Archer & Armstrong #0 Discussion

[BugsySig]

I cannot begin to explain how excited I am to read this issue tomorrow.

[Bone-A-Fach-ee]

Anything Clayton Henry draws, I must have! Plus, yes, I agree! Very psyched! Been really digging A&A, FVL's writing, and the Immortal Bros.

[pixierosa]

It was amazing - both in story and art. It may be the best book Valiant has released thus far, and that's saying a lot considering how much I loved Harbinger 0.

[BugsySig]

It was amazing - both in story and art. It may be the best book Valiant has released thus far, and that's saying a lot considering how much I loved Harbinger 0.

I think you forgot to add "nanny nanny boo boo"

[pixierosa]

I'm FAR to polite to do that.


Not.


Nanny nanny boo boo.

[bygranddesign]

What I really enjoy about the immortal Anni-Padda brothers in this updated version is a very real sense of BURDEN about being Immortal. They set off the Boon ... it caused these huge devastating ramifications ... and each brother is burdened for eternity in a different way.

Gilad enjoyed conflict and fighting .. after the Boon incident, those attributes become magnified 10 fold and as the Eternal Warrior his life no longer belongs to him - it belongs to the Geomancer as its protector for all eternity.

Aram was sensitive and thoughtful ... after the boon incident, he now feels the weight of every death that the boon caused for all eternity. You could really understand why he would drink to drown out the voices that are crying in his head.

And Ivar seems like the one always in control, the brother that was always making the big decisions ... and I would speculate that he is burdened with the power to pass through time perhaps making huge changes to the course of history but is burdened with no connection to any one point or any one person in time.

[BugsySig]

What I really enjoy about the immortal Anni-Padda brothers in this updated version is a very real sense of BURDEN about being Immortal. They set off the Boon ... it caused these huge devastating ramifications ... and each brother is burdened for eternity in a different way.

Gilad enjoyed conflict and fighting .. after the Boon incident, those attributes become magnified 10 fold and as the Eternal Warrior his life no longer belongs to him - it belongs to the Geomancer as its protector for all eternity.

Aram was sensitive and thoughtful ... after the boon incident, he now feels the weight of every death that the boon caused for all eternity. You could really understand why he would drink to drown out the voices that are crying in his head.

And Ivar seems like the one always in control, the brother that was always making the big decisions ... and I would speculate that he is burdened with the power to pass through time perhaps making huge changes to the course of history but is burdened with no connection to any one point in time or any one person in time.

Great points.

In terms of Ivar, though, what if his burden as the one who tried to fix things (like bringing his brother back, inventing items ahead of their time) is never being able to change what he really wants to: activating the Boon?

[bygranddesign]

In terms of Ivar, though, what if his burden as the one who tried to fix things (like bringing his brother back, inventing items ahead of their time) is never being able to change what he really wants to: activating the Boon?

yep I agree with that. In the preview, those Sages in the Faraway knew Ivar's name, It would make sense that they knew his name if he had gone back in time before he originally arrived at the faraway to perhaps destroy the boon/talk to the sages/tried to stop what he originally did (and obviously it didn't work).

[jmatt]

I am unbelievably excited for this book. Clayton Henry is simply the best. I will be purchasing many copies of this.

Here's a good spot for me to put up a photo I took some months ago in Manhattan. I love this scene in a&A #1





I loved it so much I bought the original pencils. "The world is truly a wonderful place. And I give thanks for it every day."

[BugsySig]

This was a great read. I was hoping for a bit more insight into the Faraway and the Boon, but with Unity coming, and Mary Maria seeking to go to the Faraway for another Boon, I think that will be addressed soon enough.

One question, though: does Obie not remember his interaction with Ivar back in issue #4? His comment at the end would suggest he does not.

[swtor1091]

He said he seemed familiar suggestioning he does but he didn't see Ivar when Armstrong was.telling the story for him to put the prices together

[swtor1091]

Peices

[BugsySig]

He said he seemed familiar suggestioning he does but he didn't see Ivar when Armstrong was.telling the story for him to put the prices together

But I'm pretty sure when they were speaking Ivar said something like, "My name is Ivar. I was the last one to activate the Boon". I'll have to go back, though and see if Archer says anythin to suggest he didnt know how he knew to dismantle the Boon.

[Keith]

Amazing issue, and in this guy's humble opinion, the best of the Zero's so far. Good luck, Bloodshot #0... the bar has been officially set.

So many mysteries introduced with the Faraway! I can't wait for the next arc to begin, and hopefully we get to explore this simulcrum world further!

