Josh Brandon Reviews: Wrath of the Eternal Warrior

Wrath of the Eternal Warrior
Vol. One: Risen
By Robert Venditti & Raul Allen
Collects Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #1-4


Review by Josh Brandon


 


The first thing I desperately want to get across is how jaw-dropping-ly beautiful Raul Allen’s art is within the pages of Wrath of the Eternal Warrior. I have been excited for month to get a chance to sit down and read this book purely based on flipping through and see the beauty that lies inside this volume. Okay, now that that's out of my system…

I have been debating for a while as to where to start my reviews when it comes to Valiant Comics. Ever since their company re-launch a couple of years back I have fallen madly in love with every title I can get my grubby little hands on, and this book is no exception. That said, I do not recommend this book as a solid starting place for some one new to get into a Valiant state of mind, and here’s why.

While this book is the first volume of the latest series to star Gilad Anni-Padda, it spins heavily out of the earlier mini-series Book of Death (which is another fantastic read that will be reviewed soon). For the start of this book you need to know one massive spoiler from that mini-series, so if you want to avoid it, now is the time to look away.

Are you ready?
Seriously, look away now…
 
At the end of Book of Death the Eternal Warrior dies defending the earth. Wrath of the Eternal Warrior however centers on the after life our eternal warrior deserves and how he must, yet again, leave paradise to return to a world that desperately needs him to save it. Over the course of the four issues, Robert Venditti delves deep into both the reasons why Gilad must leave his paradise and all the temptations that could keep him there. Paired perfectly with this sentiment is Raul Allen’s beautiful art that captures both the intimate family moments and the massive battle scenes in a way that could leave even the most jaded comic lover stunned.

Reflecting on a new Valiant trade becomes difficult for me as a fan because it is hard not to fall completely in love with each new character you are introduced to in this universe, which is no small feat for a company with so many properties to explore. It can be certain, however that any comic reader will be more than happy with which every aspect of this universe they decide to explore first.
 
 
For Fans of: Vikings, Conan the Barbarian, Dante’s Inferno
 

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In addition to creating a lot of art for this website, Josh has been reading comics for as long as he can remember. An avid fan of the craft, has has a degree in English Literature and works to get his own work off the ground. He is also found of movies and his dog. (He's the one with glasses, if you're wondering.)

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