Armor Hunters: Bloodshot #3
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The good
Coordination between Bloodshot, Livewire and the Colonel results in another entertaining solution. Um....Bloodshot. Malgam becomes more intriguing
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The bad
Lack of backgrounds lessen the impact of exciting action sequences
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The ugly
- Total score
Armor Hunters: Bloodshot #3 continues with Bloodshot on the hunt for Malgam, the escaped former Armor Hunter who will stop at nothing for his freedom. However, Bloodshot is not on his own as Livewire and the Colonel are providing support from the Love Boat, M.E.R.O.’s current headquarters. Livewire informs Bloodshot that she has access to all the cameras in the sub-levels to help locate Malgam but he’s been able to effectively hide to this point. Bloodshot knows he’s close, and believes Malgam is still wounded from the battle with Lilt. Luckily, Livewire is able to detect Malgam’s heartbeat and give Bloodshot a heads up right before Malgam engages him. They battle but Malgam warns Bloodshot that the Armor Hunters are the true threat, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop them. Bloodshot seems to be unable to take Malgam on his own but one thing that’s clear is Malgam can’t be allowed to escape under any circumstances. And that means Livewire might have to bring down the entire facility and bury both of them. Can they find another way to defeat Malgam without sacrificing Bloodshot as well or since they’re both viewed as monster is this for the best?
There has been a lack of fights between the major characters throughout the Armor Hunter event but in this series Bloodshot gets to take on two. The latter isn’t a complaint because these fights have been intense and Bloodshot’s unique combination of skills has been showcased perfectly. And the coordination and teamwork with Livewire and the Colonel has been a pleasant surprise. So after last issue I was looking forward to Bloodshot’s battle with Malgam. And just like Livewire and Bloodshot were communicating about Malgam’s heart rate and it increasing, mine was increasing too in anticipation of action as Bloodshot got closer. It wasn’t a long drawn out one on one battle, and i could appreciate that considering the stature being given to the Armors so there could be no way Bloodshot could kill Malgam. So what was impressive was the sequence of events that actually unfolded and also the connection drawn to Bloodshot’s past. There would be more coordination like last issue but it wouldn’t feel repetitive because the plan this time was ultimately different. And if you enjoyed the way Bloodshot’s abilities were utilized last time, which I did, then you’ll love the way they’re utilized this time. The smile on my face kept getting bigger and bigger as I turned the pages because of the story and action. And I know that this series has mainly showcased Bloodshot but Livewire comes off impressively once again, and I really like this partnership they’ve had and I’m curious if there will be more story lines down the road featuring the two of them. Even Malgam wasn’t just a run of the mill bad guy, and the things he would say about his past with the Armor Hunters made me anxious to find out more, and I assume that will be revealed in the next X-O Manowar issue. Of course there’s plenty of action this issue too. The artwork was ok but I wasn’t wowed by any particular panel, and it was more about the overall action sequences. It definitely has its moments and I enjoy the style but at times it’s as if they’re fighting in a vacuum since many fighting panels don’t have a background. But all in all, this issue is still a very satisfying conclusion.
SUMMARY
Armor Hunters: Bloodshot #3 is a highly entertaining and action-packed conclusion to the series as Bloodshot’s place as my favorite Valiant character is solidified with this issue. The coordination between Bloodshot, Livewire, and to a lesser extent this time, the Colonel, works wonderfully again, and I’m really hoping to see more of this down the line because of how enjoyable it has been. And Malgam’s symbiotic relationship with the Armor, and his past with the Armor Hunters made him a compelling antagonist revealing some interesting tidbits. Overall the artwork was impressive but some of the fighting void of backgrounds lessened the impact of the characters’ intense actions in those panels. But I’m very satisfied with this series and can’t wait to see where things go from here.
Release Date: 9/17/14
Writer: Joe Harris
Artist: Trevor Hairsine
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