Bloodshot #2 discussion

[manga4life]

I just bought the issue along with Harbinger #3 and read it when I got home and man, what an amazing second issue. I love the scenes of Bloodshot talking to himself as the people around him try to figure out what to do, his escape from the van was written really well and the rest of the issue played out perfectly, what a ride this was! I loved the ending, I can't wait to see what the 3rd issue brings to the table and it seems to me that Bloodshot may have met a girl that could play an important part to the story moving forward, or at least it seems so. Also, the girl who they had captive, I'm betting she holds some clues at to Bloodshot's true identity and past and will probably become an important figure moving forward.

Valiant has done it again!

[Xtianhardy]

That fight scene onboard the plane was so BRUTAL.

This is some hardcore military sci-fi right here.

I'm still wondering if/when Iwatsu will figure into this story somehow. Also, who's that mystery girl locked up by the PRS?

Great second issue. Better than the first imho even if there were fewer twists and turns.

[400yrs]

Also, who's that mystery girl locked up by the PRS?

That was nuts.


Great second issue. It read just a tiny bit short, but with art like that, I don't care. This book is certainly living up to its name. I kind of wished they showed him snacking on the cows.

This is my favorite title of the line so far because I can't predict the main plot like I can with Harby and X-O. Great stuff.

[greg]

I kind of wished they showed him snacking on the cows.

I'm hoping the nanites did the snacking.

[KXXX]

I love the violence in this series so far. Truly excellent.

[SJS4]

Wow, just finished reading this issue. I am loving this series so far, and I truly have no idea what the heck is going on.

Loved the fight on the plane and the scene in the ambulance was freaky but cool.

Gonna go reread issues #1 and #2 back to back now...

[SJS4]

Even better on second read.

I had forgotten about the opening scene in BS#1 with the little girl, so when I read #2 the first time it didn't click that this was that girl.

Also, when reading #1 before I never considered that the opening scene took place way before the rest of the comic (I guess at least 2 year since they have had her locked up that long).

Cannot wait to read issue #3, although if the current trend continues I will probably have more questions after reading #3 than before reading it.

[BugsySig]

Even better on second read.

I had forgotten about the opening scene in BS#1 with the little girl, so when I read #2 the first time it didn't click that this was that girl.

Also, when reading #1 before I never considered that the opening scene took place way before the rest of the comic (I guess at least 2 year since they have had her locked up that long).

Cannot wait to read issue #3, although if the current trend continues I will probably have more questions after reading #3 than before reading it.

I don't think that is the same girl. It is possible, I suppose, but I didn't get the sense that the girl who took down the drone in issue 1 is the girl from the end of issue 2, or that the scene took place two years ago. The recap even says BS was sent into Afghanistan to look for that girl.

Definitely interested in who that is and why she is so dangerous, though.

And a nice touch with needing to eat...can't keep regenerating muscle and bone without breaking down other matter. A good touch that limits BSs regenerative abilities...something people were worried about being used too often after issue #1.

[The Dirt Gang]

Holy SQUEE, Bloodshot's got no ding-a-ling!

I liked this issue a lot better than the first. Some really nutty (in a great way) stuff going on in this book and I really like how they're using elements of both VH1 and VH2 Bloodshot. The fight on the plane was brutal and great, and same for "The Goldies" getting their feast on.

I am curious to see where this goes. I feel like these first 2 issues have been all action and I'm looking forward to a little more characterization to help really bring me in. I think summer action movie is a pretty good description of what's been happening so far.

[400yrs]

And a nice touch with needing to eat...can't keep regenerating muscle and bone without breaking down other matter. A good touch that limits BSs regenerative abilities...something people were worried about being used too often after issue #1.

Yeah, that is a really cool thing they added in to limit his power. Plus, there's alot they can do with that. When it's time to jump the shark, they can do a "Bloodshot: Vampire" issue.

I am curious to see where this goes. I feel like these first 2 issues have been all action and I'm looking forward to a little more characterization to help really bring me in. I think summer action movie is a pretty good description of what's been happening so far.

I'm really enjoying this balls to the wall action stuff and wouldn't mind it for the rest of this arc (5 issues or whatever), but when they start building the character, the quality of the character building is going to either get me to love this series even more or drop it entirely.

