Archer and Armstrong #0: Archer Review: Why?

“Archer and Armstrong” is one of Valiant Comics most successful series, but this is one issue #0 that has no reason to exist.

This comic is meant to show the origins of Obadiah Archer. However, what we get is information about Archer that we have already learned from the main series. Whatever new information we do get from this issue feels like it’s unneeded information that neither broadens the character nor makes him more likeable.

On top of that, the writing in this comic is amateurish. It relies heavily on exposition to explain every little detail. This may be a character’s backstory, but the exposition takes away from the enjoyment of the comic. It reads more like it’s a passage from a series encyclopedia than a comic. It makes the pacing slower than what was intended.

Another thing that makes this comic seem like a cop out is that it’s a bad setup for “Archer and Armstrong #18” where it’s a crossover with “Bloodshot.” The way the comic reveals it is about as lazy and out of nowhere as comics can get.

At least the art stands up to the high standards we expect from Valiant. Of course, there are parts in the comic where the art isn’t as impressive as to be expected. One of these instances is when there are group shots. Here the characters are in the middle of something that’s supposed to be emotional to them, yet the majority of them have no emotion on their faces.

‘Archer and Armstrong #0: Archer” is a poor origins comic with very little new or interesting revelations about Archer. On top of that the blatant crossover tie-in was so poorly executed that this comic is more of a waste of paper and talent than anything else.