Did anyone get the joke in the beginning where Archer asked if Armstrong needed to get back to his 44? Went over my head, that one.

[BugsySig]

Amazing issue, and in this guy's humble opinion, the best of the Zero's so far. Good luck, Bloodshot #0... the bar has been officially set.

So many mysteries introduced with the Faraway! I can't wait for the next arc to begin, and hopefully we get to explore this simulcrum world further!

Did anyone get the joke in the beginning where Archer asked if Armstrong needed to get back to his 44? Went over my head, that one.

Three 8's and two 10's

[Phoenix8008]

Amazing issue, and in this guy's humble opinion, the best of the Zero's so far. Good luck, Bloodshot #0... the bar has been officially set.

So many mysteries introduced with the Faraway! I can't wait for the next arc to begin, and hopefully we get to explore this simulcrum world further!

Did anyone get the joke in the beginning where Archer asked if Armstrong needed to get back to his 44? Went over my head, that one.

Three 8's and two 10's

Color me confused. Can someone explain the in-joke for the idiot that's not getting it?

[BugsySig]

Amazing issue, and in this guy's humble opinion, the best of the Zero's so far. Good luck, Bloodshot #0... the bar has been officially set.

So many mysteries introduced with the Faraway! I can't wait for the next arc to begin, and hopefully we get to explore this simulcrum world further!

Did anyone get the joke in the beginning where Archer asked if Armstrong needed to get back to his 44? Went over my head, that one.

Three 8's and two 10's

Color me confused. Can someone explain the in-joke for the idiot that's not getting it?

Armstrong said he picked up three 8s and two 10s at the bar...in other words, he picked up 5 hot chicks at the bar

[Keith]

Amazing issue, and in this guy's humble opinion, the best of the Zero's so far. Good luck, Bloodshot #0... the bar has been officially set.

So many mysteries introduced with the Faraway! I can't wait for the next arc to begin, and hopefully we get to explore this simulcrum world further!

Did anyone get the joke in the beginning where Archer asked if Armstrong needed to get back to his 44? Went over my head, that one.

Three 8's and two 10's

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh... duh.

Math is hard.

[BugsySig]

Now that ivebhad some time to digest the book a bit, some thoughts...

1. This book is going to be extremely important down the line for introducing the Faraway. We are left with tons of questions about its inhabitants, the caretakers, etc. that beg to be answered.

2. Clayton Henry was absolutely fantastic on this issue. I would say its his best VALIANT issue to date.

3. I am a little disappointed we didn't get Flo and Andy as they appear (if unconfirmed) on that beautiful gatefold cover. I wonder if we will ever see them in more than an Easter egg role like in issue #1 or that cover?

4. FVL did a masterful job at creating the brotherly dynamic between the Anni-Padda. You could feel the rivalry, annoyance, anger and love oozing off the page.

5. This issue adds so much to Armstrong's character. We already knew he felt responsible for the deaths caused by the boon, but I get the sense here that he also feels responsible for Ivar's "death" and Gilad's resurection and immortality (which Aram views as a burden or punishment). The guy carries a lot of weight on his shoulders...no wonder he'd just as soon get drunk and forget about the world.

[cavemold]

Best issue yet:) really liked the dinos!!!! The art by henry was really good

[bygranddesign]

Now that ivebhad some time to digest the book a bit, some thoughts...

1. This book is going to be extremely important down the line for introducing the Faraway. We are left with tons of questions about its inhabitants, the caretakers, etc. that beg to be answered.

2. Clayton Henry was absolutely fantastic on this issue. I would say its his best VALIANT issue to date.

3. I am a little disappointed we didn't get Flo and Andy as they appear (if unconfirmed) on that beautiful gatefold cover. I wonder if we will ever see them in more than an Easter egg role like in issue #1 or that cover?

4. FVL did a masterful job at creating the brotherly dynamic between the Anni-Padda. You could feel the rivalry, annoyance, anger and love oozing off the page.

5. This issue adds so much to Armstrong's character. We already knew he felt responsible for the deaths caused by the boon, but I get the sense here that he also feels responsible for Ivar's "death" and Gilad's resurection and immortality (which Aram views as a burden or punishment). The guy carries a lot of weight on his shoulders...no wonder he'd just as soon get drunk and forget about the world.

WOW Another superb #0 issue! Like you said ...it's a lot to digest!! A lot of little nuggets to mull over and think about and drive you a bit crazy - but I love it!

