Rai #4

[Ibero]

Solid end of the arc, really think it would read even better in trade.

And for the next arc looks like were are getting more of a team with spylocke, looking forward for that.

Also what they do to the earth, i think the eternal emperor should do something about that.

[bygranddesign]

I thought it was good, solid ending to a great arc

Not as meaty of a read as the previous issues - some interesting things happen - but no great revelation that was hoping for (like Bloodshot or Harada is father type coolness)

Rai going crazy when he finds out the truth seemed like a bit of a stretch - or maybe Spylocke is stretching the truth to justify eliminating Rai.

And Rai seems to be playing both sides now

A lot of intrigue, a lot of big questions remain - I do wish there were more answers revealed especially since there is a huge break now.

Gorgeous art once again by Crain

[pixierosa]

Another great issue. Good storywriting and beautiful arc. Sad to have to go on break but I agree it's the best choice.

I, too, struggled a bit with Rai going "berserk" and killing so many of the raddies, but it may be part of his "programming" that they are the enemy. Some interesting revelations. Interesting how "father", despite being an AI, will lie to manipulate/control people. Different twist than the usual AI approach of humans not being logical - eliminate, etc.

[BugsySig]

I just thought this was OK.

I also don't quite get the Rai's going crazy thing. I suppose it could be his programming trying to make sense of his humanity, but it seems thin to me.

I was also expecting more of a reveal about Father. This may still be yet to come, as a connection to Bloodshot, Harada and/or Project Rising Spirit seems obvious.

Also, was Rai's mother being kept alive for hundreds of years? 10 Rai's who have been around for a thousand years, all with the same mother?

[greg]

All I know is that I want more... and if it takes until December to get more at the same level of quality, I'll gladly wait.

But if I could have more next month, that would be much better.

[David_Cody]

I didn't think it was good, but I thought it was great! I have loved 01-04 thus far.

I think the entire tone, the writing, the art, the EVERYTHING is brilliant...

But then I have DESPISED for the most part, Archer & Armstrong / Quantum & Woody and thought them to be the bane-woodled chaff of a horrible idea gone terribly wrong.



I like what I like.

[Ramses818]

I loved this issue. I think it made very good sense for why he was killing the Raddies.... Because they killed his mother! He wasn't going crazy he was mad. He wanted a pound of flesh so to speak. I think it was a great evolution that he's been recycled. It didn't say that all of 10 Rai's were the same just that the last two are the same. I do believe they have told us exactly who father is in the one panel. I also thought it was very interesting that father created Japan and then created Rai. I think it's very cool that the map from Rai one is the one that Lulu Drew. Is Matt Kindt channeling his inner little girl? LOL. Clayton Crain's art is top notch as always . I also am very curious with the Pt from issue 1. Matt likes to put these women in issue 1 and then leaving them alone (like Unity 1) and you just get the feeling that something big is percolating. Though I am a little biased...lol

[DirtbagSailor]

You know, Rai issues #1-4 have been nothing short of a complete victory for all of us fans.

They have expanded the Valiant universe, introduced interesting new characters, and provided some of the most visually stunning pages availibe anywhere.

The world of 4001 is full of potential, and I am excited to see where this goes...

DBS

[Blood of Heroes]

I think it's very cool that the map from Rai one is the one that Lulu drew.

This was my favorite part of the book.

[Michael_Ayer]

Love it.

Do you think the different Silks operate independently?

What do you think of the independent positron with the parrot on shoulder on last page?

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

What do you think of the independent positron with the parrot on shoulder on last page?

Yeah, I was intrigued by that random panel! Overall, a very interesting read. Shame to have to wait til December, but I believe Crain's art is worth the wait.
Loved the map as well. Hah!
Crazy how they just blasted Earth, and then the news spun it to sound positive. What's really going on there?

[bribri]

Also, was Rai's mother being kept alive for hundreds of years? 10 Rai's who have been around for a thousand years, all with the same mother?

I don't think they all had the same mother.

[greg]

On the page that shows all the Rai (is Rai both singular and plural, or should it be Rais?)...

Do the number of red stripes from the center circle indicate which generation they are?

Is the solid red one the first one? Or was he (even partially) human?

[greg]

Father mentions making Rai like the ancient tale of Izanagi.

Izanagi is often referenced as "Izanagi and Izanami" because Izanagi had a sister.

[greg]

As Rai is running through the various levels of Japan that aren't on the network...
(He says he's afraid to go (back) into the network, so these places AREN'T on the network.)

... he runs through the garden of Harada's childhood.
(Yes, many Japanese gardens probably look like that... but we've specifically seen that garden in Valiant before... Harada.)

... he runs through a full city with flying cars... not on the network?
(Made me think of NorthAm)

... he runs through a factory where positrons appear to be receiving... muscles and skin?
(That caption says "like my mother" ... was she a hybrid? Capable of giving birth?)

