A decision that I had to make regarding A&A...

[depluto]

I would call it my second-favorite title behind Harbinger. I love the sense of humor, but wish the story would move along a little better. The pace seems to switch between not-much-happening and then everything-happening-at-once.

[jmatt]

I'm very much enjoying a&A and FVL's writing, although EW's introduction was weak, one dimensional and mindless. I hope he's not a jackass forever.

[grendeljd]

Just thinking about A&A some more as I read through this thread...

I think BWS hit a good balance most of the time, but, like Q&W later, it never quite fit into the grand scheme of the VALIANT universe. To me, at least.

I would agree with this assessment - love the BWS run no matter what, but it definitely meandered and didn't take advantage of its potential to be an important cornerstone of the Valiant universe.

Ultimately, this is a big reason why I do like the new A&A. They are taking the time to really establish Arams part in the ancient historical origins of the Valiant U, seeding plenty of details & story potential in the past. On the surface this book is enjoyable as a slapstick buddy comedy, but as a fan of the entire Valiant U, I can't imagine not reading this title. #4 is the best example of this so far...

Aram knows so much about important people, places etc because, chances are, he was there!

[Carson]

Manga,
I hear ya man. A&A 5 was terrible. I thought the first arc (1-4 was a solid B). I know you read a lot of books and publishers. I'm glad to have you on Valiant. If its four outta five, well that ain't too shabby. Thanks forgiving all of the books a try!

JMatt,
Re:

EW's introduction was weak, one dimensional and mindless. I hope he's not a jackass forever.

My sentiments exactly!

I tweeted FVL right after I read it and said I hope EW fleshes out soon. EW was a two-dimensional rage-aholic the whole issue.

[LABRADORIAN]

I am gonna drop A&A, I don't really enjoy the series and I never enjoyed the original run. I enjoy all the other titles, though X-O I found has been dragged out but thats me.

[SJS4]

I can understand the OP's sentiment, A&A is my least favorite VEI title so far. I was pretty disappointed in issue #5 especially since EW is my favorite character from the original valiant universe.

That being said, I try not to drop books until a full story arc is complete. Sometimes one meandering issue can set up a much better story. FWIW, I am not currently considering dropping A&A. I still look forward to reading it each month, just not as much as the other VEI titles.

(also FWIW, I don't just purchase VEI comics, I also have Hellboy, BPRD, Saga, The Massive, and DHP on my pull list).

[Big Red]

Issues 1 & 2 weren't my favorites, but I really loved issues 3 & 4.

I felt like the book was really hitting it's stride but then, like others, I felt that the book stumbled with issue #5.

Like someone else said, I had very high hopes for issue #5, b/c I love the character of EW.

[pixierosa]

The preview for #6 looks great.... maybe give it a shot?

I'm a total comic pusher.

[David_Cody]

I've not liked it since issue 1, but I'm a total BWS (1-12) snob. I plan on dropping it after purchasing the next issue.

[GGSAE]

In light of this thread, I'm doing a re-read on it right now. Granted I just re-read Harbinger (only read each title once so far), and it seems even better than before. I found issue 1 of A&A actually painful....there's something about the humor, just not my style.

[Keith]

While I was somewhat "meh" on the title during the first few issues, #4 really kicked it up a notch for me and a back to back re-read of all four issues really changed my tune. IMO, there has been some essential Valiant Universe developments revealed (The Boon, the Ani-padas, Archer adopted from PRS, Geomancers) and can't wait to see what FVL has in store!

I'd encourage all to stick with it, but totally get that hard decisions have to be made.

[greg]

It has been pointed out that A&A #5 ends with Eternal Warrior chasing A&A, the same way it began.

If that was all that was in A&A #5, that would be pretty lame...
but A&A #5 also tells us more about the Book of the Geomancer,
shows Archer's first encounter with Gilad (who Archer says he can't beat),
and introduces the Immortal Enemy in the China flashback.

All of those things may be very important in the series.

