Bloodshot & H.A.R.D. Corps #14 Discussion

[Savant]

Anyone wanna take bets on how long until Granite dies? It's not that I want her to die, but the way this issue focuses on her and her reason for joining so much more than every other character makes it feel like they're setting her up for a major tragedy. Especially after that part where she hugs Kozol and cries; there's no way this doesn't end with her death being used to illustrate how much of a sick *SQUEE* he is.

IDK, I guess I'm just a glass-half-empty kind of guy. But seriously, I really enjoyed this issue and I think that last week was VEI's best week yet.

(And like I said, I don't want her to die, but it's totally going to happen. I guarantee it)

That's possible, although I was under the assumption that they'd put more of a focus on the backgrounds of the other two newbies in subsequent issues. We'll see.

[lorddunlow]

I see Harada screwing with her kids actually.

[Captain Craig]

I see Harada screwing with her kids actually.

Hey--I said that already. That he'd find a way to make her a double agent, use her kids as leverage.

Like minds and all I suppose!

[lorddunlow]

I see Harada screwing with her kids actually.

Hey--I said that already. That he'd find a way to make her a double agent, use her kids as leverage.

Like minds and all I suppose!

I had forgotten that. I guess you planted the seed in my mind. You can say it was your call when it happens.

[mp6pack]

First I have to say that the Title Bloodshot towards the end was only being puchased by me only because it was valiant. Which is a shame because I love Bloodshot. I had high hopes for this revamp. I didn't think it could get any worse. After I read it. I was was completely suprised as to how much I enjoyed it. I mean I can see this being right up there with Harbinger. I guess I'm a sucker for team books. The characters are great, my new favorite is Granite. Who couldn't related to her. Palmer is solid, Maniac is a lunatic to keep things on edge. The character Superstar, will be fleshed out more for sure, and Disciple is great contrast due to his moral stances. Then you have Bloodshot, and how will he mesh with Palmer and the group, while dealing with his own demons.

My only gripe is the same as others. The character design is similar w/ Maniac, Superstar, and Disciple. Overlooking it.
A new classic in the making. A+

[Zaphod]

I liked Hammerhead, but could live without him. Shakespeare is a character I am going to miss.

[Spylocke]

I liked Hammerhead, but could live without him. Shakespeare is a character I am going to miss.

Agreed. I was looking forward to some rebooted Hammerhead/Flatline interaction. While I'm going to miss the characters it was kind of a nice shock that they were killed. It really drove home the point that no one was safe. I thought maybe Maniac would survive to throw us old readers a curve ball but I didn't expect two previously known characters to be killed.

Being surprised by an comic book happens so rarely so their deaths was bitter-sweet for me. They died in a good story and it seems likely that they won't be brought back from the dead later. If only all characters had deaths so dignified.

[AnthonyF]

I liked Hammerhead, but could live without him. Shakespeare is a character I am going to miss.

Agreed. I was looking forward to some rebooted Hammerhead/Flatline interaction. While I'm going to miss the characters it was kind of a nice shock that they were killed. It really drove home the point that no one was safe. I thought maybe Maniac would survive to throw us old readers a curve ball but I didn't expect two previously known characters to be killed.

Being surprised by an comic book happens so rarely so their deaths was bitter-sweet for me. They died in a good story and it seems likely that they won't be brought back from the dead later. If only all characters had deaths so dignified.

Well said! Maniac living through it, and the other two biting it were surprising, in a good way. Hope they bring back more characters from the original run, or have some flashbacks to the good old days.

[kjjohanson]

Anyone wanna take bets on how long until Granite dies? It's not that I want her to die, but the way this issue focuses on her and her reason for joining so much more than every other character makes it feel like they're setting her up for a major tragedy. Especially after that part where she hugs Kozol and cries; there's no way this doesn't end with her death being used to illustrate how much of a sick *SQUEE* he is.

IDK, I guess I'm just a glass-half-empty kind of guy. But seriously, I really enjoyed this issue and I think that last week was VEI's best week yet.