[dornwolf]

Love it.

Do you think the different Silks operate independently?

Would make sense since Silk seems to somehow of kept himself alive and yet activated his cloning system to create the the 14th generation. Unless the first one we met was simply a front. As when Silk was mentioned again I thought it was the one we first met with Rai not what seems to be the original or the closest thing to the original at this current time.

Agree with everything else, solid writing great art, nice to content and not splash page upon slpash page with a single sentence (I'm looking at you Geoff Johns on Superman)

However it would've been nice to see what Father looks like. Rai didn't need to physically see him but it would've been nice for us readers.

[Ramses818]

... he runs through the garden of Harada's childhood.
(Yes, many Japanese gardens probably look like that... but we've specifically seen that garden in Valiant before... Harada.)

Could this be the same garden as our time bending friend the Bleeding Monk?

[jmatt]

I have to say that I am enjoying the series and especially the growth of the Valiant universe. But I am confused as to the big picture. Why does it play out like this over and over?

I'll have to read them all back to back to see if it makes more sense that way.

[hawkeyeps]

... he runs through the garden of Harada's childhood.
(Yes, many Japanese gardens probably look like that... but we've specifically seen that garden in Valiant before... Harada.)

Could this be the same garden as our time bending friend the Bleeding Monk?

What about when Bloodshot was chillin' and Goldy Boy was fixing his brain, he was sitting in a Japanese garden

[KXXX]

... he runs through the garden of Harada's childhood.
(Yes, many Japanese gardens probably look like that... but we've specifically seen that garden in Valiant before... Harada.)

Could this be the same garden as our time bending friend the Bleeding Monk?

What about when Bloodshot was chillin' and Goldy Boy was fixing his brain, he was sitting in a Japanese garden

The future ain't what it used to be. I feel like there have been many developments, from subtle hints to almost-promises, that simply won't end up being as the books and company progress.

[jmatt]

Here's something I hope to see reconciled quickly: We are being presented with a universe teeming with alien intelligence in AH. But 2000 years later, there's no sign of it, at least from what we've seen in EW and Rai.

[BugsySig]

Here's something I hope to see reconciled quickly: We are being presented with a universe teeming with alien intelligence in AH. But 2000 years later, there's no sign of it, at least from what we've seen in EW and Rai.

It was said that Earth was the furthest out the Hunters had gone...but you are right it should be mentioned at some point.

Of course, who's to say we haven't seen any aliens in Rai yet? Spylocke, anyone

[jmatt]

It was said that Earth was the furthest out the Hunters had gone...but you are right it should be mentioned at some point.

One would think that 2,000 into the future, we'd have established some contact with these other races. It would make for a much more interesting comic book universe, to be sure.

[lorddunlow]

First of all, I LOVE this book! It is soooooo awesome. I'm enjoying the feeling of being lost in the mystery. It seems to be a common thread in Kindt's writing (Ray feels very similar to Bloodshot #0). Can't wait to go further down the rabbit-hole.

Here's something I hope to see reconciled quickly: We are being presented with a universe teeming with alien intelligence in AH. But 2000 years later, there's no sign of it, at least from what we've seen in EW and Rai.

It was said that Earth was the furthest out the Hunters had gone...but you are right it should be mentioned at some point.

Of course, who's to say we haven't seen any aliens in Rai yet? Spylocke, anyone

The last issue of X-O showed the armors converging on the home planet and also mentioned them re-contaminating previously decontaminated worlds - perhaps the ultimate outcome of that is virtually all life in our galaxy is wiped out.

[BugsySig]

First of all, I LOVE this book! It is soooooo awesome. I'm enjoying the feeling of being lost in the mystery. It seems to be a common thread in Kindt's writing (Ray feels very similar to Bloodshot #0). Can't wait to go further down the rabbit-hole.

Here's something I hope to see reconciled quickly: We are being presented with a universe teeming with alien intelligence in AH. But 2000 years later, there's no sign of it, at least from what we've seen in EW and Rai.

It was said that Earth was the furthest out the Hunters had gone...but you are right it should be mentioned at some point.

Of course, who's to say we haven't seen any aliens in Rai yet? Spylocke, anyone

The last issue of X-O showed the armors converging on the home planet and also mentioned them re-contaminating previously decontaminated worlds - perhaps the ultimate outcome of that is virtually all life in our galaxy is wiped out.

That is a possibility.

As discussed in the Armor Hunters thread, after the massive destruction of the event, a very anti-alien sentiment is likely to emerge. Perhaps to a point where Earth becomes isolationist and/or extremely aggressive to alien races. Armorines and/or HARD Corps could become an inter-stellar defense force who evolve into PsiLords.