X-O Manowar #31 has the Armorines launching their attack against an unsuspecting Aric. Since being selected as the U.N.’s inspector of Aric’s armor as part of the resolution to account for all extraterrestrial weapons, Zahn has been focused on destroying it. And that’s due to his own ego but also his business, which profits from providing the best weapons in all the world’s conflicts so in his mind it’s about eliminating the competition. This means he would be free to continue to manufacture various armors to maximize sales even if the only difference between some is just the color. He doesn’t want to make an all-purpose armor because that would mean he would have less to sell. Meanwhile, Aric has been busy celebrating the start of the new year with his family and the Colonel. None of them have ever seen fireworks before so it’s quite the spectacle to them. But the Colonel came to also inform him that in 2 days he’ll have to appear at a new International Extraterrestrial Technology Authority lab for inspection, and she’ll be there to monitor to make sure everything goes well. However, even she doesn’t know what Zahn has planned, and the last thing the world needs is an attack that would just create more distrust. Seems like the celebratory fireworks aren’t the only fireworks Aric will have to be dealing with soon.

Of course there would be action in this issue as well, and it would mainly consist of Zahn’s coordinated attack on Aric. And even though this was enjoyable, and clearly it all couldn’t be covered in one issue, I still wonder about the full capabilities of the armor since I have yet to see that. So that’s one of the many reasons I’m looking forward to next issue, and I can’t wait to see what happens.

SUMMARY

X-O Manowar #31 is an excellent follow-up issue as Zahn’s grand scheme to destroy Aric is put into motion in an intense and surprising manner. Zahn’s ruthlessness was on display last issue but this issue takes it up another level as his cunning mind is only matched by his arrogance and recklessness. Since the U.N. resolution was passed there have been issues brewing throughout the various Valiant titles, and Zahn’s actions could play a huge role in bringing all of that to a head. Even without greater repercussions it’s still an interesting time for Aric as he has his family established and happy, and this issue is the start of him addressing bigger problems in his new role, starting with Zahn. And it makes for a very entertaining read.

Release Date: 12/24/14

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Diego Bernard