Archer & Armstrong #14 Discussion

[NapoleonBlownapart]

Usually I hate the mention of social media in comic books, I think making specific references only helps date something, in a couple years you'll probably look back at this one and go "Oh yeah, facebook...that was a thing". I remember ranting about how stupid I thought it was in Action Comics #1 when "people were tweeting about superman" (even though AC #1 is supposed to take place 5 years before the New 52 which is supposed to take place now but whatever). But FVL made the line funny so I forgave him

My interpretation was that the inner monologue about connecting with Justice on social networks was supposed to be a parody of Batman and other "way too serious" heroes.

[leonmallett]

15 issues in and this is clearly my favourite VEI VALIANT book. It has been a fun read and #14 was no different in that.

I thought it was a very well constructed issue, from the introduction to get readers back up to speed through the plot as it unfolded, and also what we learned about the formation of the various shadowy organizations of the VALIANT earth, as so many threads were drawn together.

The only downside for me was the art. Not terrible in my humble opinion, but not as enjoyable as the art has been recently when reading the book.

I save Archer and Armstrong to read last now each time I get my VALIANTs - saving the best until last, and I see that continuing for some time to come.

[grendeljd]

I enjoyed this issue, it was a great humorous start to the Sect Civil War. Loved the solo Archer journal narrative stuff, loved seeing the Sect from the henchmen/soldier perspective.

Very interesting incorporation of Akhenaten into the origin of the Sect... but this was the only part of the writing that bothered me this issue - while the overall tone of the book is definitely in a humorous slant with plenty of modern slang sprinkled throughout, I'm not a big fan of the historical scenes that go overboard with that same modern slang. It takes me out of the flow of the story is all.

As for the art, I am a fan of Khari's work in general, and this is no exception. Great stuff, I think he even did a bit of research to draw Akhenaten - there is much debate over how he looks based on the style of Egyptian art from his era, & his reign in particular. I see what everyone else here is pointing out about his style of drawing faces, but I personally like it quite a bit - even if there is a [intentional or not] Asian feel to it, I find his work is extremely expressive & gestural - its actually very inspiring to me. Reminds me a bit of Kagan Mcleod, who does Infinite Kung Fu;

[blujay]

You know all this talk about "everybody looks Asian" is making me want to see Khari Evans on a Dr. Mirage book

[BugsySig]

You know all this talk about "everybody looks Asian" is making me want to see Khari Evans on a Dr. Mirage book

...or is it?

[bygranddesign]

You know all this talk about "everybody looks Asian" is making me want to see Khari Evans on a Dr. Mirage book

...or is it?

maybe more like

or maybe a little bit of all three?

[Aomalle27]

Awesome, good pace, just enough backstory on the Sect to get this arc going without being overbearing. And a reborn Archer, cool, I was getting tired of the gee whiz archer who I began calling Archie. And the black bloc, kick*squee*, this is what the marketing guys mean by " must read valiant"

[String]

Great issue, really thought it continued the excitement from Far, Faraway! The art was a step up from Evan's work on Harbinger, in my opinion, but still not super fond of it. His Kozol was way to old. Artistic license, me thinks.

I really loved all the little ways this touched other areas of the Valiant Universe. Kozol from PRS, mention of going after Harada, the Vine as part of the Sect, mention of X-O conquering Romania. Have to say it again, Archer & Armstrong is the integral read to understand just how connected the Valiant Universe really is.

Anyone suspicious about the alarms going off when Archer's call was picked up. The word "Cosmic" was used. Designation of threat level, or recognition of Archer's capabilities?

Yeah, loved all of that as well. Really gives the sense of the characters being a larger part of an overall universe and story.

The wife loves the ancient history of Egypt so I was filling her in on this story when I was giggling over Akhenaten's role in the founding of the Sect. Turns out, they really have yet to find his tomb so kudos to FVL for taking an actual historical mystery and using it as fuel for wild conspiracies.

Interesting to see Mary-Maria turn up this soon. How did she get back? Did she dump Armstrong in the Faraway or when she got back? Questions abound, hopefully to be answered soon.

Overall, with enough justice fuel, Archer kicks mucho butt, a fine and fun issue.

[Baramos]

Definitely a table-setting issue, that is fine, I guess. I have the feeling Prodigal was Archer's Psiot code-name, it seems like his ability to download the information from the Akashic plane (or whatever it was called) is his Psiot power. Or it's in clear reference to his being a "prodigal son" come back to PRS. Or both.

Thing that REALLY bothered me though was the art in this issue, specifically Kozol being drawn "off-model". I don't know how many of you read all the Valiant books but I do and he looks like he put on about 50 pounds from his appearances in Harbinger Wars and this very month's Bloodshot and HARD Corps. Do the artists typically communicate a bit about these things or what? I don't think even the hair was right now that I think about it. I suppose it is a tiny thing to be bothered by but it really took me out of it while I was reading it.

[Big Red]

I miss the Nazi Lamas.

[lorddunlow]

I miss the Nazi Lamas.

I don't. I almost dropped the book after that.

[grendeljd]

I miss the Nazi Lamas.

I don't. I almost dropped the book after that.

You sir, have no proper sense of humour.

I thought the Nazi Lamas were hilarious, but not in a manner that took me out of enjoying the story - like Akhenaten did.

[Baramos]

Nazi Lamas were great, why would anyone dislike the Nazi Lamas?

[lorddunlow]

Nazi Lamas were great, why would anyone dislike the Nazi Lamas?

Nazi Lamas = lame

Nazi llamas = awesome

[BugsySig]

Nazi Lamas were great, why would anyone dislike the Nazi Lamas?

Nazi Lamas = lame

Nazi llamas = awesome

Don't give Fred any ideas

[kjjohanson]

Nazi Lamas were great, why would anyone dislike the Nazi Lamas?

Nazi Lamas = lame

Nazi llamas = awesome

Maybe they can fight the goat?

[BugsySig]

Nazi Lamas were great, why would anyone dislike the Nazi Lamas?

Nazi Lamas = lame

Nazi llamas = awesome

Maybe they can fight the goat?

Everyone's always complaining about a lack of villains...I smell an arch nemesis! Or is that feces?

[lorddunlow]

Nazi Lamas were great, why would anyone dislike the Nazi Lamas?

Nazi Lamas = lame

Nazi llamas = awesome

Maybe they can fight the goat?

Everyone's always complaining about a lack of villains...I smell an arch nemesis! Or is that feces?

It's both!