone else think now it was maybe a tiny issue to have the team appear at the end of A&A#0: Archer? I mean, we expect members of H.A.R.D.Corps to die moreso than characters in other books. But anyone on that last page gets a pass.

[AnthonyF]

Finally read this issue, Wow - really enjoyed it. I could echo many of the positives you guys/gals mentioned. I'd have to check, but I thought Bloodshot's nanite problem was preexisting, after Toyo drained him following Harby Wars.

Sears is a blast on the book. I'm still not digging ChrisCross's art, just doesn't work for me. I didn't notice the credits had him, but then i reached the flashback The action doesn't flow for me, and seems forced into the panels (yeah, i know he only had 2 pages to squeeze it in).

More on Bar's art. Yeh, everyone has a square jaw, but Sears still gives them all a different look, so they don't all look perpetually stuck at 25 years old. Plus Bloodshot looks almost alien, not just a nondescript "white" guy. I hope they bring Sears back on this book.

Great 2 issue run!

[Aomalle27]

This was the only issue this week that I enjoyed. Nice little wrap up, but not too nice. Introduced another download "persuasion", and added depth to Vagabound's character. Showed BS ability to quickly adapt in the face of seemingly impossible odds, and also highlighted Grainites' loyalty to Kozol. Oreck sauntering off , to me, suggests he's also a psiot. How else avoid Harada for so long? PRS has been a thorn in Harada's side for a long time, why not just confront them head on and take the psiot children instead of doing it in a back door way in Harby Wars? Answer: cause there's a powerful psiot on the other end, and that psiot would be Oreck, how else explain how he always weasels a way out. Thinking he persuaded BS on the cure, (not really sure if BS took it, but it would usher in a way for him to break from PRS)

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

Yeah, like others here, this is almost the longest I've waited to read a Valiant issue since it was released. I liked it. ARt was cool, although seemed to kinda go in and out. I know that comment doesn't help, but I can't really explain it.... some lesser art here and there.
Loved the Vagabond kill. That should win for best kill this month. Extremely well written.
Am I the only moron that can't tell the difference between kozol and Oreck? How are they different? They seem pretty much like the same person to me.
but overall, entertaining issue.

[AnthonyF]

Am I the only moron that can't tell the difference between kozol and Oreck? How are they different? They seem pretty much like the same person to me.

Looks wise?
Morris Kozol has blond surfer hair and wears a suit and tie.
Simon Oreck has dark hair with a goatee, and wears Doctor Evil's outfit.

[jmatt]

The one thing I haven't really seen mentioned is this, they did all that in 2 issues. They pushed the plot forward, introduced possible recurring villains, expanded one character, and set up a future arc for Bloodshot in 2 issues. I want more of that.

that's a great point, this issue felt loaded. in a good way. pages seemed to be maximized for story without ever seeming too crowded. I definitely want to see more like this.

+1 Great issue. Best so far of the run. Everyone seems to approve of the Vagabond backstory, as do I. It's the story that matters. The characters and their flawed lives. More.

And the story seemed to go on and on. Marvelous after the quick read of X-O this month.

Sonny and Cher. Heh. I wonder how many readers born after, say, 1985 have no idea what that's a reference to.