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X-O Manowar has been a series that’s slowly been growing on me. I’ve liked the series overall but I always thought something was missing. Robert Venditti’s story has been solid and the writing was sharp but still something was missing. Even Cary Nord’s work, while impressing me, didn’t quite hook me into this world. Now that X-O Manowar #3 is released, I have to say I’m glad I stuck around to this point.

Within one issue Robert Venditti kicks X-O Manowar into high gear. It was symbolic last issue that once Aric got the armor in his possession, the real battle had begun. That’s the vibe I got from the start of this issue. A full blown action adventure epic that sets the series up for the next step. Venditti holds absolutely nothing back and engaged me the entire time. I felt now that the investment into this world paid off.

Cary Nord’s art in this issue is the best of the series to date. The sci-fi action movie of your dreams mixed in with a strong heart. That’s the best way I can describe it to you. The way Nord captures Aric’s emotions as he fights through the prison are spot on, engaging you into every aspect of his battle throughout the prison. His work on the aliens as they try and stop him and his army are exceptionally well done.

The added strength of this issue is Venditti’s way of relating us to Aric at this point in the tale.  I felt for him because all he wants to do by this point is to go back home. That’s all he wants. Such a nice emotional center in the midst of the grand battle he’s fighting. Especially by the end of the issue when you know one thing, Aric is not a happy man with what happens to him. Because sometimes in life you can’t go home again. The last image will be seared into my mind and I cannot wait for the next issue.

X-O Manowar is a comic that rewarded me in sticking around up to this point. I knew there was potential here and the potential is now starting to be met. If you haven’t been reading the series, I would recommend starting because X-O Manowar is on its way to becoming a can’t miss series. 

X-O MANOWAR #3 – ON SALE JULY 18th!

Written by Robert Venditti

Art by Cary Nord

Cover by Jelena Kevin-Djurdejevic (MAY121315)

Variant Cover by Mico Suayan (MAY121316)

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

(Source: valiantuniverse.com)