[kevinbastos]

I have the most people pulling this at the store. It seems to be an easy sell. Harbinger has been the toughest. This was the first book I had read with VEI that didn't get better on the second issue.

[caxiotis]

I got to say that my first impression of Bloodshot #1 last month was that it was just okay. Today I reread issue #1 with issue #2 and thought they were both great. I think I just have a little prejudice based on VH1.

Anyway, stellar issue. I like that the "goldies" want Bloodshot to talk to them. Is Bloodshot a Harbinger like in VH1 or just a normal man?

I liked that the nanites needed protein for food. What other types of food do you guys think they will need?

...........Who is the girl that has been locked away for two year and has been asleep?????

Very cool issue and happy that I reread #1.

[BugsySig]

I have the most people pulling this at the store. It seems to be an easy sell. Harbinger has been the toughest. This was the first book I had read with VEI that didn't get better on the second issue.

Goes with an earlier theory I had that Bloodshot had the most name recognition/commercial appeal going into the launch. I might agree it didn't get better, but stayed at least equal to issue 1 with some added intrigue with the mysterious woman and more nanite insight.

Hate to hear that about Harbinger as it is easily my favorite book thus far. I guess there is no accounting for taste.

[jmatt]

Really liked this second issue. Digging the graphic ultra-violence. I like the moniker of "the goldies" and the fact that his memory implants can serve his purposes as much as PRS.

Interesting that PRS has a secret weapon in the girl, someone they apparently believe can make short work of Bloodshot. Can't wait to see what she's capable of, that's gonna be an intriguing confrontation.

I'm also enjoying the vengeance angle that Zinsky is setting up for the book.

The cargo plane he goes down in is a C-130J Super-Herc and rendered rather true. The snout shoulda been just a tad longer, but close enough. The standard C-130 Hercules has props with just 4 blades, the Super has 6 per prop, as we see in the book. Bonus points for attention to military detail!

The book is growing on me.

[400yrs]

I have the most people pulling this at the store. It seems to be an easy sell. Harbinger has been the toughest. This was the first book I had read with VEI that didn't get better on the second issue.

More than X-O? By alot?

[erwinrafael]

Bloodshot has this Wolverine appeal that makes him an attractive proposition for more mainstream readers.

[depluto]

Wow! I love this *SQUEE*!

[drmirage]

Just read Bloodshot #2 and here is what I thouth. I actually have a couple of rants. The colors on the pages and quality of the inside pages is great. Wished that the cover was more heaver in stock for a $3.99 book. I do find the VH1 Bloodshot story more to my liking. Seems less violent.

However, I have to mention that the cover looks amazing (the regular verson). (I do not have a 1:20 Variant)

I thought that this is just another quick read. (It took me less than 5 mins to read it all). As I was flipping / reading through the pages... I saw the last panel and said to myself... What? THATS IT? I didn't feel like it was worth the $3.99. IMOHO. (just being honest)

Lastly, is it only me or do other members think that the preview pages just take too much space and it should be removed to add more pages to the story. Something must be really wrong with me.

I think I just like Harbinger more.

I will have to re-read BS issues 1 and 2 back to back now.

[Zaphod]

felt short and I am tired of the previews. It made the sense for the first issue. now it is just cutting into original pages since I have decided to stop reading the previews so that the books don't feel so short to begin with.

[drmirage]

Zaphold. Likewise, I think the preview pages is fine for XO #5, but having 6 full pages in all the titles in a month is over. I think readers would rather just have more pages to the story. 6 preview pages including the splash cover of XO# 5 "Enter Ninjak" is just repetitive. We have already seen this in A&A #1 and Harbinger #3 already. Why have it in all the books? I am sure we are not the only ones agree on this.

When I look at each page of the book, here are the sections and what my opinion is of them.

Front Cover - Wonderful
1 page prevous summary - Great
22 story pages - Great but could be more (took less than 5 mins to read Bloodshot #2)
6 Page Sneak Peview Ninjak - Do we really need this for all the titles that month. (I dont remember VHI doing this)
1 Page Comixology Ad - Sure, not a problem.
1 Page Bloodshot #3 Ad (September) - Do we really need this? Maybe?
1 Page Harbinger #3 Ad (August) - There is already a full page ad on the back cover for August titles?
1 Page Warren Simmons Letter - Great.
1 Page NY Comic Con Ad - No problem with this ad
Back Cover (August Books) - Why do we need an ad for Bloodshot #2 if we already have it. This can be a full page of Ninjak preview)

I have mixed feelings about Bloodshot #2. I just like Harbinger much better. It was a longer read. I think A&A #1 was a longer read than Bloodshot #2

felt short and I am tired of the previews. It made the sense for the first issue. now it is just cutting into original pages since I have decided to stop reading the previews so that the books don't feel so short to begin with.

