The Good
The cover has a quote by CBR which says, "The best action comic on the stands" and I've gotta say, I wholeheartedly agree. This issue continues Bloodshot's suicide mission at a Project Rising Spirit facility and ultimately serves as the reason Bloodshot plays a big role in the upcoming 'Harbinger Wars.' Writer Duane Swierczynski has a formula for this book and it definitely works. Putting Bloodshot through the meat grinder and watching him kick some ass in basically every issue has yet to get old. This is of course thanks to Manuel Garcia, Ian Hannin and Matt Ryan's visuals. When it comes to visceral and absolutely gruesome injuries, they work magic. You're rooting for Bloodshot all the way, but they make it so you sadly want to see him get smacked around a bit, too. And when I say smacked around, I actually mean suffer all kinds of terrible, terrible injuries. I love the guy, but they just do such a fine job putting him through hell and back.
While this arc concludes without Bloodshot getting his answers (so not a spoiler, the mission went south like 3 issues ago), it does do something far more important: set the stage for 'Harbinger Wars.' I obviously won't say how everything unfolds, but it's certainly a fun time and there's a shockingly tender moment thrown in the mix, too. I'm really loving Duane's use of the nanites, too. Their dialogue brings a much needed comedic vibe to the book and we continue to see new and sweet new ways they can help Bloodshot out.
The Bad
Overall I appreciate the artwork, but the children tend to look older than they should. One of them even looks like a body builder. The not-so-little dude has shoulder blades on par with Bloodshot!
The Verdict
Have you ever said to yourself, "Gee, I wish the Bourne movies would have a baby with the big action movies of the '90s!" No? Well, it does sound pretty awesome now that you're thinking about it, right? If you agree then there's no reason to miss out on this title. It has dastardly and cowardly villains, ginormous amounts of brutal action and a lead with a whole lot of heart. I'm pumped for Bloodshot's role in 'Harbinger Wars' and you should be, too.