Bloodshot Reborn #2

by Kalem Lalonde on May 20, 2015

Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Mico Suayan

The Valiant mini-series was a great read on every front. It was my first real gateway into the greater Valiant Universe as it introduced me to all of its heavy hitters. I truly liked every character but the comic didn’t shine any brighter than when Bloodshot was on page. I felt like this was character that is extremely one-note when done wrong but also incredibly complex when done right. Thankfully, Jeff Lemire has made my first Bloodshot series a complete joy to read. Bloodshot Reborn #1 was a great story of a soldier who didn’t know what to do with himself after a war and issue #2 is his return to the battlefield.

After Ray’s connection with the nanites has been severed, he’s gone a tad crazy. He’s being followed by two figments of his imagination, Kay and Bloodsquirt. The latter of which adds great comedic relief to a sad book, keeping it from becoming too gloomy. The way Lemire incorporates these characters into the narrative work quite well because they psychologically challenge Ray. They emphasize how broken of a person he’s become and suggest that he might even be going insane. His struggle with his new status-quo still remains the main attraction to this series as Lemire is really digging deep into this great character.

In terms of plot, Lemire uses a great sense of mystery to propel his story forward. Bloodshot catches up with the shooter from the previous issue, ensuing in an incredibly brutal and defining scene for the character. And though the motivation of the shooting is quickly explained, Lemire leaves a few questions up in the air about why there are public shooters with nanites. I’m certainly intrigued by Lemire’s story but I’m hoping he starts answering questions before the book starts to drag. Issue #2 thankfully doesn’t suffer from slow pacing but that’s because we’re just getting started with this series. I don’t doubt that Lemire will be able to pick up the pace when it becomes necessary.

Mico Suayan returns for art duties and impresses with his pencils once again. His art is extremely cinematic and powerful. His art’s meticulous craft adds a great weight of emotion to the character of Bloodshot while simultaneously making him scary and imposing. Suayan puts an incredible amount of effort into his art and it’s obvious from each page in Bloodshot Reborn #2.

Bloodshot Reborn #2 is the sophomore issue that solidifies this series as one of Valiant’s most interesting titles. Jeff Lemire’s new character-driven series makes Bloodshot one of the most compelling and complex characters in the Valiant Universe by portraying him as a tortured and potentially insane man. Lemire’s story has yet to truly develop but the sense of mystery is enough to keep readers interested in the plot. This is a great book that I would recommend to everyone, especially fans of the Punisher. 
 

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside