Finally we’re getting to the good stuff! Harbinger has been building up towards this event and though I’m confused on the status of Harbinger itself, I’m just going to enjoy not one, but two different mini-series filling in for the regular ongoing. Omegas picks up with the events foreshadowed in Harbinger after the leaks by @X that expose both Project Rising Spirit and Harada’s Harbinger foundation. This is the familiar scene in which Harada agrees to meet in international waters to surrender and instead declares war on the world! Yeah and this is happening at the same time as Armor Hunters which is mentioned in the story. Though really the two events aren’t crossing over with each other, which is good in my opinion. It’s nice to have a shared universe, but it’s doesn’t need to be bumping into itself.
Most of the issue is Harada and his coming out speech to the world, but what’s up with the Renegades? Well we find out what happens to Chris and then we check in with Peter for the rest of the issue. I won’t spoil what happens to either character, but it’s pretty clear that they’re going to be the stars/role players in this issue and Zepher and Torque will be role players in Armor Hunters: Harbinger.
I like a lot of what Joshua Dysart has done with this story. It’s definitely a continuation of what’s been happening in Harbinger, but the narrative voice feels different. It’s not bad at all; it’s just a different type of good. I love and hate what Dysart has done with Peter and I’m pretty sure that’s the point. We already knew he regressed to his old habits, but we see how bad it’s gotten with this issue. It’s interesting and continues making Peter a character that is hard to 100% root for because of his actions… kind of like Harada.
Rafa Sandoval is a welcomed addition to the Valiant family and the Harbinger series. His artwork fits the series, but also stays in line with the style that the artists that have come before Sandoval, have worked to establish. At this point there is a definite look to the Harbinger chunk of the Valiant U. and Sandoval is a great fit. While the book is heavy on the action and Sandoval does a fine job of making those scenes look cool and yet easy to follow, he really excels with Peter. Peter’s scenes are so simple, but Sandoval keeps them interesting and they actually end up being the best looking part of the issue. The panel with the pills was amazing!
Since some of this issue was a recap of sorts for consistent readers of Harbinger it’s hard to say that it’s perfect, but it’s pretty damn close. The next issue is the one to look out for, but if you haven’t been reading Harbinger at all then this is a great place to start. You’ll finally see what the rest of us already know… this is hands down Valiant’s best series/corner of the Valiant Universe.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Joshua Dysart Artist: Rafa Sandoval Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 8/6/14 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital