X-O Manowar #16
Writer: Matt Kindt
Artist: Trevor Hairsine
Inker: Brian Thies
Colorist: Diego Rodriguez and José Villarrubia
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Publisher: Valiant
Review by Josh Rose
Harbinger Wars 2 is happening, and X-O Manowar is very involved in that. But X-O Manowar #16 sees Aric of Dacia back in the days before being abducted by the Vine, and heading into the heart of the Roman Empire. But this isn’t just about a younger Aric–its also about a man named Sabbas who has just gained his freedom and is following his visions to Aric.
One of the great things about X-O Manowar is the limitless stories you could tell. Aric’s a Visigoth from Ancient Rome, who was abducted by aliens, gained an intelligent and highly advanced piece of armour, and returned to modern day Earth. He’s a versatile character. Matt Kindt is taking advantage of that. He started his run by taking Aric and dropping him into the middle of a war on a distant planet. Now he’s taking Aric away from his home to Rome, the empire he’s been fighting all his life against. All part of a huge character study to see how he ticks.
Sabbas is an interesting addition. Readers who have been following Kindt’s run on X-O Manowar will recognize some of the elements in Sabbas’ visions and Kalidasa’s story having similar descriptions and plot points to the last story arc. I’m curious as to how Kindt will have Aric react to Sabbas when they finally meet.
Trevor Hairsine’s characters are very expressive. There is no doubt what each character is feeling when you look at their faces. My favourite page is the double spread featuring Kalidasa’s story. Its similar to the art of that time period and I find it very funny that he included Kalidasa in the final panel using that style. Diego Rodriguez and José Villarrubia’s colours do a great job defining the time and setting of each scene. The purple tones of dusk, the green and blues of the forest at midday, and the orange browns of Venice, Italy are all wonderfully done.
The Verdict: Buy It!
X-O Manowar #16 is Kindt’s continued study into the character of X-O Manowar. This time at the opposite end of his history. I’d pick this up for the art alone but the story definitely helps. History and Ancient Rome fans: you need this comic in your collection.
