I’ll admit that Clayton Crain’s artwork is growing on me. I also don’t know if this series would work as well without him and I think that’s why Valiant is willing to wait in-between arcs for him because the last thing you want is for readers to drop the title just because the artist switched. It would be their loss though because Matt Kindt is killing it on this series. This issue in particular you can see him weaving the different storylines that are the future of the Valiant Universe and we’re just waiting for it all to be pulled together. For instance, why do you think “Livewire” is mentioned so many times in this issue and throughout the series? Do we all really want to pretend that this isn’t somehow connected to the Livewire?
This issue we touch base with our awoken Positron Momo that Rai saved as she tracks down the lone surviving creature of an experiment from Father. Once made to be the heroes of New Japan, their “insatiable hunger for blood,” made them not the best fit for the job. The two characters meet and we learn that they have their own agendas in the schemes again Father. The rest of the issue is spent checking in with our different groups until Rai happens upon Momo and her new friend Izak.
The issue is basically just a “check-in” issue as we see what each character is up to. But it’s that masterful weaving that Kindt does that makes the issue so good. He shows you all the moving parts and while we think we know where it’s all heading, we really don’t know.
Like I said, Crain’ artwork is growing on me. Either that or he’s improving as he works with Kindt. I’d like to believe the latter of the two. Crain is improving regardless. Sometimes his style comes off as “look what I can do”, but with this issue he’s focused and the artistic decision seem better for the story rather than just the art.
The reason I like Rai, is the same reason I like Unity. It gives you a little taste of everything from the Valiant Universe. Sure Rai’s name is on the cover, but the cast of characters is rich and they all play their role in the story. If you want a taste of the future of the Valiant U, then check out the series.
Score: 4/5
Writer: Matt Kindt Artist: Clayton Crain Publisher: Valiant Comics Price: $3.99 Release Date: 1/14/15 Format: Ongoing; Print/Digital