The Good
Writer Matt Kindt is absolutely killing it with Valiant's UNITY. Somehow this guy is able to turn each and every chapter of this book into something that feels like a very high budget action movie and it just refuses to lose steam.
This issue is essentially one big action sequence/heist, and even though a good chunk of it is explosive action, it doesn't slow the series' plot or even skip character depth. In fact, Kindt's able to give each character a key moment where not only does their personality shine through, but they also have an opportunity to show off why they're a force to be reckoned with. On top of a ridiculously enthralling battle, Kindt takes steps to establish a new perspective in this book (or at least something that seems like it'll be a reoccurring one) and ends with a predictable yet still totally exciting development. It's absolutely enough to keep the hype going strong and leaves me anxious to see how this new dynamic will be handled.
Artist Doug Braithwaite and colorist Brain Reber do impressive work with the epic material in Kindt's script. Not only is their character work overflowing with liveliness and a precise attention to detail, but the handling of the massive action sequence is quite a treat for the eyes as well. Watching these seemingly unstoppable characters smash into and through walls is beyond cool and handled in a way that truly allows us to appreciate how powerful these actions are. One particular sequence between Livewire and Harada allows Reber to really go all-out with the colors and create some delightfully vivid and realistic images in some relatively small panels. This consistently strong art team is an excellent match for the absurdly large scope Kindt brings to the book.
The Bad
Seeing as Harada's insanely powerful, it's a little tough to believe he wouldn't have an easier time handling someone like Gilad when sets his sights on him. Why try and make Gilad put a bullet in his own brain when Toyo could literally tear him apart with just his powerful mind, after all? I guess we can chalk it up to ego.
Kindt likely has bigger plans for Renee Rousseaux (or at least I hope so), but as of right now, it almost feels like she's there just for exposition. Seeing as there's a more the detailed recap page right as you open the book, the play-by-play doesn't really feel required.
The Verdict
UNITY hasn't lost its charm; it still feels like a blockbuster movie. Matt Kindt is going all out with this one and Doug Braithwaite's art is just icing on this oh-so-delicious cake. Not only is Kindt able to juggle the roster well, but he's always keeping things moving. If he's not treating us to an epic action scene, odds are he's taking steps to move the overall narrative forward in order to keep things fresh. This is some damn good popcorn entertainment, people.
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