Eternal Warrior #2

by kanchilr1 on October 08, 2013

Writer Greg Pak Artist Trevor Hairsine

 

Introduction

 

Greg Pak has been on fire as of late with some astounding superhero work. Amidst a sea of dull Villain’s Month issues, his were some of the only ones to stand out. The writer brought an interesting approach to each different antagonist, which made readers never feel cheated or out of breath. The first issue of Eternal Warrior showed the same kind of ingenuity focusing on the mistakes of the character, and how he is really trying to do better even though he has done terrible things. This title brings a completely different approach to characterization, with X-O Manowar being the dramatic foil to the hero. Aric of the sister book has been enduring some harsh experiences, yet he still chooses to fight like a complete idiot. The titular hero of this book has not been propelled further in time, instead he had to endure all of the hardships that age can bring. It was interesting see a man at the edge of his world starting to get older coming to terms with his life. Unfortunately, there may not be the room to keep the solo adventures of the character interesting long term. They also may have trouble tying him into the ongoing Unity series in addition to attempting to make a cohesive story. If anyone can deal with these problems head on, it is the one and only Greg Pak.

 

Writing

 

There is an interesting story direction taken in the sense that Gilad’s daughter does not seem much younger than him due to body type. The wild young reckless girl is protected in the form of her relaxed father. Pak plays up the different sides of the two characters well, as it could come off creepy in the form of a lesser writer. The flashback sequences do not add a whole lot to the character of The Eternal Warrior. It does show what he could be possibly feel guilty or repent for. It also shows him taking the first steps toward his newer outlook on life developed at the start of this series. The story has a clear and interesting main character and takes some new leaps plot wise with this opening issue.

 

Artist

 

Trevor Hairsine continues the great new trend of massively cleaning up his style. This new work is leaps and bounds above some of the tough material readers had to suffer through in issues of X-O Manowar. The artist has many lines that can start to tear the storytelling to bits with a lack of clarity. Thankfully, the toned down stylistic decisions has made the artist grow leaps and bounds from previous work. Characters occasionally look scratchier than they should, but this is a still a massive leap for the penciller. Brian Reber assists masterfully, the flashback sequences look visually distinctive. They do not come to the expense of the story or tone presented in the title. There is almost a sense of Eastern flair in his artwork that gives a dramatic foil to the older setting. Readers that give this book a chance will not be disappointed by the visual aspects of this comic.


Conclusion


The Eternal Warrior is well drawn, written, and paced. There is no reason why this finely crafted comic should not be on the radar of you and the people you care about. Check this out so it does not get canceled and I can keep reading it!

Our Score:

8/10

A Look Inside