Review: Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps # 21

In first corner we have the super soldier that is trying to find his past and a redeem himself for the future: Bloodshot; and in the second corner we have a blast from the past who has shaped the future being an immortal enemy of the Sect and friend to the Prodigal Archer: the drunkard Armstrong. We have been waiting for this battle. Sure Bloodshot subdued Archer, but can he take out the Armstrong? The HARD Corps couldn’t even do that. Also we get the conclusion of this epic crossover event. Bloodshot and Armstrong are matching blows for blows trying to take each other out. Neither of them are really getting anywhere, but at least they are talking through to a solution. The battle comes to an end when Armstrong realizes that Bloodshot can’t get drunk to take away the pain, bro hug. Meanwhile Palmer is trying to convince Kozol to open the medical wing back up so they can rescue Disciple. Kozol isn’t convinced the gas has completely knocked out Archer. Kozol just doesn’t want to take chances because Archer is there for him and his past.

BSHC_021_VARIANT_FOWLERArcher has set the trap not really being knocked out and using everything he has to fight off the Corps getting to Kozol. Palmer stresses the only way is not to use the powers against Archer. As a blow with muscle can’t even knock Archer out. Archer finally has Kozol in his grasp when Granite expresses her love for Kozol which is enough pause for Armstrong to break up the party. It also gives an opportunity for Bloodshot to have a pistol aimed right at Palmer so he can’t do anything.

All guns have been dropped and an agreement has come to end this battle.

Let’s me be honest here I’m a little disappointed on how this ended. It’s a disappointment because I was expecting a little more. I still love this series; both of them they are very well written and keep you on the edge of your seat. I feel we could have had one more issue to build and come to a conclusion. I will say the story had to end the way it did because of the little sinister smile on Bloodshot’s face going into the next arc. The action isn’t lacking and the fighting is perfect. I’m glad to see Bloodshot coming back around to the character I grew to love. I really can't wait for the next issue.

I would say this isn’t the perfect end to this mission, but a necessary one. There is still a lot of story and gems coming together to make future arcs. I would still pick this book up because Bloodshot is coming back, but this is the weakest issue of the crossover.

Score: 4/5

Writers: Christos Gage and Joshua Dysart Artists: Tom Raney, Joseph Cooper with Mark Pennington and Al Barrionuevo Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 4/9/14