Unity #1

Writer Matt Kindt Artist Doug Braithwaite

Introduction

 

Unity #1 has been agonizing to wait for. The last issues of X-O Manowar have been geared towards seeding the new book for a substantial amount of time. Writer Matt Kindt has a lot to do in just one issue. The author must assemble a team of anti-heroes, setup the current conflict, and make the issue slightly new reader friendly. Unlike most of the major publishers, Valiant has done a great job on making these stories focused, with some major plots and events happening since 2011. While they may be a small group of people, they are offering a home to some of the best talent in the industry. A case in point is Kindt and artist Doug Braithwaite. The two have been working in comics for quite a while, and are close to really establishing a name for themselves. Toyo Harada, Ninjak, X-O, and the Eternal Warrior are all very important characters, lets see if the newest character can be established, and if these anti-heroes can retain their unique voices during the saga.

 

Writing

 

Unity does a great job getting the team running, and setting the important moments into motion. The scripting is admirably tight here, and sets up fan favorite Ninjak in an interesting position. Fans have been loudly clamoring for a series starring the fabled ninja, hopefully after the appropriate amount of build up, the character will break out into a solo title. With a few pages Kindt shows that he is acutely aware of the different voices of each person in the title. He nails the evilness of Harada with subtle ease, the inner dialogue is breathtakingly simple, yet so sharp and on point. There is also a moment that seems dull, which unfolds into a central aspect of the book. X-O Manowar may be the most powerful being in the universe, and nothing can take down the armor from what readers have observed so far. The stakes are definitely here. Without a proper grasp of the full Valiant Universe readers will not understand why this is such a fun book. Those that do, are in for one hell of a ride.

 

Art

 

Braithwaite is a talent that has a very specific art style that needs to be evoked in a very a certain story sense. Luckily, this seems to be the right book. Matt Kindt does a great job writing for his artist here, there are many big fight scenes and a great sense of spectacle that the artist can render with wondrous ease. He does a good job filtering the emotion throughout the various fight scenes. His style melds well with the severity of the story. The character at the beginning looks pleasant and sympathetic, is a testament to the art that the bulkier heroes can look so imposing, yet still have correct anatomy. With more exposure, Braithwaite could be a very celebrated artist, unfortunately at times his images can look stiff. The storytelling can definitely be off, and some readers may liken the characters as statues as opposed to real people. Lots of panels with superimposed images, or some added motion blur help rectify some of those disadvantages.

 

Conclusion

Unity #1 has some twists and turns that will make this issue worth the wait. For those seeking the next organic movement of the Valiant Universe, or even a good comic book, look no further.