XO Manowar Invictus #3 & #4

[Dallow Spicer1]

Issue 3 - had to read this twice as a zoned out reading it the first time. It improved second time around but not the best story ever. I think this series (and the previous) is hurt by too many new characters which becomes tricky to follow.
In a nutshell Aric and co need to defeat Ursus Nox, the big bad introduced in the previous mini series. Aric and Thyra surrender to avoid harm to innocent locals. Aric finds himself in the gladiator pit (bit of trope by Cloonrad) and is joined by Dalgan Pith. They see off the opponents but refuse to fight each other (obviously) so end up in a dungeon.
Some insiders help them escape as they too want an end to Ursus Nox, Aric on his way to rescue Thyra who is on trial for treason. Aric arrives in time and kills all in his way!

Story is ok, a lot happens. Art by Fernando Heinz was good (apart from the faces)

3.5/5 okay

Issue 4 - a rushed mess, with a change of artist that really hurts the book! Despite a long build up, Ursus Nox is despatched quickly and easily and turns out it was a machine …err ok? Then this huge creature appears out of nowhere only for Thyra wearing the XO armour to arrive and kill said monster …errr ok!

Then Ivar appears in the past to when Aric was wearing the armour and takes him away to Resurgence …but Aric and everyone are also still where he left them?? Seems like editor phoned up Cloonrad last minute and said ‘forgot to tell you, make the story tie into Resurgence but I need the script in 5 minutes time”!

2/5 - despite the promise and long build up, this was rushed and below par.

[buff-beardo]

It’s tough when you know something can be great but the controllers are clueless

[buff-beardo]

It should be so easy. The characters are already there. Yet, it’s a mess still