[nutflush76]

I have the most people pulling this at the store. It seems to be an easy sell. Harbinger has been the toughest. This was the first book I had read with VEI that didn't get better on the second issue.

The action in the book has been top-notch. The scene where he rips the pilot's arm off was great, as was the panel where BS has the shrapnel sticking out of him. I have the same complaint as every one else here. The story just seems too short. I feel like I am getting shortchanged with this book and it's one that I want to like, but I am having trouble getting into. Only 5 minutes with a book can do that for you.

It's kind of a shame that Harbinger is such a hard sell for you. I think it's the best of all the books so far! Although I guess it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that it's such an easy sell. Wasn't the original Bloodshot #1 one of the best-selling books of all-time? I had to wait in a line to get my copy!

[400yrs]

Zaphold. Likewise, I think the preview pages is fine for XO #5, but having 6 full pages in all the titles in a month is over. I think readers would rather just have more pages to the story. 6 preview pages including the splash cover of XO# 5 "Enter Ninjak" is just repetitive. We have already seen this in A&A #1 and Harbinger #3 already. Why have it in all the books? I am sure we are not the only ones agree on this.

When I look at each page of the book, here are the sections and what my opinion is of them.

Front Cover - Wonderful
1 page prevous summary - Great
22 story pages - Great but could be more (took less than 5 mins to read Bloodshot #2)
6 Page Sneak Peview Ninjak - Do we really need this for all the titles that month. (I dont remember VHI doing this)
1 Page Comixology Ad - Sure, not a problem.
1 Page Bloodshot #3 Ad (September) - Do we really need this? Maybe?
1 Page Harbinger #3 Ad (August) - There is already a full page ad on the back cover for August titles?
1 Page Warren Simmons Letter - Great.
1 Page NY Comic Con Ad - No problem with this ad
Back Cover (August Books) - Why do we need an ad for Bloodshot #2 if we already have it. This can be a full page of Ninjak preview)

I have mixed feelings about Bloodshot #2. I just like Harbinger much better. It was a longer read. I think A&A #1 was a longer read than Bloodshot #2

felt short and I am tired of the previews. It made the sense for the first issue. now it is just cutting into original pages since I have decided to stop reading the previews so that the books don't feel so short to begin with.

Seriously?



Most every VEI story has been 22 story pages. Yes, I've counted every single one. The first issues were longer (except for Archer and Armstrong which was a head-scratching 19 story pages), but #2 and on have been 22 story pages. That's a a whole TWO pages more than most 3.99 Marvel and DC books. Yes, most Marvel and DC books are now only 20 story pages. That's the standard now.

You aren't going to get more story pages if they cut out the previews or the ads. That's just not the way it works. It takes time and money to write and draw each of those pages. There's no page count fairy that comes and does those pages in an instant for free even if they eliminate the "filler".

I stopped reading the previews. The previews are there for people who aren't already committed to buying a book, but we are...... so why spoil part of the read for next month?


Do the previews have to be in every book? Sure. Not everyone is reading all the books. The world of comics is bigger than this site where nearly everyone will try each book.



Yes, Bloodshot #2 was a quick read, but I feel this story, at this point, lends itself to that right now. It's important for this book to start off with great, strong art to get the violence in this book across to be able to set up the pain of the character later. This was 22 pages, like Harbinger 3, but the stories are at different points and have to be told in different ways and both are firing correctly at this point, IMO.

[BugsySig]

Zaphold. Likewise, I think the preview pages is fine for XO #5, but having 6 full pages in all the titles in a month is over. I think readers would rather just have more pages to the story. 6 preview pages including the splash cover of XO# 5 "Enter Ninjak" is just repetitive. We have already seen this in A&A #1 and Harbinger #3 already. Why have it in all the books? I am sure we are not the only ones agree on this.

When I look at each page of the book, here are the sections and what my opinion is of them.

