Unity #17
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The good
Great character development, entertaining story. Livewire shutting down bank robbers
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The bad
It's been a few issues since Unity has had a new story arc
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The ugly
- Total score
Unity #17 has Livewire adjusting to her new life in between missions considering the publicity surrounding Unity since GIN-GR’s involvement was revealed. This issue opens up with Livewire leaving at the conclusion of Unity’s last mission with GIN-GR so they could move the newly captured prisoners to a secure location. It’s been nonstop for them since the Armor Hunters invasion, and one thing Livewire hasn’t been able to do is work on new technology in the lab. And she’s also been the stabilizing force for the team so she knows the importance of her role. However, since Faith left the team she’s had to adapt her suit to be able to fly to fulfil that function on the team as well. So she’s been looking forward to some R&R to be able to unwind. And she can’t stop thinking about Ninjak either. One of the activities she used to do regularly was volunteer at the orphanage since she was once an orphan herself, and she has done much to transform it. But with the recent negative publicity surrounding Unity she’s informed that the agency no longer needs her as a volunteer because of the negative publicity it brings to it. So considering so much has changed in recent months, can Livewire adapt to her newfound notoriety in order to establish a personal life outside of Unity missions?
Ninjak and Gilad had their solo stories focusing on their personal lives in between missions the past couple of issues, and they were quite enjoyable. So I was looking forward to Livewire getting the same treatment, considering she’s one of the more unique and entertaining characters in the Valiant Universe. Unlike the past 2 issues this one showed the immediate aftermath of the team’s encounter with the United, so I appreciated how that was handled with GIN-GR. It also addressed Faith leaving the team, and considering the interesting upgrade to Livewire’s suit, I’m all on board for that. However, this issue didn’t just focus on her role as de facto leader of Unity but also her personal life and her activities outside of missions. And I enjoyed the character development showing what drives her at times from growing up as an orphan to her personal relationships in a mature way. And some of what was revealed will most likely affect the team interactions at some point in future issues. And that’s part of what made this issue slightly more enjoyable than Ninjak and Gilad’s solo stories. The other two felt more like one-shot stories while this one also addresses things going forward in addition to giving insight into Livewire as a character.
There was also some action, and it was entertaining despite being of the bank robbery variety. And that was due to the way Livewire resolved it in a way only she could. And I have to say I’m more excited for what’s ahead for Unity after this issue so it was definitely worth checking out.
SUMMARY
Unity #17 is an entertaining issue giving insight into Livewire’s personal life especially in the wake of GIN-GR being revealed to the world. Unlike the past 2 issues this one connects to the battle against the United, and as a result, gives a little insight into the overall impact on the team. The action was relatively unique and exciting, showing why Livewire is such an enjoyable character. So I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for Unity as a whole even more now.
Release Date: 4/15/15
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Pere Perez
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