(And like I said, I don't want her to die, but it's totally going to happen. I guarantee it)

I'm not noticing her on the covers for upcoming issues.

[BugsySig]

Anyone wanna take bets on how long until Granite dies? It's not that I want her to die, but the way this issue focuses on her and her reason for joining so much more than every other character makes it feel like they're setting her up for a major tragedy. Especially after that part where she hugs Kozol and cries; there's no way this doesn't end with her death being used to illustrate how much of a sick *SQUEE* he is.

IDK, I guess I'm just a glass-half-empty kind of guy. But seriously, I really enjoyed this issue and I think that last week was VEI's best week yet.

(And like I said, I don't want her to die, but it's totally going to happen. I guarantee it)

I'm not noticing her on the covers for upcoming issues.

Well, I am thinking something has to act as a catalyst for Bloodshot to rejoin PRS. Perhaps a sacrifice by Granite is what leads to this? So far, Bloodshot has always been a man on a mission. First it was the search for his identity, then a mission to fulfill Pulse's last request by protecting the PRS kids. He's failed at both. Maybe this time he vows to keep these Average Joes, thrust into dangerous circumstances, safe from harm so more children don't lose their mother.

[rpellech83]

At this point, I can't believe how excited I am about the possibility of new HARD Corps characters that can be introduced. I was also thinking about how the original series had them mainly as coma patients. It would be interesting if PRS recruited from there as well.

I could see Kozol as the type of sleazy guy to go to the family of the coma patients and be like we have the power to wake them up, but you need to sign this so that your loved one will serve a tour of duty in the HARD Corps. It could lead to interesting arcs.

[Spylocke]

At this point, I can't believe how excited I am about the possibility of new HARD Corps characters that can be introduced. I was also thinking about how the original series had them mainly as coma patients. It would be interesting if PRS recruited from there as well.

I could see Kozol as the type of sleazy guy to go to the family of the coma patients and be like we have the power to wake them up, but you need to sign this so that your loved one will serve a tour of duty in the HARD Corps. It could lead to interesting arcs.

That makes me think of 100 Bullets with Graves and his attache cases. Stories of recruits that didn't survive the procedure or didn't perform to Project Rising Spirits standards would be interesting fill in issues. It seems like a rich vein for storytelling.

[Aomalle27]

The book was solid ( the artwork much improved over the last several issues of BS). Loved this revamp if the Hardcorps, but kinda hoping the title will alternate between Bloodshot arcs and Hardcorps arcs, not sure I like an ongoing teaming of Bloodshot AND Hardcorps. Although I like the new construct of the team, I'm already tired of Disciple. He's basically a steroids version of Obie from A&A, and quite frankly his character is growing old on me with his golly gee whiz attitude ( although I like the promise of a new Archer attitude after the events of the most recent issue of A&A). Hoping Disciple is killed off quickly. Featuring Harada in the book, and I'm assuming as an ongoing antagonist, is great as long as they don't overdo it, after all, he's THE villain for another flagship title in Harbinger.

[Spylocke]

The book was solid ( the artwork much improved over the last several issues of BS). Loved this revamp if the Hardcorps, but kinda hoping the title will alternate between Bloodshot arcs and Hardcorps arcs, not sure I like an ongoing teaming of Bloodshot AND Hardcorps. Although I like the new construct of the team, I'm already tired of Disciple. He's basically a steroids version of Obie from A&A, and quite frankly his character is growing old on me with his golly gee whiz attitude ( although I like the promise of a new Archer attitude after the events of the most recent issue of A&A). Hoping Disciple is killed off quickly. Featuring Harada in the book, and I'm assuming as an ongoing antagonist, is great as long as they don't overdo it, after all, he's THE villain for another flagship title in Harbinger.

The lack of villains was also a problem in VH1. Harada and Darque were the hardest working villains in show business. On the bright side maybe we'll see more of Harada's crew. I could do with finding out more about Stronghold. There is also the chance of PRS being upgraded from Lesser Evil to Immediate Threat.