Front Cover - Wonderful
1 page prevous summary - Great
22 story pages - Great but could be more (took less than 5 mins to read Bloodshot #2)
6 Page Sneak Peview Ninjak - Do we really need this for all the titles that month. (I dont remember VHI doing this)
1 Page Comixology Ad - Sure, not a problem.
1 Page Bloodshot #3 Ad (September) - Do we really need this? Maybe?
1 Page Harbinger #3 Ad (August) - There is already a full page ad on the back cover for August titles?
1 Page Warren Simmons Letter - Great.
1 Page NY Comic Con Ad - No problem with this ad
Back Cover (August Books) - Why do we need an ad for Bloodshot #2 if we already have it. This can be a full page of Ninjak preview)

I have mixed feelings about Bloodshot #2. I just like Harbinger much better. It was a longer read. I think A&A #1 was a longer read than Bloodshot #2

felt short and I am tired of the previews. It made the sense for the first issue. now it is just cutting into original pages since I have decided to stop reading the previews so that the books don't feel so short to begin with.

Seriously?



Most every VEI story has been 22 story pages. Yes, I've counted every single one. The first issues were longer (except for Archer and Armstrong which was a head-scratching 19 story pages), but #2 and on have been 22 story pages. That's a a whole TWO pages more than most 3.99 Marvel and DC books. Yes, most Marvel and DC books are now only 20 story pages. That's the standard now.

You aren't going to get more story pages if they cut out the previews or the ads. That's just not the way it works. It takes time and money to write and draw each of those pages. There's no page count fairy that comes and does those pages in an instant for free even if they eliminate the "filler".

I stopped reading the previews. The previews are there for people who aren't already committed to buying a book, but we are...... so why spoil part of the read for next month?


Do the previews have to be in every book? Sure. Not everyone is reading all the books. The world of comics is bigger than this site where nearly everyone will try each book.



Yes, Bloodshot #2 was a quick read, but I feel this story, at this point, lends itself to that right now. It's important for this book to start off with great, strong art to get the violence in this book across to be able to set up the pain of the character later. This was 22 pages, like Harbinger 3, but the stories are at different points and have to be told in different ways and both are firing correctly at this point, IMO.

Agree 100%. Too often us 20%ers forget VALIANT has other readers to try to please and recruit. We are easy. We are going to be there to support them (at least through the early stages) even if we disagree with some practices. But the industry and VEI don't revolve around us. Warren himself has said he thanks the 20% for carrying the torch, but they are making comics for the other 80% who will be buying their books. That is the number that is variable and will grow, while we are a constant. In other words, they aren't growing old Valiant fans on trees, but new ones crop up all the time.

[The Dirt Gang]

In regards to the girl, wasn't there some mention of going to kill the daughter (I don't have the book in front of me)? Also, my initial thought upon seeing the girl was that this was Bloodshot almost like a Matrix kind of thing, except they both exist in the same plane. I thought that somehow this girl is psychically connected to Bloodshot. That was just my first impression but don't really have anything to back it up.

Bloodshot for me is just missing a little something. I'm blown away by a few scenes, i.e. the voices in his head, the airplane fight, the shrapnel in his chest, the nanites feasting, but at the end I just feel kind of like I'm missing something. Kind of a "that's it?" feeling. That being said it's only 2 issues in and still and enjoyable read. I'll looking forward to seeing where it goes.

[BugsySig]

In regards to the girl, wasn't there some mention of going to kill the daughter (I don't have the book in front of me)? Also, my initial thought upon seeing the girl was that this was Bloodshot almost like a Matrix kind of thing, except they both exist in the same plane. I thought that somehow this girl is psychically connected to Bloodshot. That was just my first impression but don't really have anything to back it up.

Bloodshot for me is just missing a little something. I'm blown away by a few scenes, i.e. the voices in his head, the airplane fight, the shrapnel in his chest, the nanites feasting, but at the end I just feel kind of like I'm missing something. Kind of a "that's it?" feeling. That being said it's only 2 issues in and still and enjoyable read. I'll looking forward to seeing where it goes.

I think the whole on the run/betrayal/revenge story is starting to become clear, but I think what is missing is the lack of a focus for the book right now. Issue 1 established the character and set up a conflict, issue 2 was just him escaping and not much else. Looking forward to issue 3 to kick into gear and establish the status quo the way I think XO #4 will.