[ian_house]

It has been pointed out that A&A #5 ends with Eternal Warrior chasing A&A, the same way it began.

If that was all that was in A&A #5, that would be pretty lame...
but A&A #5 also tells us more about the Book of the Geomancer,
shows Archer's first encounter with Gilad (who Archer says he can't beat),
and introduces the Immortal Enemy in the China flashback.

All of those things may be very important in the series.

I'm loving it, Archer & Armstrong haven't really changed like many of the other Valiant characters, feels just like slipping back into the old series for me. Although I'm loving both X-O and Bloodshot neither really seem like the same characters of old. It's not hilarious but it does have a nice tint of humour and alot of heart. Archer is just getting to know and trust Armstrong, Gilad is back and rather annoyed to say the least and we are learning more about the Valiant Universe as Greg said.

[Carson]

Just a heads up, #6 is awesome. Give it a shot!

[FormerReader]

Just a heads up, #6 is awesome. Give it a shot!

That's good to hear! A&A was always one of my favorites. I would like to see this series do well.

[David_Cody]

After that monkey decked out in a dress made its recent appearance, I'm closing the book on A&A. It has officially jumped the shark.

[BugsySig]

After that monkey decked out in a dress made its recent appearance, I'm closing the book on A&A. It has officially jumped the shark.

Caught me off guard at first, but once it was addressed int he dialogue, I was cool with it. It's like South Park's depiction of God, where everyone goes, "What the ?!?". At least it wasn't something cliche' like an old white woman or a tree representing "Mother Earth".

Only thing better would have been if it was Erica Pierce in her see-through jammies.

Honestly, though, if its not for you then do what you gotta do. I do like, however, that this has easily become the most divisive book of the relaunch in terms of reaction (Harby would probably be second). At least it's pushing buttons and taking risks instead of playing it safe just to maintain some sales status quo.

[Carson]

After that monkey decked out in a dress made its recent appearance, I'm closing the book on A&A. It has officially jumped the shark.

Different strokes.... I thought the monkey was awesome. It was her subconscious projection of what she thought the voice of the earth might look like.

To top it off, the illustrations of her expressions in response to the talking monkey were priceless. Ah well, not all will love this book I guess.

[greg]

After that monkey decked out in a dress made its recent appearance, I'm closing the book on A&A. It has officially jumped the shark.

At least it made it to six issues for you.

This one has a talking snake in the first few pages.

[BugsySig]

After that monkey decked out in a dress made its recent appearance, I'm closing the book on A&A. It has officially jumped the shark.

At least it made it to six issues for you.

This one has a talking snake in the first few pages.

I never made it past the first chapter of that one.

[hawkeyeps]

Only thing better would have been if it was Erica Pierce in her see-through jammies.

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

I am loving A&A. Van Lente is doing a great job and I am blown away by Clayton Henry and can't wait for him to return! I thought issue six was pretty rad too!

[Chiclo]

I am loving A&A. Van Lente is doing a great job and I am blown away by Clayton Henry and can't wait for him to return! I thought issue six was pretty rad too!

Your user name is well chosen.

[erwinrafael]

Archer and Armstrong is the best VEI title for me. It's the only VEI title that is actually fun and not taking itself too seriously so it's a refreshing read. Given the warmer reception for the title from new readers that are not in this board, I am happy that VEI found a title that would click with the wider contemporary audience.

[bygranddesign]

I like this title a lot

I think the humor is a little corny at times ... and feels a little forced.

But when you get past The Nazi Lamas, the One Percent, machine gun toting nuns ... the main story arc with the Boon is very interesting and still very mysterious and perplexing. The idea that Armstrong immortality is tied to the deaths of millions of stolen lifetimes as a result of the Boon being set off the first time is pretty cool development and a great insight as to why Armstrong is the way he is. I think I have a better understanding of why Armstrong is the way he is from this new version than in the original character.

And It looks like a lot of more answers will be found in issue #0 which looks its going to take place in the mysterious faraway (lost land 2.0?) ... that's where they supposedly found the boon in the 1st place.