[BugsySig]

The book was solid ( the artwork much improved over the last several issues of BS). Loved this revamp if the Hardcorps, but kinda hoping the title will alternate between Bloodshot arcs and Hardcorps arcs, not sure I like an ongoing teaming of Bloodshot AND Hardcorps. Although I like the new construct of the team, I'm already tired of Disciple. He's basically a steroids version of Obie from A&A, and quite frankly his character is growing old on me with his golly gee whiz attitude ( although I like the promise of a new Archer attitude after the events of the most recent issue of A&A). Hoping Disciple is killed off quickly. Featuring Harada in the book, and I'm assuming as an ongoing antagonist, is great as long as they don't overdo it, after all, he's THE villain for another flagship title in Harbinger.

The lack of villains was also a problem in VH1. Harada and Darque were the hardest working villains in show business. On the bright side maybe we'll see more of Harada's crew. I could do with finding out more about Stronghold. There is also the chance of PRS being upgraded from Lesser Evil to Immediate Threat.

I'd like to see a few Vine Plantings as greater threats, as well as some rogue Psiots (which I believe is where this book is going). Baron Samedi also has potential, as do various members of the Sect. Hopefully General Redacted is still alive and will *SQUEE* some *SQUEE* up in the future, too. Then there are these houses being introduced in Eternal Warrior that have their own champions.

[Carson]

Finally got to read this issue. Loved it. Great introduction to several new characters. It caught new readers up but didn't bore me (as an old reader) in how it was recapped.

I'm digging the art. More than once it reminded me of Sean Chen's take on Bloodshot from the 90s.

I look forward to seeing how the team makes it out of the HGC building! I wonder if they'll all make it out.

I don't see them killing Granite or the preacher, but I could see one of the others biting the bullet.

Welcome aboard Gage! (If you're lurking on the boards).

[bygranddesign]

I'm not noticing her on the covers for upcoming issues.

There was a delay with the pullbox cover and I just got it today and it looks like they went out of their way to change the cover to show Maniac(with hair) and Granite. So that might be a good indication that her character will last awhile...

[Carson]

^^^^ Dang, nice catch! You're spot on.

[AnthonyF]

I'm not noticing her on the covers for upcoming issues.

There was a delay with the pullbox cover and I just got it today and it looks like they went out of their way to change the cover to show Maniac(with hair) and Granite. So that might be a good indication that her character will last awhile...

Good to know! Ol Bait and switch!

[BugsySig]

I'm not noticing her on the covers for upcoming issues.

There was a delay with the pullbox cover and I just got it today and it looks like they went out of their way to change the cover to show Maniac(with hair) and Granite. So that might be a good indication that her character will last awhile...

Except, why is Gunslinger shooting Maniac in the head?

[lorddunlow]

I'm not noticing her on the covers for upcoming issues.

There was a delay with the pullbox cover and I just got it today and it looks like they went out of their way to change the cover to show Maniac(with hair) and Granite. So that might be a good indication that her character will last awhile...

Except, why is Gunslinger shooting Maniac in the head?

Looks like he's just planning on grazing his scalp. HARDCorps version of slapping your buddy on the back of the head?

[Reber]

That's Disciple in the bottom right.

[lorddunlow]

That's Disciple in the bottom right.

I actually started to respond "how do you know that?" and then I saw who posted. Thanks for letting us know. Awesome work as always!

[Carson]

That's Disciple in the bottom right.

i love that you guys hang out on here with us. Cheers!

[leonmallett]

Really strong issue, and up there with the best of Swierczynski run, which was very enjoyable for me, especially the first two arcs.

Like others I was glad to see Palmer fleshed out, and I feel this single issue did as much and maybe more than the whole of HW to do that.

And I have to agree that already it seems that HARDCorps could hold its own without Bloodshot -and i would like to see two distinct titles some point soon.

My only gripe is not huge, but the idea of the sequenced powers does not quite work for me. It feels like a clunky compensation to the one power at a time thing. No going back now, but in a changing battle-zone how would it work when timing of switches would be key? Still, not a huge thing, and in all a very enjoyable issue.