And I'll get the ball rolling with some off the wall speculation - cause you know i love throwing the *SQUEE* against the wall
With what we can presume to be an artificial sun - it feels a little like this gateway brought the Anni-Padda brothers to a far far far off future where the earth is perhaps unlivable so this faraway was created as an artificial habitat for creatures throughout time to gather with the Sages overseeing this land. These Sages say no mortal man has gone this way before, should we presume then that the Sages are IMMORTAL Men? Perhaps some of them are our very own Anni-Paddi brothers from the far off future? Perhaps Mary-Maria is amongst them? We never get a good look at what the Sages look like.

Anyway, GREAT Issue ... 9/10

It's a photo-finish between Shadowman, Harbinger and A&A for best #0 issue so far... but Shadowman still takes it for me with A&A and Harbinger too close to call at this point.

My one major gripe is that the death of Gilad is this huge deal but we don't see how exactly it happens. A page of battle where he meets his end ..would have been nice to see and made more of an impact I think.

[bygranddesign]

He said he seemed familiar suggestioning he does but he didn't see Ivar when Armstrong was.telling the story for him to put the prices together

But I'm pretty sure when they were speaking Ivar said something like, "My name is Ivar. I was the last one to activate the Boon". I'll have to go back, though and see if Archer says anythin to suggest he didnt know how he knew to dismantle the Boon.

Perhaps this is part of Ivar's curse? He is like a fleeting memory ...? He can grab your attention in the moment but after that he is gone from your thoughts..? Maybe that's the reason why Armstrong doesn't mention Ivar as still existing .. maybe they have met up many times throughout the many years but the memory of him quickly fades away ...and its just becomes vague recollections or like Deja Vu..

[BugsySig]

Now that ivebhad some time to digest the book a bit, some thoughts...

1. This book is going to be extremely important down the line for introducing the Faraway. We are left with tons of questions about its inhabitants, the caretakers, etc. that beg to be answered.

2. Clayton Henry was absolutely fantastic on this issue. I would say its his best VALIANT issue to date.

3. I am a little disappointed we didn't get Flo and Andy as they appear (if unconfirmed) on that beautiful gatefold cover. I wonder if we will ever see them in more than an Easter egg role like in issue #1 or that cover?

4. FVL did a masterful job at creating the brotherly dynamic between the Anni-Padda. You could feel the rivalry, annoyance, anger and love oozing off the page.

5. This issue adds so much to Armstrong's character. We already knew he felt responsible for the deaths caused by the boon, but I get the sense here that he also feels responsible for Ivar's "death" and Gilad's resurection and immortality (which Aram views as a burden or punishment). The guy carries a lot of weight on his shoulders...no wonder he'd just as soon get drunk and forget about the world.

WOW Another superb #0 issue! Like you said ...it's a lot to digest!! A lot of little nuggets to mull over and think about and drive you a bit crazy - but I love it!

And I'll get the ball rolling with some off the wall speculation - cause you know i love throwing the *SQUEE* against the wall
With what we can presume to be an artificial sun - it feels a little like this gateway brought the Anni-Padda brothers to a far far far off future where the earth is perhaps unlivable so this faraway was created as an artificial habitat for creatures throughout time to gather with the Sages overseeing this land. These Sages say no mortal man has gone this way before, should we presume then that the Sages are IMMORTAL Men? Perhaps some of them are our very own Anni-Paddi brothers from the far off future? Perhaps Mary-Maria is amongst them? We never get a good look at what the Sages look like.

Anyway, GREAT Issue ... 9/10

It's a photo-finish between Shadowman, Harbinger and A&A for best #0 issue so far... but Shadowman still takes it for me with A&A and Harbinger too close to call at this point.

My one major gripe is that the death of Gilad is this huge deal but we don't see how exactly it happens. A page of battle where he meets his end ..would have been nice to see and made more of an impact I think.

Far off future...interesting. If its anything like the original Lost Land, then it exists outside of time. How it got to be that way...

The Sages could be immortal...or they could be something other than "man". The other inhabitants didn't look very human, after all.

Considering the story is from Aram's perspective, it makes sense we don't see Gilad's death. Aram would only have what Ivar told him to go on, and it makes sense he would not want to "relive" his little brothers death in such detail (When he wrote it, we don't know if Gilad had been returned to life by the Earth as of yet).

I agree Shadowman #0 edges this out, but I liked it more than Harby #0.

[bygranddesign]

Considering the story is from Aram's perspective, it makes sense we don't see Gilad's death. Aram would only have what Ivar told him to go on,

good point

[jmatt]

...the earth is perhaps unlivable so this faraway was created as an artificial habitat for creatures throughout time to gather with the Sages overseeing this land.

No, it's as the sages said; they are in a moment frozen in time.