X-O Manowar #33 has Aric being warned about a new threat by Shanhara, his armor, and somehow it’s connected to his past on Earth centuries ago. Despite him being one of Earth’s mightiest heroes now there was a time when he was still fighting to protect his people from the Roman invaders. Yet there’s a particular moment in time Shanhara wants him to remember, and this issue opens up with Aric and Gafti ambushing Roman scouts attempting to gather information for General Stilicho’s attack. Aric is far removed from the young man who was once petrified of combat, and he’s the heir to the throne. But he’s not filled with arrogance, and still hasn’t become accustomed to the way his best friend Gafti addresses him as the heir. And that’s because he still takes joy in his current life, and loves spending time with his wife Deidre enjoying the stars, which he does later that night. The talk turns to what, if anything, possibly lies beyond the stars, and at that time it’s no concern of Aric’s. He only cares about the border and protecting his people. But that’s how he was able to miss another Roman scouting party earlier in the day. So Shanhara wants him to think beyond the Earth to reveal a new threat developing, and it’s taking him into out of space while he sleeps. What is this threat that has even the most powerful armor in the universe worried, and how does it tie into Aric’s past?

But the action really started after Aric and Deidre had their time together and reflected on what could lie beyond the stars, and talked about heroes and conquerors. It was fun seeing them in action together, and the way it was tied into the armor’s current actions with Aric’s dreams. The last story arc dealt with only earthly matters and this one is making it clear from the start that it’s expanding Aric’s realm and introducing strong cosmic elements. I won’t give anything away but as one who started reading X-O Manowar right before the Armor Hunters event I’m fascinated about the armor’s origin and the way it’s connected to other worlds and events. And seeing how this story arc will delve into cosmic events more and the armor’s origins, I have a feeling this story arc might even be better than the last one.

SUMMARY

X-O Manowar #33 is an excellent start to the new story arc and successfully introduces cosmic events while tying them to Aric’s character and past. I really enjoy how Aric’s character development is treated with consistency, and as a result it’s easy to become engrossed in the various situations. Not much is shown about the new threat but the sequence of events is very intriguing so I’m looking forward to seeing what unfolds next, and more about the prophecy. Rafa Sandoval provides great artwork in this first issue and I’m pleased with the choice. I thought that the last story arc was so dope and would be hard to top but I have high expectations for this one now too.

Release Date: 2/4/15

Writer: Robert Venditti

Artist: Rafa Sandoval