Reviews»Comic Books»X-O Manowar #30
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Kareem Ali 4.5

X-O Manowar #30

 

  • The good

    Enjoyable introduction to Zahn and the Armorines and the contrast with Aric. Global politics add more depth to start of story arc

  • The bad

    X-O Manowar action consisted only of another alien hound

  • The ugly

  • X-O Manowar #30 begins a new story arc where Aric learns that present-day politics can be treacherous and create their own set of problems just like war. It opens up with Phillip Zahn of Zahn Enterprises watching the news about Aric recently re-introducing himself to the world as X-O Manowar and leader of the new response team following the alien invasion. However his interest isn’t a casual one considering he’s in the business of technology and weapons development. Oh, and he’s also the leader of the Armorines, whose services always go to the highest bidder. And with the conflict raging in Iraqi Kurdistan, his services are currently needed so he makes his final preparations to head there. This isn’t the only development as a resolution is passed in the U.N. that determines the global monitoring of alien technology in light of the destructive power everyone witnessed. This resolution would require all the alien technology in the U.S. and UK’s possession to be examined by the U.N. so it’s not under the control of just one nation. This includes the X-O Manowar armor, and that means Aric will be pulled into this despite living a quiet life when not on a mission. He’s been loving his life with Saana and fellow Visigoths, and has finally found a purpose extending beyond these boundaries. But will this new status quo uproot his life and create enemies from places he would least expect if the secrets of his armor are revealed?

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    Since the Armor Hunters event it’s been pretty much about establishing the new status quo and setting up the story arc in all of Valiant’s series. X-O Manowar does the same as we’re shown Phillip Zahn, motivated by money and the thrill of action, conducting his business with impunity. An interesting contrast would be drawn between him and Aric, and not just physical appearances, but in their situations. Zahn would only care about the highest bidder and thrills as exhibited in the use of his armor while having sex with his secretary. Meanwhile Aric would be enjoying his relatively simple life with Saana and even though he would use his armor it would be for practical reasons that benefited both of them. It was interesting for both characters and should make their inevitable confrontation more exciting with their opposing personalities. And the concerns raised at the U.N., surprisingly led by the U.S. about the proliferation of alien technology provided an entertaining angle for the series of events that would take place this issue. I really like the way the impact of an alien invasion on the international community hasn’t been glossed over, and how it’s been used in a stimulating way to create a new story arc. And I really like how the Colonel has been used in her role and her interactions with other characters. The story with Zahn, the U.N. and the weapons inspections is just starting but I’m already intrigued and have a feeling this will be an engrossing story arc.

     

    SUMMARY

     

    X-O Manowar #30 is a very promising start to a new story arc with the intriguing Armorines led by Zahn, and the push in the U.N. to account for all alien technology. The contrast between him and Aric was presented in an entertaining way that immediately gave Zahn a context but his character wasn’t simply presented as a caricature. So I’m looking forward to their battle/interaction. And I’m also interested in how the politics will affect the status quo including the secrets still being kept by G.A.T.E.. So I’m on board with this new story arc and can’t wait to see how events unfold.

     

    Release Date: 11/20/14

    Writer: Robert Venditti

    Artist: Diego Bernard

     

  • Rating ( 8.75 )
  • Total score 8.8

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