Back into action and danger; after the set-up we are ready to get into the heart of story and an enjoyable ride. The H.A.R.D. Corps have broken into HGC to break out Bloodshot. The problem is they need Bloodshot for part B of the breakout plan. The problem is Harada has infected him with a virus that makes the nanites attack Bloodshot instead of rebuilding him. Bloodshot can’t stand up, but he still can kill. Harada has taken the nanites to use in his own project. He has developed med-bots but they can only sustain life until reaching medical treatment not heal like the nanites. He believes combining the two he can get one of the greatest humanitarian projects ever. But he is interrupted with the escape efforts of Bloodshot. He knew it was just a matter of time.
In the daring escape Bloodshot tries to reason with Palmer that working with Project Rising spirit is a bad choice. He also ensures that if they are bringing him back to brainwash him and reinstate him it’s going to be a fight he won’t lose. Palmer insists there has been a command change and the recruitment for the corps is different now too. Just as they’re about to escape the Corps is cut off by Panic who can induce paralyzing fears. The only one who could overcome his fear was Disciple. Disciple fills Panic full of lead now it should be smooth sailing… until Harada shows up.
The action is back into this story after a foundation issue last time and this is was exactly what I was hoping for. It is written very well to bring you in and hold your attention. You can feel the danger and the mystery. The one thing that is still holding is the mystery of Bloodshot and the mission against HGC and Harada. For once you start to feel for some other members of Project Rising Spirit other than Bloodshot. But none of the sentiment goes towards the higher up because you know this is something more.
The art flows from page to page and the action jumps off the page. The panel that captures me the most is the full page that says Bloodshot is back. “I can still kill”. That page in particular hits you in the face and I loved it. I do find it hilarious the Panic who strikes fear looks like an early Steven Segal or Highlander with pony tail and I’m glad he didn’t last long. The one thing that makes this set out from a normal “soldier story” feel is the bold colors and the blend to make everything stand out.
This issue picks you back up and gets Bloodshot back in the spotlight. Last issue felt a little short on action and this brings it back which is what you expect from Bloodshot. I’m really looking forward to what comes next and who the real enemy is. I get a sense that Bloodshot is just in the middle.
Score: 4/5
Writers: Christos Gage & Joshua Dysart Artist: Emanuela Lupacchino Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 10/16/13